For the purposes of this title, certain words and terms are defined as follows: words used in the present tense include the future, words in the singular number include the plural, and words in the plural number include the singular; the word “building” includes the word “structure”; the word “shall” is mandatory and not directory. For words that are not defined in this chapter, or that do not incorporate a definition by reference, refer to a Webster’s Dictionary published within the last ten years. For the purpose of each indicated chapter, certain words and terms are defined as follows.
(Ord. 28613 Ex. G, 2019-09-24)
For the purpose of Chapter 13.02 Planning Commission, certain words and terms are defined as follows:
A. 
13.01.020.A.
B. 
13.01.020.B.
C. 
13.01.020.C.
“Comprehensive plan land use designation”
indicates the intended future land use pattern for all properties in the City, as depicted on the Future Land Use Map of the Comprehensive Plan. This land use pattern was a result of analysis of the urban form policies, existing land use and zoning, development trends, anticipated land use needs and desirable growth and development goals. The Future Land Use Map and the designations provide a basis for applying zoning districts and for making land use decisions. The map is to be used in conjunction with the adopted policies of the Comprehensive Plan for any land use decision.
D. 
13.01.020.D.
“Department”
as used in this chapter, refers to the Planning and Development Services Department.
E. 
13.01.020.E.
“Emergency.”
An “emergency” situation is one in which human health or safety is jeopardized and/or public or private property is imminently endangered. For the purposes of this section, an “emergency” situation shall also include one demanding the immediate amendment of the Comprehensive Plan outside of the annual amendment cycle, without which capital facilities concurrency is likely to be compromised and/or levels of service are expected to drop below an acceptable level.
F. 
13.01.020.F.
G. 
13.01.020.G.
H. 
13.01.020.H.
I. 
13.01.020.I.
J. 
13.01.020.J.
K. 
13.01.020.K.
L. 
13.01.020.L.
M. 
13.01.020.M.
N. 
13.01.020.N.
O. 
13.01.020.O.
P. 
13.01.020.P.
“Plan amendment”
is a proposed change to the Comprehensive Plan that may include adoption of a new plan element; a change to an existing plan element, including goals, policies and narrative text; a change to the objectives, principles, or standards used to develop the Comprehensive Plan; a revision to the land use designation as shown on the Future Land Use Map; or a change to implementation strategies or programs adopted as part of the Comprehensive Plan, including updates to inventories and financial plans.
Q. 
13.01.020.Q.
R. 
13.01.020.R.
S. 
13.01.020.S.
T. 
13.01.020.T.
U. 
13.01.020.U.
V. 
13.01.020.V.
W. 
13.01.020.W.
X. 
13.01.020.X.
Y. 
13.01.020.Y.
Z. 
13.01.020.Z.
(Previously codified as 13.02.043, relocated to § 13.01.020 by Ord. 28613 Ex. G, 2019-09-24)
For the purpose of Chapter 13.04 Platting and Subdivisions, certain words used herein are defined as follows:
A. 
13.01.040.A.
“Alley”
shall mean a public or private accessway which provides a means of vehicular access to abutting property.
“All-weather surface”
shall mean asphaltic concrete, Portland cement concrete, permeable pavers, porous asphalt or pervious concrete in accordance with City manuals, design specifications, plans, and guidelines in section 13.04.120, unless otherwise specified by the City Engineer.
“Alteration”
shall mean a change to a finalized binding site plan, plat, short plat, or portion thereof, that results in a modification to its exterior boundaries or the location and/or size of rights-of-way, utility easements, open space, park or other similar community amenities created as part of the binding site plan, plat, or short plat. An alteration does not include boundary line adjustments, replats or an allowable increase in short plat lots.
B. 
13.01.040.B.
“Binding site plan”
shall mean a drawing to scale showing a plan for the development of a specific parcel of land, which drawing has been approved as applicable by the Building Official or designee and which, at a minimum:
1. 
Identifies and shows the areas and locations of all public and private streets and ways, parcel and lot lines, utilities, public and private street improvements, open spaces, and other items specified by the zoning ordinances. In addition, shall show the site development, driveways, parking layout, landscaping, lighting, signs, building perimeters and elevations, or shall carry a condition of general site plan approval that no development or building permit will be granted therefore until additional development plans are submitted to and approved by the body approving the general binding site plan;
2. 
Contains inscriptions or attachments setting forth such appropriate limitations and conditions of the use of land as established by the City of Tacoma.
3. 
Is filed of record in the Pierce County Auditor’s office and is legally enforceable.
“Building line”
shall mean a line on a plat indicating the limit beyond which buildings or structures may not be erected.
C. 
13.01.040.C.
“Collector arterial”
shall mean a highway whose function is to collect and distribute traffic from major arterial streets to access streets, or directly to traffic destinations; to serve traffic within a neighborhood; and to serve neighborhood traffic generators such as a small group of stores, an elementary school, church, clubhouse, small hospital, and small apartment area.
“Comprehensive plan”
shall mean the City’s official statement concerning future growth and development. It sets forth goals, policies, and strategies to protect the health, welfare, and quality of life of Tacoma’s residents.
“Curb line”
shall mean the line defining the limits of a roadway.
D. 
13.01.040.D.
“Dead-end street” or “cul-de-sac”
shall mean a residential access street with only one outlet.
“Director”
for purposes of this Chapter (13.04 of the Tacoma Municipal Code) shall mean the Director of Planning and Development Services unless otherwise specified.
E. 
13.01.040.E.
(For future use if needed.)
F. 
13.01.040.F.
“Freeway”
shall mean a highway the function of which is to permit unimpeded traffic flow through urban areas and between their major elements or most important traffic generators such as the central business district, major shopping areas, major university, civic center, or a major sports stadium or pavilion.
G. 
13.01.040.G.
(For future use if needed.)
H. 
13.01.040.H.
“Hard surface”
shall mean an impervious surface, a permeable pavement, or a vegetated roof.
I. 
13.01.040.I.
(For future use if needed.)
J. 
13.01.040.J.
(For future use if needed.)
K. 
13.01.040.K.
(For future use if needed.)
L. 
13.01.040.L.
“Lot”
is a fractional part of divided lands having fixed boundaries, being of sufficient area and dimension to meet minimum zoning requirements for width and area.
“Lot, parent”
shall mean a legal lot which establishes the exterior boundary of a unit lot subdivision.
“Lot, unit”
shall mean a portion of a parent lot, the fee of which may be independently transferred upon recording of a unit lot subdivision.
M. 
13.01.040.M.
(For future use if needed.)
N. 
13.01.040.N.
(For future use if needed.)
O. 
13.01.040.O.
“Official map”
shall mean the map on which the planned locations, particularly of streets, are indicated with detail and exactness so as to furnish the basis for property acquisition or building restriction.
P. 
13.01.040.P.
“Plat”
shall mean the map, drawing or chart on which the subdivider’s plan of subdivision is presented and which the subdivider submits for approval and intends to record in final form.
“Primary arterial”
shall mean a highway the function of which is to expedite movement of through traffic to a major traffic generator such as the central business district, a major shopping area, a commercial service district, a small college or university or a military installation; or to expedite movement of through traffic from community to community, to collect and distribute traffic from freeways to minor arterial streets, or directly to traffic destinations.
Q. 
13.01.040.Q.
(For future use if needed.)
R. 
13.01.040.R.
“Residential access street”
shall mean a highway the primary function of which is to provide access to residential property.
“Replat” or “redivision”
shall mean an action resulting in the division of a lot located within a previously recorded binding site plan, plat, or short plat.
“Roadway”
shall mean the portion or portions of a public or private street or way, or permanent access easement, improved with an all-weather surface, available for vehicular traffic or the portion or portions of a public or private street or way, or permanent access easement, improved with an all-weather surface, available for vehicular traffic between curbs where curbs are laid.
S. 
13.01.040.S.
