A Look at the New Home in Tacoma Project

March 6, 2025 6:28 pm

Reshaping Tacoma Through Innovative Zoning and Housing Options

The City of Tacoma is transforming how it approaches housing, thanks to the Home In Tacoma project. This ambitious city-wide rezone is set to bring more diverse, affordable, and sustainable housing options throughout our neighborhoods. The Tacoma City Council unanimously approved the zoning and standards package in November 2024, and the new zoning codes and regulations took effect on February 1, 2025. Below I’ll discuss what this is and how it will shape the future of our city.

What is Home In Tacoma?

Home In Tacoma essentially changes the zoning and is designed to allow more housing types in our residential areas, increasing the number of housing units available. Lisa Torres, Senior Planner for the Planning and Development Services for the City of Tacoma, describes it as a way to promote housing choice and affordability throughout our neighborhoods.

New Urban Residential Zones

The city is replacing some of the existing residential zones with three new Urban Residential zones. These zones will allow for more density and a greater number of units to be built throughout the city. Areas close to schools, parks, transit, and other essential neighborhood features will generally be designated for higher density, making it easier for residents to access their daily needs.

Five New Housing Types

Home In Tacoma introduces five new housing types that are now allowed in these new residential zones:

House Plex: A building that appears to be a single-family home but can contain up to six units inside.
Backyard Building: An additional structure in the backyard that can contain one or more units, like an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit).
Row Houses: Also known as townhouses or spot homes, these are attached, multi-story dwellings.
Courtyard Housing: Housing clusters around a shared amenity space in the middle, fostering a sense of community.
Multiplex: Small apartment buildings that are only allowed in the highest density areas (UR3), typically located near transit centers and other neighborhood amenities.

DADU

Parking Regulations

The new zoning package includes reductions in parking requirements for developers, creating more space for additional units. This encourages more efficient land use and promotes alternative transportation options. The project also emphasizes tree preservation and planting to maintain the livability and beauty of Tacoma’s neighborhoods. The goal is to ensure that trees are included in development sites.

Affordability Incentives

Home In Tacoma includes homeownership incentives to ensure that people have opportunities for homeownership throughout the city, not just rental options.

Changes Made Based on Community Feedback

The final zoning package reflects feedback from the community and the City Council. These changes include:

Zoning adjustments to align better with surrounding zoning.
Flexibility in tree regulations and plantings required on development sites.
Additional incentives for homeownership opportunities.

What Does This Mean for You?

Whether you’re a homeowner, developer, or simply a resident of Tacoma, Home In Tacoma will have an impact on your community. Here’s what you need to know:

Homeowners: You may now have the opportunity to build additional units on your property, such as backyard cottages or house plexes, providing potential rental income or housing for family members.
Developers: The new zoning regulations provide more flexibility and opportunities for building a variety of housing types in different areas of the city.
Residents: The increased housing density and diverse housing options aim to improve affordability and provide more choices for residents at different stages of life and income levels.

The Home In Tacoma project is an ongoing process, and the City of Tacoma encourages residents to stay informed and get involved. You can sign up for email updates or ask questions at [email protected].

Home In Tacoma is meant to be a step towards creating a more livable, affordable, and sustainable city. By embracing innovative zoning regulations and diverse housing options, Tacoma aims to address the challenges of housing affordability and urban growth.