“Secondary arterial”
shall mean a highway the function of which is to collect and distribute traffic from a major arterial highway to minor streets or directly to traffic destinations; to serve traffic from neighborhood to neighborhood within a community center, athletic field, neighborhood shopping area, major park, golf course, important grouping of churches, multiple residence area, concentration of offices or clinics, major private recreation facility, or large hospital.
“Short plat”
shall mean the map or representation of a short subdivision.
“Short subdivision”
shall mean the division of land into a maximum of nine or fewer total lots, tracts, parcels, sites or subdivisions for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of transfer of ownership, lease or sale, or building development, including all changes in street or lot lines, and shall include all resubdivision of land. The division of contiguous parcels of land resulting in 10 or more total buildable lots, tracts, parcels, or sites, and which are served by a shared public and/or private street or way, and/or permanent access easement shall be deemed a subdivision. If tracts are created that are intended for public dedication, environmental protection, or stormwater facilities and have been determined unbuildable or do not have the potential for future development, then they will not be included in the total number of lots, tracts parcels, sites or subdivision created under a subdivision application.
“Street width”
shall mean the shortest distance between the lines which delineate the right-of-way of a street.
“Subdivision”
shall mean the division of land into 10 or more contiguous buildable lots, tracts, parcels, or sites which are served by public and/or private street or way, and/or permanent access easement or other divisions of land for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of transfer of ownership, lease or sale, or building development, including all changes in street or lot lines, and shall include all resubdivision of land. If tracts are created that are intended for public dedication, environmental protection, or stormwater facilities and have been determined unbuildable or do not have the potential for future development, then they will not be included in the total number of lots, tracts, parcels, sites or subdivision created under a subdivision application.
“Subdivision, unit lot”
shall mean the division of land into two or more contiguous buildable lots, provided the parent lot meets all requirements for dimension, setbacks, building types, density, open space, or any other applicable development standard set forth in this Chapter.
Figure: Illustrative diagram showing Unit Lot Subdivision
T. 
13.01.040.T.
“Transit street”
shall mean a street on which regularly scheduled bus service operates at frequencies of 15 minutes or less during peak travel periods. Transit streets are designated by the Director of Public Works in consultation with Pierce Transit and include streets designated in Section 11.05.492 of the Tacoma Municipal Code.
U. 
13.01.040.U.
(For future use if needed.)
V. 
13.01.040.V.
“Vacation”
shall mean an action to extinguish the effect and force of a finalized binding site plan, plat, or short plat or portion thereof, such that the property reverts to its pre-subdivision parent parcel configuration.
W. 
13.01.040.W.
(For future use if needed.)
X. 
13.01.040.X.
(For future use if needed.)
Y. 
13.01.040.Y.
(For future use if needed.)
Z. 
13.01.040.Z.
(For future use if needed.)
(Previously codified as 13.04.040, relocated to § 13.01.040 by Ord. 28613 Ex. G, 2019-09-24; Ord. 28986 Ex. D, 2024-11-19)
For the purposes of Chapter 13.05 Land Use Permits and Procedures, the following terms are defined as:
A. 
13.01.050.A.
“Abate.”
To repair, replace, remove, destroy, or otherwise remedy a condition which constitutes a violation of this title by such means and in such a manner and to such an extent as the Director determines is necessary in the interest of the public health, safety, and welfare of the community.
“Administrative approval, historic.”
An approval that may be granted by the City Historic Preservation Officer for an alteration to a City landmark, without Landmarks Preservation Commission review, based on authority that may be granted by the Commission pursuant to TMC Chapter 1.42.
“Aggrieved person.”
In an appeal, an “aggrieved person” shall be defined as a person who is suffering from an infringement or denial of legal rights or claims.
“Alteration of a city landmark.”
Any act or process which changes materially, visually, or physically one or more of the exterior architectural features or significant interior features of a property listed on the Tacoma Register of Historic Places individually or as a part of a district, including, but not limited to, the development, reconstruction, or removal of any structure.
“Appeal, for standing.”
An aggrieved person or entity has “standing” when such person or entity is entitled to notice under the applicable provision of the Tacoma Municipal Code, or when such person or entity can demonstrate that such person or entity is within the zone of interest to be protected or regulated by the City law and will suffer direct and substantial impacts by the governmental action of which the complaint is made, different from that which would be experienced by the public in general.
“Application, complete.”
An application which meets the procedural requirements outlined in Section 13.05.020.C, or for development activities that require a Certificate of Approval, per § 13.05.040D.
B. 
13.01.050.B.
(For future use if needed.)
C. 
13.01.050.C.
“Certificate of approval, historic.”
The written record of formal action by the Landmarks Preservation Commission indicating its approval of plans for alteration of a City landmark.
“City landmark.”
A property that has been individually listed on the Tacoma Register of Historic Places, or that is a contributing property within a Historic Special Review District or Conservation District as defined by this chapter.
“Conservation district.”
An area designated for the preservation and protection of historic resources and overall characteristics of traditional development patterns, and that meets the criteria for such designation as described in Section 13.07.040C of this code.
“Contributing property, historic.”
Any property within a Historic Special Review District or Conservation District which helps to convey the historic significance and traditional character of the area and that meets the criteria for determining significance, as set forth in Section 13.07.040C of this code. This status may be documented in the district’s nomination or in other findings adopted by the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Note that within this designation, the City may assign subordinate categories of significance.
D. 
13.01.050.D.
“Demolition of a city landmark.”
Any act or process which destroys, in part or in whole, a City landmark, including neglect or lack of maintenance that results in the destruction of a historic property, except where otherwise indicated by this chapter.
“Department.”
As used in this chapter, “Department” refers to the Planning and Development Services Department.
“Director.”
For purposes of this Chapter (13.05 of the Tacoma Municipal Code), “Director” means the Director of Planning and Development Services unless otherwise specified.
“Design guideline, historic.”
A standard of appropriate activity which will preserve or enhance the historic and architectural character of a structure or area, and which is used by the Landmarks Preservation Commission and the City Historic Preservation Officer to determine the appropriateness of proposals involving property within Historic Special Review and Conservation Districts.
“Development regulations.”
Any regulations and regulatory procedures placed on or involving development or land use activities of the City, including, but not limited to, zoning ordinances, critical area ordinances, shoreline master programs, official controls, planned unit development ordinances, subdivision ordinances, and binding site plan ordinances (RCW 36.70A).
E. 
13.01.050.E.
“Exterior appearance of a city landmark.”
The architectural character and general composition of the exterior of a property as experienced from the outside, including, but not limited to, the type, color, and texture of a building material and the type, design, and character of all windows, doors, fixtures, signs, and appurtenant elements.
F. 
13.01.050.F.
(For future use if needed.)
G. 
13.01.050.G.
(For future use if needed.)
H. 
13.01.050.H.
“Historic resource.”
Any property that has been determined to be eligible by the City Historic Preservation Officer or Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation staff for listing in the Tacoma Register of Historic Places, the Washington State Heritage Register, or the National Register of Historic Places, or any property that appears to be eligible for such listing by virtue of its age, exterior condition, or known historical associations.
“Historic special review district.”
An Overlay Zone with a concentration of historic resources that has been found to meet the criteria for designation as a Historic Special Review District under the provisions of TMC Chapter 13.07 and has been so designated by City Council.
I. 
13.01.050.I.
“Interim zoning.”
An immediate change in existing zoning classifications or regulations where new zoning classifications or regulations are temporarily imposed. Such temporary zoning controls are designed to regulate specific types of development so that, when new plans and/or zoning are adopted, they will not have been rendered moot by intervening development; or are necessary to prevent harm or to preserve the status quo. Interim zoning can be an area-wide reclassification of a temporary nature or modification to specific requirements of a zoning classification.
J. 
13.01.050.J.
(For future use if needed.)
K. 
13.01.050.K.
(For future use if needed.)
L. 
13.01.050.L.
“Landmarks preservation commission.”
The volunteer citizen body appointed by City Council whose primary responsibility is the oversight of the City’s historic resources, including the designation of historic resources and districts to the Tacoma Register of Historic Places, reviewing proposed developments and alterations affecting properties on the Register and authorizing Certificates of Approval; raising community awareness of the City’s history and historic resources, and serving as the City’s primary subject matter resource in the areas of history, historic planning, and preservation, as provided for in this chapter and TMC Chapter 1.42 and Chapter 13.07.
M. 
13.01.050.M.
“Moratorium” (or collectively, “moratoria”).
The suspension of accepting or processing new applications for building, zoning, subdivision (platting), or other types of development in order to preclude development from occurring for a specified period of time. A moratorium on development may be imposed on all development, on all permit applications, or on specific types of development or permit applications.
N. 
13.01.050.N.
“Noncontributing property, historic.”
A property within a Historic Special Review District or Conservation District which is documented in the district’s nomination as not contributing architecturally, historically, and/or culturally to the historic character of the district, or which has been so designated in a Historic Special Review District Inventory drafted and adopted by the Landmarks Preservation Commission, or which has been specifically found to be noncontributing by a vote of the Commission.
O. 
13.01.050.O.
“Open record hearing.”
A hearing, conducted by a single hearing body or officer authorized to conduct such hearings that create a record through testimony and submission of evidence and information.
“Owner.”
Any person having any interest in the real estate in question as indicated in the records of the office of the Pierce County Assessor, or who establishes, under this chapter, their ownership interest therein.
P. 
13.01.050.P.
“Person in control of property.”
Any person, in actual or constructive possession of a property, including, but not limited to, an owner, occupant, agent, or property manager of a property under their control.
“Premises and property.”
Used by this chapter interchangeably and means any building, lot, parcel, dwelling, rental unit, real estate, or land, or portion thereof.
“Project permit” or “project permit application.”
Any land use or environmental permit or license required for a project action, including, but not limited to, subdivisions, binding site plans, planned developments, conditional uses, shoreline substantial development permits, site plan review, permits or approvals required by the critical area preservation ordinance, site-specific rezones authorized by a Comprehensive Plan or sub area plan, but excluding the adoption or amendment of a Comprehensive Plan, sub area plan, or development regulations, except as otherwise specifically included in this subsection. This chapter does not apply to activities allowed under § 13.11.200 or § 13.11.210.
“Prominent façade.”
Prominent facades include all building facades visible from waterways, public rights-of-way, or from any customer or client parking or pedestrian area. Prominent facades also include facades which face the road(s) providing primary access to the building’s site.
“Prominent parcel.”
Parcels which are prominently visible either because of their corner location or because, when viewed from a distance on the road providing access to the parcel, they serve as a view terminus.
“Public meeting.”
An informal meeting, hearing, workshop, or other public gathering of people to obtain comments from the public or other agencies on a proposed project permit prior to the decision. A public meeting does not constitute an open record hearing. The proceedings at a public meeting may be recorded and a report or recommendation shall be included in the project permit application file.
Q. 
13.01.050.Q.
(For future use if needed.)
R. 
13.01.050.R.
“Repair of a city landmark.”
To fix or mend features of a property without any change in character, new construction, removal, or alteration.
S. 
13.01.050.S.
(For future use if needed.)
T. 
13.01.050.T.
(For future use if needed.)
U. 
13.01.050.U.
(For future use if needed.)
V. 
13.01.050.V.
“Violation.”
Any act which results in non-compliance with any of the standards outlined within this title or conditions imposed from land use permits granted by the City.
W. 
13.01.050.W.
“Work plan.”
Any document containing information detailing all of the required approvals, processes, timelines, actions, reports, etc., that are necessary to remedy a violation of this title and that said approvals, processes, timelines, actions, reports, etc. will be undertaken in order to gain compliance with this title.
X. 
13.01.050.X.
(For future use if needed.)
Y. 
13.01.050.Y.
(For future use if needed.)
Z. 
13.01.050.Z.
“Zoning reclassification, area-wide.”
A legislative action to change the zoning classification(s) on an area-wide basis in order to implement and maintain the consistency of the Comprehensive Plan. It is comprehensive in nature and deals with homogenous communities, distinctive geographic areas, and other types of districts having unified interests within the City, including those associated with annexation and overlay special review zoning districts. Area-wide zoning reclassifications, unlike parcel zoning reclassifications, are generally of area-wide significance, usually involving many separate properties under various ownerships, and often utilize several of the City’s zoning classifications to implement the City’s Comprehensive Plan. An area-wide zoning reclassification consisting of a single ownership but having a broader impact of significance on the community may be considered to be an area-wide reclassification if it is being undertaken in order to maintain consistency of the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
(Previously codified as 13.05.005 and 13.02.043, relocated to § 13.01.050 by Ord. 28613 Ex. G, 2019-09-24; Ord. 28725 Ex. A, 2020-12-08; Ord. 29063 Ex. A, 2025-10-21)
For the purposes of Chapter 13.06, certain words and terms are defined as follows: words used in the present tense include the future, words in the singular number include the plural, and words in the plural number include the singular; the word “building” includes the word “structure”; the word “shall” is mandatory and not directory. For words that are not defined in this chapter, or that do not incorporate a definition by reference, refer to a Webster’s Dictionary published within the last ten years.
A. 
13.01.060.A.
“Abandonment of wireless facility.”
The termination or shutting-off of electrical power to a wireless communication tower and/or associated antenna and equipment facility for a period of one calendar year or more. The records of the City of Tacoma, Department of Public Utilities, shall be utilized to determine the date of power termination.
“Accessory antenna device.”
An antenna including, but not limited to, test, mobile, and global positioning (GPS) antennas which are less than 12 inches in height or width, excluding the support structure.
“Accessory building.”
An accessory building, structure, or portion thereof which is subordinate to and the use of which is incidental to that of the main building, structure, or use, and which is not considered as a main building or a building used for dwelling purposes. If an accessory building is attached to the main building by a substantial connection, such accessory building shall be considered as a part of the main building for the purposes of building envelope standards. The building must meet all other requirements under the building code.
“Accessory dwelling unit.”
A subordinate dwelling unit, either within the same building as the main dwelling or in a detached building, with a provision for independent cooking, living, sanitation, and sleeping.
“Accessory use.”
A use that occupies less than 50 percent of the building or site square footage, is incidental to the main building or principal use, and is located on the same lot as the principal use. In no case shall such accessory use dominate in area, extent, or purpose the principal lawful use or building.
“Adult family home.”
Dwelling, licensed by the state of a person or persons who are providing assistance with Activities of Daily Living such as bathing, toileting, dressing, personal hygiene, mobility, transferring, and eating, as well as room and board to more than one but not more than six adults, 18 years or older, with functional disabilities who are not related by blood or marriage to the person or persons providing the service.
“Adult retail and entertainment.”
Adult entertainment, activity, retail, or use shall mean all of the following:
1. 
"Adult theater"
shall mean a building or enclosure, or any portion thereof, used for presenting material distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing, or relating to specified “sexual activities” or “specified anatomical areas,” as defined in this section, for observation by patrons therein, which excludes minors by virtue of age.
2. 
"Adult entertainment"
shall mean any commercial premises or club to which any patron is invited or admitted and where adult entertainment, as defined by Section 6B.30.010, is provided on a regular basis or is provided as a substantial part in the premises activity.
3. 
"Adult retail"
means a commercial establishment such as a bookstore, video store, or novelty shop which, as its principal business purpose, offers for sale or rent, for any form of consideration, any one or more of the following:
a. 
Books, magazines, periodicals, or other printed materials, or photographs, films, motion pictures, video cassettes, slides, or other visual representations that are distinguished or characterized by a predominant emphasis on matters depicting, describing, or simulating any specified sexual activities or any specified anatomical areas; or
b. 
Instruments, devices, or paraphernalia designed for use in connection with any specified sexual activities.
For the purpose of this definition, the term “principal business purpose” shall mean the business purpose that constitutes 50 percent or more of the stock in trade of a particular business establishment. The stock in trade of a particular business establishment shall be determined by examining either: (i) the retail dollar value of all sexually-oriented materials compared to the retail dollar value of all non-sexually-oriented materials readily available for purchase, rental, view, or use by patrons of the establishment, excluding inventory located in any portion of the premises not regularly open to patrons; or (ii) the total volume of shelf space and display area reserved for sexually-oriented materials compared to the total volume of shelf space and display area reserved for non-sexually-oriented materials.
4. 
"Specified anatomical areas"
shall mean the following:
a. 
Less than completely and opaquely covered human genitals, anus, pubic region, buttock, or female breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola; or
b. 
Human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state, even if completely and opaquely covered.
5. 
"Specified sexual activities"
shall mean any of the following:
a. 
Human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal;
b. 
Acts of human masturbation, sexual intercourse, sodomy, oral copulation, or bestiality;
c. 
Fondling or other erotic touching of human genitals, pubic region, buttocks, or female breasts, whether clothed, of oneself, or of one person by another; or
d. 
Excretory functions as part of or in connection with any of the activities set forth in this section.
“Agricultural use.”
The use of land for tree farming or growing or producing field crops, livestock, or livestock products for the production of income, together with incidental retail sales by the producer of products raised on the farm. Field crops include, among others, barley, soy beans, corn, hay, oats, and potatoes. Livestock includes, among others, dairy and beef cattle, goats, sheep, hogs, poultry and game birds. Livestock products include, among others, milk, butter, cheese, eggs and meat.
“Airport.”
Facilities for the takeoff and landing of aircraft, including runways, aircraft storage, hangers, air traffic control facilities, terminal buildings, and customary accessory facilities and uses, such as cargo and freight transfer, aircraft maintenance, aviation fueling, aviation instruction, and eating and drinking.
“Alley.”
A public or private accessway which provides a secondary means of vehicular access to abutting property, unless determined by the Director or Hearing Examiner to be an Officially Approved Accessway as provided under Section 13.04.140B.
“Alter.”
To make any change, addition, or modification in construction or occupancy of a building structure.
“Alteration.”
A physical change to a structure or a site. Alterations do not include normal maintenance and repair or any of the following:
1. 
Changes to the façade of a building;
2. 
Changes to the interior of a building;
3. 
Increases or decreases in floor area of a building;
4. 
Changes to other structures, including parking garages, on the site or the development of new structures;
5. 
Changes to landscaping, off-street parking spaces, and other improvements to a site; and/or
6. 
Demolition
“Alteration, substantial.”
As used in Chapter 13.06.050 – Downtown Tacoma, alterations within a two-year period:
1. 
The total cost of which, excluding purchase costs of the property and/or building, exceeds 50 percent of the replacement value of a building or structure;
2. 
The total cost of which, excluding purchase costs of the property, exceeds 50 percent of the replacement value of site improvements;
3. 
Which increase the gross square footage by more than 50 percent of buildings and structures; or
4. 
Which increase the gross square footage by more than 50 percent of a surface parking lot.
“Ambulance services.”
Provision of emergency medical care or transportation, including incidental storage and maintenance of vehicles.
“Amenity space.”
Amenity space provides residents access to areas for relaxation, recreation, and socializing. These include both private and common spaces both indoor or outdoor. Examples of private amenity space include balconies, porches, decks, patios, and yards. Examples of common amenity spaces include courtyards, rooftop decks, gardens, play yards, and park greens.
“Anchor tenant.”
Tenant or owner occupying not less than 100,000 square feet of building area.
“Animal boarding.”
Provision of shelter and care for small animals on a commercial basis and large animals on a noncommercial basis. Such boarding shall include daytime and overnight stays. This classification includes activities such as feeding, exercising, grooming, and incidental medical care. This classification includes animal daycare.
“Animal clinics.”
Facilities which provide grooming, training, or other services to animals, including medical and surgical treatment on an inpatient and/or outpatient basis.
“Animal grooming.”
Provision of bathing and trimming services for small animals on a commercial basis.
“Animal husbandry.”
A branch of agriculture concerned with the production and care of domestic animals.
“Animal sales and service.”
Animal care or sales conducted primarily within an enclosed building, including animal clinics, kennels, animal grooming, animal boarding (including daycare), and retail sales. Does not include activities such as animal husbandry or stables.
“Antenna.”
Any system of poles, panels, rods, reflecting discs, or similar devices used for the transmission or reception of radio or electromagnetic frequency signals.
1. 
Directional antenna (also known as “panel” antenna). An antenna which transmits and receives radio frequency signals in a specific directional pattern of less than 360 degrees.
2. 
Omni-directional antenna (also known as a “whip” antenna). An antenna that transmits and receives radio frequency signals in a 360 degree radial pattern.
3. 
Parabolic antenna (also known as a dish antenna). An antenna that is a bowl-shaped device for the reception and/or transmission of radio frequency communication signals in a specific directional pattern.
4. 
Concealed antenna. An antenna and associated equipment enclosure, installed inside a non-antenna structure or camouflaged to appear as a non-antenna structure.
“Antenna height.”
The vertical distance measured from the base of the antenna support structure at a grade to the highest point of the structure, even if said highest point is an antenna. Measurement of tower height shall include antenna, base pad, and other appurtenances, and shall be measured from the finished grade of the parcel. If the support structure is on a sloped grade, then the average between the highest and lowest grades shall be used in calculating the antenna height.
“Antenna support structure.”
Any pole, telescoping mast, tower, tripod, or other structure which supports a device used in the transmitting or receiving of radio frequency signals.
“Arborist” or “certified arborist.”
An individual engaged in the profession of arboriculture who, through experience, education and related training, possesses the competence to provide for or supervise the management of trees and other woody plants, and shall have the credential of Certified Arborist as granted by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Certified Arborists must maintain their certification and be in good standing with the ISA.
“Arcade.”
A continuous unoccupied covered area, having direct access from abutting streets or open areas, unobstructed to a height of not less than 12 feet except for supporting beams and columns, and accessible to the general public at all times.
“Art gallery.”
A space with public access from the sidewalk in the space and which is located within a building for the interior exhibition or display of artworks which may or may not be offered for sale to the public.
“Articulation feature.”
An element of a building that supports the design’s approach to articulation. Examples include horizontal modulation (i.e. upper story step back, recessed ground floor), vertical modulation (i.e. building offset, recess), roofline modulation (i.e. stepped parapet), projection (i.e. bay window, decorative element), and material changes. These features typically combine dimensional changes with exterior material changes.
“Assembly facilities.”
Privately operated facilities for the principle purpose of public meetings and social gatherings (including incidental recreation), including community halls, union halls, exhibition halls, social clubs, and youth centers. This use shall not include stadiums or public or quasi-public parks, recreation or open space uses.
“Assisted living facility.”
See “intermediate care facility.”
“Auto wrecking.”
The process of dismantling vehicles to extract parts that can be sold or used in other vehicles. The process involves identifying and recovering usable parts from broken, wrecked, or decommissioned vehicles.
“Automobile house trailers.”
Any structure used for human habitation constructed on wheels and capable of being moved from place to place, either under its own power or under tow.
B. 
13.01.060.B.
“Backyard building.”
A Housing Type consisting of a building located behind another structure at the rear of a lot. This housing type includes any structure in a backyard containing no more than six units, including detached accessory dwelling units (DADU).
“Basement.”
A story partly underground. A basement shall be counted as a story in building height measurement and floor area ratio where more than one-half of its height is above the average level of the adjoining ground.
“Bicycle parking.”
Stationary rack that accommodates a lock securing the frame and wheels, or a lockable enclosure with the quantity accommodated determined by manufacturer’s specifications.
“Bicycle parking, short-term.”
Parking meant to accommodate visitors, customers, messengers and others expected to depart within two hours; requires approved standard rack and appropriate location and placement.
“Bicycle parking, long-term.”
Parking meant to accommodate employees, students, residents, commuters, and others expected to park more than two hours. This parking is to be provided in a secure, weather-protected manner and location.
“Billboard, bulletin.”
A billboard with a sign area or billboard face approximately 14’x48’ (672 sq. ft.) (may be as small as 301 sq. ft. and as large as 672 sq. ft.)
“Billboard, digital.”
An off-premises sign greater than 72 square feet in size, utilizing digital message technology capable of changing the message or copy on the sign electronically. Digital billboards are not considered under the definitions of animated sign, changing message centers, electrical signs, illuminated signs, or flashing signs.
“Billboard, face.”
A billboard face is the area of a billboard that is contiguous and used or intended to be used for display purposes, excluding the minimum frame and supports. The calculation of the area of the billboard face excludes the sign structure.
“Billboard, poster.”
A billboard with a sign area or billboard face approximately 12’x24’ (288 sq. ft.) (may be as small as 240 sq. ft. and as large as 300 sq. ft.).
“Billboard, jr. poster.”
A billboard with a sign area or billboard face approximately 6’x12’ (72 sq. ft.) (typically any sign smaller than 240’ sq. ft.).
“Billboard, standard.”
An off-premises sign generally composed of materials (panels or modules) mounted on a building wall (“wall-mounted billboard” or “building-mounted billboard”) or freestanding structure (“freestanding billboard”), or painted directly on the wall or freestanding structure.
“Billboard, wall.”
A billboard that is mounted to a wall either by direct application or installed on a device that is mounted to a wall designed to support the billboard advertising copy. A wall billboard may also be referred to as a “wall-mounted billboard” or a “building-mounted billboard”.
“Brewpub.”
An eating and drinking establishment having a small brewery on the premises which produces beer, ale, or other malt beverage, or wine, and where the majority of the beer/wine produced is consumed on the premises. This classification allows a brewpub to sell beer/wine at retail and/or act as wholesaler for beer of its own production for off-site consumption, with appropriate state licenses.
“Building.”
Any structure having a roof supported by columns or walls for the housing, shelter, or enclosure of persons, animals, or chattels; when separated by dividing walls without openings, each portion of such building so separated shall be deemed a separate building. For the purpose of this section, the term “building” shall not include “vehicle” as hereinafter defined.
“Building, face or wall.”
All window and wall area of a building in one plane or elevation.
“Building footprint.”
The outline of the total area that is surrounded by the exterior walls of a building or portion of a building, exclusive of courtyards. In the absence of surrounding exterior walls, the building footprint shall be the area under the horizontal projection of the roof, excluding any roof overhangs.
“Building, height of.”
In all districts except those containing a View-Sensitive Overlay District, per Section 13.06.070A, building height shall be measured consistent with the applicable Building Code, Height of Building. For buildings located within a View-Sensitive Overlay District, the method provided below shall be used:
1. 
The height limit shall be the vertical distance between existing grade and a plane essentially parallel to the existing grade. The corners of such plane shall be located above the base points.
2. 
The base points shall be located at the four corners of the foundation or, if the foundation of the structure does not form a rectangle, at the four corners of the smallest rectangle which surrounds the foundation.
3. 
The base points shall be located on existing grade, unless determined otherwise by the Director in accordance with the provisions of Section 13.05.010B.
4. 
Additional height at the rate of one foot for each 6 percent of the slope shall be allowed. This additional height shall not be allowed on the uphill portion of the structure. For the purpose of this provision, the slope shall be the difference between the elevation of the highest base point and the elevation of the lowest base point divided by the distance between those two base points.
5. 
No portion of a structure, including the highest gable, unless specifically excepted, shall extend above the height limit; provided, however, that a legal structure that existed before June 18, 1989, that was destroyed by fire, natural disaster, explosion, or other calamity or act of God or the public enemy may be rebuilt to its previous height within the building’s prior actual dimensions, including, but not limited to, height, roof pitch, depth, and width. Such a structure cannot be enlarged, expanded, or otherwise increased in size without the enlargement or expansion meeting the zoning regulations in effect at the time of the expansion.
The height of a stepped or terraced building is the maximum height of any segment of the building.
“Building materials and services.”
Retailing, wholesaling, or rental of building supplies or equipment. This classification includes indoor lumber sales with limited outdoor storage, tool and equipment sales or rental establishments, and building contractors’ yards, but excludes lumber yards, establishments devoted exclusively to retail sales of paint and hardware, and activities classified under vehicle rental and sales.
“Building orientation.”
The location or position of a building on a site, particularly the relationship of the principal entry to the adjacent street. A building oriented to the street has an entry facing the street.
“Building, temporary.”
A building without a permanent foundation or footing and without permanent utilities which is removed when the designated time period, activity, or use for which the temporary building was erected, has ceased.
“Building, unit group.”
Two or more buildings of one ownership grouped on a lot, including institutions, hospitals, colleges, and industries.
“Business support services.”
A provision of recurrently needed services of a business nature, including parcel and package delivery services for individual and/or commercial customers; preparation of parcels for delivery, shipping, or mailing; printing; copying; and computer support services.
C. 
13.01.060.C.
“Caliper.”
Diameter of a tree’s trunk or stem measured at a point 6 inches above finish grade if the resulting measurement is up to and including 4 inches. If the resulting measurement is more than 4 inches the point of measurement shall be relocated to 12 inches above finish grade.
“Camouflaged (wireless communication facility).”
A wireless communication facility that is integrated with a building or the landscape in terms of design, colors, materials and height, so as to be disguised, hidden, concealed, masked, or screened from view.
“Canopy (or marquee).”
An ornamental roof-like structure unenclosed on one or more sides and normally used for pedestrian protection and convenience and/or signage.
“Canopy factor.”
A method of calculating tree size by taking into account the tree’s mature height, mature crown spread and growth rate. The Canopy Factor is calculated using the following formula: (mature height in feet) x (mature crown spread in feet) x (growth rate number) x 0.01 = Canopy Factor. The growth rate number is 1 for slow growing trees, 2 for moderately growing trees, and 3 for fast growing trees.
•
Large Trees = Canopy Factor greater than 70,
•
Medium Trees = Canopy Factor from 40 to 70,
•
Small Trees = Canopy Factor less than 40.
“Car washing facility.”
A building or portion thereof containing facilities for washing automobiles, either manually or using a fully automatic washing process, requiring no personnel for the conduct of the operation except as is necessary for the collection of money and the maintenance of the facility.
“Cargo and container marshalling and storage (includes imported autos).”
A cargo parking lot, or any open area where cargo is stored.
“Carnival.”
A temporary and often traveling establishment at which a combination of attractions or exhibitions, such as rides, shows, displays, eating concessions, and gaming booths, are provided for the purpose of amusement and entertainment.
“Catering services.”
Preparation and delivery of food and beverages for off-site consumption without provision for on-site pickup or consumption.
“Cell site.”
A tract or parcel or land that contains wireless communication facilities including any antenna, support structure, accessory buildings, and parking, and may include other uses associated with and ancillary to wireless communication facilities.
“Cement and asphalt batching plant.”
An industrial facility used for the production of asphalt or concrete, or asphalt or concrete products, used in building or construction. It includes facilities for the administration or management of the business, the stockpiling of bulk materials used in the production process or of finished products manufactured on the premises and the storage and maintenance of required equipment, but does not include the retail sale of finished asphalt or concrete products.
“Cemetery and internment services.”
Property used for the interring of the dead. This property may include support facilities, such as funeral homes and/or chapels.
“Chemical manufacturing.”
The production, processing, and wholesale distribution of chemicals and allied products, including:
1. 
“Production and processing.”
Establishments primarily engaged in the transformation of organic and inorganic raw materials by a chemical process and the formulation of products. This subsector distinguishes the production of basic chemicals that comprise the first industry group from the production of intermediate and end products produced by further processing of basic chemicals that make up the remaining industry groups.
2. 
“Wholesaling.”
Establishments primarily engaged in the merchant wholesale distribution of chemicals and allied products (except agricultural and medicinal chemicals, paints and varnishes, fireworks, and plastics materials and basic forms and shapes).
3. 
“Petrochemical manufacturing.”
Establishments primarily engaged in (1) manufacturing acyclic (i.e., aliphatic) hydrocarbons such as ethylene, propylene, and butylene made from refined petroleum or liquid hydrocarbons, (2) manufacturing cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, styrene, xylene, ethyl benzene, and cumene made from refined petroleum or liquid hydrocarbons, and/or (3) manufacturing methyl alcohol (methanol) from natural gas, coal, or other petroleum based feedstock.
4. 
“Explosives manufacturing.”
Establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing explosives.
5. 
“Fertilizer manufacturing.”
Establishments primarily engaged in one or more of the following: (1) manufacturing nitrogenous or phosphatic fertilizer materials; (2) manufacturing nitrogenous or phosphatic materials and mixing with other ingredients into fertilizers; and (3) formulating and preparing pesticides and other agricultural chemicals.
These use classifications exclude uses that are otherwise defined herein as “Cleaner Fuels” and “Petroleum Fuel Facilities.”
“Clean construction/demolition/land-clearing (CDL) wastes.”
CDL wastes are solid wastes produced from construction, remodeling, demolition, or land-clearing operations that have been source separated so that the material is principally composed of asphalt, concrete, brick, or other forms of masonry; non-chemically treated wood (i.e., creosote, paint, preservatives); land-clearing wastes; or other materials approved by the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. Yard wastes (i.e., leaves, grass, prunings, and sod), plaster (sheet rock or plasterboard), or any materials other than wood that are likely to produce gases or a leachate during the decomposition process and asbestos wastes are specifically excluded from this definition of clean CDL wastes, unless otherwise approved by the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.
“Cleaner fuels.”
shall mean carbon-free fuels that generate no carbon emissions including green hydrogen, and the following:
1. 
Any credit generating fuel under the Washington State Low Carbon Fuel Standard (HB 1091 2021-2022) as determined by the Washington State Department of Ecology.
2. 
Any Biomass Renewable Fuels approved by the federal Environmental Protection Agency under the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (40 CFR Part 80).
3. 
Alcohol Fuels meeting the requirements of RCW 19.112.010(1) as that statute exists or may hereafter be amended.
4. 
Biodiesel Fuel meeting the requirements of RCW 19.112.010(3), and Renewable Diesel meeting the requirements of RCW 19.112.010(9), as those statutes exist or may hereafter be amended.
5. 
E85 motor fuel which meets the requirements of RCW 19.112.010(2) exclusively for the propulsion of motor vehicles upon the roads, or RCW 19.112.010(6) for other motors, as those statutes exists or may hereafter be amended.
6. 
Alternative Fuels exclusively for the propulsion of motor vehicles upon the roads, which fuels meet the requirements of RCW 19.112.010(2) as that statute exists or may hereafter be amended. Provided that the restrictions on petroleum including in gaseous form, and petroleum fuel facilities, shall apply to such Alternative fuels and all references to hydrogen in this chapter are limited to green hydrogen only.
“Cleaner fuel infrastructure – Expanded.”
The expansion of storage infrastructure including tankage constructed prior to effective date of this chapter to store petroleum, where the expansion of such petroleum storage infrastructure is for the sole purpose of blending petroleum with biomass and other cleaner fuels in the production of cleaner fuels.
“Cleaner fuel infrastructure – New.”
New infrastructure for the production, storage, transportation and transshipment of Cleaner Fuels as defined herein, including infrastructure for blending biomass and other cleaner fuels with petroleum. New Cleaner Fuel Infrastructure shall not include new tankage for petroleum storage.
“Climate-adapted plant species.”
Climate adapted plants include both native and non-native plant species which are able to thrive in the local climate and soil conditions of the City of Tacoma. The two most authoritative references on climate adaptation for plants are the USDA Plant Hardiness Zones and the Sunset Climate Zones.
“Coal facilities.”
•
Bulk coal storage: any structure, group of structures, equipment, or device that stores or transfers coal for use in the production of electricity or power, or for wholesale distribution.
•
Coal power plant: a thermal power station which burns coal to generate electricity or other usable power.
“Collocation.”
The use of a wireless communication facility or cell site by more than one wireless communication provider.
“Commercial parking facility.”
Lots offering parking to the public, which are not designed for or directly associated with another use. This is distinguished from parking that is provided as part of and accessory to another use, which shall be considered part of the use it serves. This classification includes commuter parking facilities (park & rides), general public parking lots, and similar facilities.
“Commercial recreation and entertainment.”
Private provision of participant or spectator recreation or entertainment. This classification includes uses such as privately operated sports stadiums and arenas, amusement parks, bingo parlors, bowling alleys, billiard parlors, poolrooms, dance halls, ice/roller skating rinks, miniature golf courses, golf driving ranges, archery ranges, scale-model courses, shooting galleries, tennis/racquetball courts, croquet courts, swim clubs, health/fitness clubs, and pinball arcades or electronic gaming centers having more than five coin-operated game machines. This use does not include public or quasi-public parks, recreation or open space, theaters or golf courses.
“Communication facilities.”
Broadcasting, recording, and other communication services accomplished through electronic or telephonic mechanisms, but excluding major utilities. This classification includes radio, television, or recording studios; telephone switching centers; and telegraph offices. This classification does not include wireless communication facilities.
“Comprehensive plan.”
The official statement of the Tacoma City Council which sets forth its major policies concerning desirable future physical development.
“Condominium.”
A residential development, and its accessory uses and grounds, in which each dwelling unit is individually owned, and all or any part of the dwelling structure, accessory uses, and grounds are owned cooperatively by the owners of said dwelling units, and maintenance functions are performed by required subscriptions from said owners.
“Confidential shelter.”
Shelters for victims of domestic violence, as defined and regulated in RCW 70.123 and WAC 388-61A. Such facilities are characterized by a need for confidentiality and are treated in the zoning code per the type of dwelling, structure, or facility they utilize.
“Construction/demolition/land-clearing (CDL) waste recycling.”
CDL waste recycling is the storage, processing and/or sale of clean CDL wastes to recover usable products or to regenerate the material where the following activities are further defined:
1. 
Storage includes the holding of CDL wastes prior to processing and stockpiling of the recycled product and by-products.
2. 
Processing includes the sorting of clean CDL wastes and the mechanical reduction of these materials by means of an initial mechanical processing operation which results in a raw product to be shipped to secondary processors, but does not include composting.
3. 
Product sales, including retail and wholesale sales of recycled materials.
“Container, shipping/storage.”
A large, prefabricated box or container made of metal, wood, or similar material utilized for the shipping/storage and distribution of various products or commodities.
“Continuing care retirement community.”
An age-restricted development that provides a continuum of accommodations and care, from independent living to long-term bed care. Due to the wide range of services provided, such facilities generally operate under multiple state-licensing programs.
“Convalescent home.”
See “extended care facility.”
“Cornice.”
Projection at the top of a wall; a term applied to construction where the roof and side walls meet.
“Correctional facility.”
A facility in which persons are held and housed primarily for the purposes of punishment, correction, or rehabilitation following conviction of a criminal offense. This definition includes prerelease facilities, but does not include work release centers or juvenile community facilities.
“Court, multi-unit dwelling.”
An open, unoccupied space other than a yard, on the same lot with a multi-unit building and which is bounded on two or more sides by such building.
“Courtyard housing.”
A Housing Type consisting of a group of buildings or units arranged around a shared courtyard. Depending on the zone, units may be detached or attached. The courtyard is entered from the street, provides pedestrian access to the units, and is a shared social space which takes the place of private back yards. Detached buildings within Courtyard Housing developments may include up to six dwelling units per building.
“Coverage, lot or site.”
The percentage of a site covered by a roof, soffit, trellis, eave, or overhang extending more than 2.5 feet from a wall, and by a deck more than 30 inches in height.
“COW.”
Acronym for “cell on wheels.” A temporary wireless communication facility.
“Craft production.”
A commercial use that involves the production of arts, crafts, foods, beverages or other product with on-site production and assembly of goods primarily involving the use of hand tools and/or small-scale equipment. Due to the limited scale of the activities and small boutique nature of craft production establishments, they are compatible, and are often co-located with, retail sales and service uses. This use category includes but is not limited to ceramic art, glass art, candle-making, custom jewelry manufacture, bakeries, confectioneries, butchers, coffee roasting establishments, food production and beverage production.
“Cultural institutions.”
Institutions displaying or preserving objects of interest in one or more of the arts or sciences, such as a museum, or cultural center, operated by a non-profit organization or faith-based organization, and offering services to the community.
D. 
13.01.060.D.
“DBH” or “DSH.”
Diameter and breast height, or diameter and standing height, both of which refer to the tree trunk diameter measured at four-feet six-inches (4’-6”) above the ground of a standing tree, measured in inches and tenths of an inch. If the tree is measured at less than four-inches (4”) of DBH or DSH, as is typical for newly planted trees, caliper inches shall be used, which is measured at six-inches (6”) above the soil level.
“Day care center.”
Any facility which receives 13 or more children or adults for day care.
“Day care, family.”
An occupied dwelling in which a person provides day care for children or adults other than their own family and those of close relatives. Such care in a family day care home is limited to 12 or fewer children or adults, including children or adults living in the dwelling and those of close relatives cared for in the dwelling.
“Daylight plane.”
An inclined plane, beginning at a stated height above grade, generally at a property line or setback line or buffer, and extending into the site at a stated upward angle to the horizontal, which may limit the height or horizontal extent of structures at any specific point on the site where the daylight plane is more restrictive than the height limit or the minimum setbacks applicable at such point on the site (see diagram below).
Figure: Daylight Plane
“Deciduous.”
A plant that loses its leaves and remains leafless for some months of the year, usually in winter (temperate zones) or the dry season (tropical zones).
“Decorative grille.”
An open framework of metal, wood, or other material arranged in a pattern that effectively obscures the views of parked cars located in an off-street parking structure from the public right-of-way.
“Department of defense.”
The United States Department of Defense (“DOD”) and any subdivision including the Defense Logistics Agency.
“Design (wireless communication facility).”
The appearance of wireless communication facilities, including such features as materials, colors, and shapes.
“Detention facility.”
A facility in which persons are held and housed in custody under process of law, pending the outcome of legal proceedings, but not for the purposes of punishment, correction, or rehabilitation following conviction of a criminal offense.
“Detoxification center.”
A facility providing detoxification and/or treatment on an inpatient basis, with or without outpatient services available, for persons suffering from the effects of alcohol or drugs.
“Development.”
All improvements on a site, including buildings, other structures, parking and loading areas, landscaping, paved or graveled areas, and areas devoted to exterior display, storage, or activities. Development includes improved, open areas such as plazas and walkways, but does not include natural geologic forms or unimproved land.
“Development site.”
A parcel or parcels of land on which proposed development will occur.
“Diameter at breast height (DBH).”
A tree’s trunk or stem diameter measured at four and one-half feet above the ground.
“Director.”
For purposes of Chapter 13.06 of the Tacoma Municipal Code, “Director” means the Director of Planning and Development Services unless otherwise specified.
“Distillery.”
Any distillery licensed under RCW 66.24.140. Craft distilleries, licensed under RCW 66.24.145 are included in the definition for craft production.
“Drive-through.”
A business or a portion of a business where a customer is permitted or encouraged, either by the design of physical facilities or by service and/or packaging procedures, to receive services or partake in business while seated in a motor vehicle. This definition does not include uses where the service is not provided while the customer is in the vehicle, such as fueling stations, passenger drop-off/pick-up zones for schools, hospitals, hotels or similar uses.
“Drive-through within a building.”
A drive-through in which the window and all driving and stacking lanes are contained within a building.
“Drug rehabilitation facility”, or “substance abuse facility.”
Any facility licensed by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services whose primary focus is treatment for a person with a chemical or drug dependency, whether on an outpatient or inpatient basis.
“Dwelling.”
A building or portion thereof designed and used entirely as the residence of one or more families, except hotels.
“Dwelling, multi-unit.”
A building or portion thereof designed for or used as the residence of four or more households living independently of each other. In Urban Residential (UR) zoning districts, see housing types as defined in TMC § 13.06.020F.
“Dwelling, single-unit detached.”
A building designed for or used as the residence of one household that is not attached to any other dwelling unit, except for accessory dwelling units as allowed. In Urban Residential (UR) zoning districts, see housing types as defined in TMC § 13.06.020F.
“Dwelling, two-unit.”
A building designed for or used as the residence of two households living independently of each other. In Urban Residential (UR) zoning districts, see housing types as defined in TMC § 13.06.020F.
“Dwelling, three-unit.”
A building designed for or used as the residence of three households living independently of each other. Does not apply to Urban Residential (UR) zoning districts, see Houseplex Housing Type.
“Dwelling, townhouse.”
A building on its own separate parcel of land containing one single-household dwelling unit that occupies space from the foundation to the roof and is attached to one or more other townhouse dwelling units by at least one common wall. In Urban Residential (UR) zoning districts, see housing types as defined in TMC § 13.06.020F.
“Dwelling types.”
Residential buildings allowed in certain districts based on classification of the number of units and their dwelling unit configuration. Dwelling types include: two-unit, three-unit, multi-unit, and townhouse.
“Dwelling unit.”
Two or more rooms and kitchen designed for or used as the living quarters of one household.
E. 
13.01.060.E.
“Eating and drinking.”
Establishments in which food and/or beverages are prepared and sold at retail for immediate consumption. Eating and drinking establishments include restaurants and drinking establishments as defined below:
1. 
“Drinking establishment”
means an establishment other than a restaurant, licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on premises; that limits patronage to adults of legal age for the consumption of alcohol; and in which limited food service may be accessory to the service of alcoholic beverages. Drinking establishments may include but are not limited to taverns, saloons, bars, pubs, or cocktail lounges associated with restaurants. This use does not include brewpubs, catering services, or industrial-scale food production facilities.
2. 
“Restaurant”
means a use in which food and/or beverage preparation and service is provided for individual consumption either on-or off-premises, and in which any service of alcoholic beverages is accessory to the service of food. This classification includes, but is not limited to, cafés, eateries, bistros, diners, restaurants, sandwich shops, and coffee shops.
“Eave.”
That part of a roof which projects over the side wall.
“Electric vehicle charging stations.”
A public or private parking space that is served by battery charging station equipment that has as its primary purpose the transfer of electric energy (by conductive or inductive means) to a battery or other energy storage device in an electric vehicle.
1. 
“Accessible electric vehicle charging station”
means an electric vehicle charging station where the battery charging station equipment is located within accessible reach of an access aisle for a designated accessible parking space (minimum 44-inch width) and the electric vehicle.
2. 
“Battery charging station”
means an electrical component assembly or cluster of component assemblies designed specifically to charge batteries within electric vehicles, which meet or exceed any standards, codes, and regulations set forth by chapter 19.28 RCW and consistent with rules adopted under RCW 19.27.540.
3. 
“Charging level”
means the standardized indicators of electrical force, or voltage, at which an electric vehicle’s battery is recharged. Levels 1, 2, and 3 are defined by the speed of charging and typically have the following specifications:
a. 
Level 1 – slow charging. Typically 15- or 20-amp breaker on a 120-volt alternating current.
b. 
Level 2 – medium charging. Typically 40-amp to 100-amp breaker on 208- or 240-volt alternating current.
c. 
Level 3 - fast or rapid charging [station]. Typically 60-amp or higher dedicated breaker on a 480-volt or higher three-phase circuit with special grounding equipment.
4. 
“Electric vehicle”
means any vehicle that operates, either partially or exclusively, on electrical energy from the grid, or an off-board source, that is stored on-board for motive purpose. “Electric vehicle” includes: (1) a battery electric vehicle; (2) a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle; (3) a neighborhood electric vehicle; (4) a medium-speed electric vehicle, (5) electric scooters and motorcycles.
5. 
“Electric vehicle infrastructure (EVI)”
means the site design must provide electrical, associated ventilation, accessible parking, and wiring connection to transformer to support the additional potential future electric vehicle charging stations pursuant to National Electrical Code (2008) Article 625.
6. 
“Electric vehicle parking space”
means any marked parking space that identifies the use to be exclusively for the parking of an electric vehicle.
7. 
“Rapid charging station”
means an industrial grade electrical outlet that allows for faster recharging of electric vehicle batteries through higher power levels and that meets or exceeds any standards, codes, and regulations set forth by chapter 19.28 RCW and consistent with rules adopted under RCW 19.27.540.
“Emergency shelter.”
Establishments offering daily meal service and housing to persons who are in need of shelter. This classification does not include confidential shelters, or facilities licensed for residential care by the state of Washington.
“Emergency medical care.”
Facilities providing emergency medical service on a 24-hour basis with no provision for continuing care on an inpatient basis.
“Enhanced SEPA review.”
Additions to the standard State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review process and checklist for project proposals governed by this chapter to be promulgated and updated from time to time by the Director. Such additions to the SEPA review process and checklist shall include but not be limited to; a public meeting for a SEPA application, which occurs after SEPA determination that an application is complete but prior to issuance of a preliminary threshold determination; an expanded Notice Distribution List to include direct mailing to taxpayers and occupants, consistent with Land Use Permits; expanded Public Notification Distance for Direct Mailing to 2500’ from the Manufacturing and Industrial Center, consistent with Land Use Permits; expanded Notification Period and Comment Period for SEPA to 30 days for Consistency with Land Use Permits, and a supplemental checklist specific to SEPA review of fuel production and or chemical manufacturing. To ensure application of this Enhanced SEPA review, the City of Tacoma shall be SEPA lead agency for all fuel-related projects permitted under this chapter.
“Equipment enclosure.”
A structure, shelter, cabinet, or vault used to house and protect the electronic equipment necessary for processing wireless communication signals. Associated equipment may include air conditioning, backup power supplies, and emergency generators.
“Establishment period.”
A minimum of a three year time period following the transplanting/installation of vegetation where maintenance is crucial to the survival of the vegetation.
“Evergreen.”
A plant that bears leaves throughout the year.
“Existing grade.”
The elevation of the natural ground surface, excluding vegetation, before any site preparation work has been done. Existing grade shall not be artificially increased for building height measurement purposes by placement of fill on the site; provided, however, that existing grade for any lot which is within a development which is required to receive final plat approval shall be the ground surface at the time of final plat approval. If existing grade surrounding the entire foundation is lowered by more than five feet in preparing the site for construction, except excavation for a foundation, a basement, or daylight basement, then the height measurement will be taken from the lowered grade. Soil investigations, elevation markers, grade stakes, or other verification may be required to verify existing grade.
“Extended care facility.”
Establishments providing 24-hour supervised nursing care for persons requiring regular medical attention, but excluding facilities providing surgical or emergency medical services. Such facilities are licensed by the state as nursing homes.
F. 
13.01.060.F.
“FAA.”
Federal Aviation Administration.
“Façade variety.”
Illustrated as required in certain districts of Chapter 13.06:
Figure: Façade Variety Example
“Facility location (wireless communication facility).”
Location may include placement of facilities in one or more of the following manners:
1. 
Attached Facility is a facility that is affixed to an existing structure, such as a building or water tower, and is not considered a component of the attached wireless communication facility.
2. 
Collocation Facility is a support structure, such as a monopole, or lattice tower to which more than one wireless communications provider mounts equipment.
3. 
Free-standing Facility is a facility that includes a separate support structure including, but not limited to, monopoles, lattice towers, wood poles, or guyed towers.
“FCC.”
Federal Communications Commission.
“Floor area.”
The sum of the square footage of all of the floors of a structure or building. Unless specified otherwise, “floor area” shall be calculated in the same manner outlined in the current building code definition for “floor area, gross.”
“Floor area ratio (FAR) – Downtown districts.”
The amount of floor area within a building as a multiple of the lot area. Right-of-way that has had its air rights vacated shall be considered as lot area for calculating FAR. For the purposes of calculating allowable FAR within the downtown area, floor area shall exclude the following areas when calculating the maximum FAR:
1. 
Spaces below grade;
2. 
Space used for retail uses or restaurants that front the sidewalk; and
3. 
Space devoted to special features.
4. 
Area used for parking.
5. 
Mechanical equipment, elevators, and stair shafts.
6. 
Exterior decks, balconies, and corridors open to the air.
“Floor area ratio – Residential and urban residential (UR) districts.”
The ratio of the total floor area of a structure to the lot area upon which it is built. For the purposes of calculating allowable FAR within Residential and Urban Residential (UR) Districts, floor area shall exclude the following areas when calculating the maximum FAR:
•
Accessory structures;
•
Basement and areas where the elevation of the floor is 4 feet or more below the adjacent right-of-way;
•
Areas where the ceiling height is less than 6 feet 8 inches;
•
Roof area, including rooftop parking, amenity roof decks, and rooftop mechanical equipment;
•
Roofed porches, exterior balconies, or other similar areas, unless they are enclosed by walls that are more than 42 inches in height for 75 percent of more of their perimeter.
Diagram: FAR Examples
“Food and beverage sales.”
Retail sales of food and beverages for off-site preparation and consumption. Typical uses include supermarkets, groceries, liquor stores, bakeries, and delicatessens.
“Food processing.”
Any variety of operations by which raw foodstuffs are made suitable for consumption, cooking, or storage.
“Foster home.”
A dwelling that is licensed by the state for foster care, which is used as living quarters for a family that includes one or more children or adults who are placed by a licensed child or adult placement agency and who are not related to the owner or occupant thereof by blood, marriage, or legal adoption, but are under their supervision and care.
“Foundation.”
The supporting part of a wall or structure, usually below ground level and including footings, used as a means of transferring building loads to the soil below. For the purpose of calculating height, the foundation shall only be that portion supporting the walls of the main building.
“Frontage.”
All property fronting on one side of a street and measured along the street line, between intersecting or intercepting streets, or between a street and a right-of-way, waterway, end of a dead-end street, or City boundary.
“Frontage, building.”
The frontage of a building is the maximum horizontal dimension of that side of a building abutting on or generally parallel to the front lot line or, in the case of a corner building, the combined maximum horizontal dimensions of the sides of the building abutting or generally parallel to the front lot line and the corner side line.
“Frontage (for the purposes of the sign regulations).”
1. 
Freestanding sign. For the purpose of computing the size of a freestanding sign, frontage shall be the length of the property line parallel to and abutting each public right-of-way bordered.
2. 
Building mounted sign. For the purpose of computing the size of building mounted signs, frontage shall be the length of that portion of the building containing the business oriented onto a right-of-way or parking lot. For a business with more than one frontage, the largest frontage with a public entrance shall be used.
“Frontage road.”
A roadway contiguous to and generally paralleling a state of Washington limited access highway, so designed as to intercept, collect, and distribute traffic desiring to cross, enter, or leave such facility and to furnish access to abutting property.
“Frontage, street.”
The street frontage is the length of the front lot line, or in the case of a corner lot, the front lot line plus the corner side lot line.
“Fruit tree.”
A tree that is grown for its edible fruit, consumed by humans. Ornamental varieties of fruiting trees, such as ornamental pear or cherry trees, are exempt from the definition of a fruit tree.
“Funeral home.”
Establishments primarily engaged in the provision of services involving the care, preparation or disposition of human dead, except that crematories are prohibited.
“Fueling station.”
Establishments engaged in the retail sale of gas or diesel fuel, lubricants, parts, and accessories, and/or rapid charging of electric vehicles. This classification includes customary incidental activities when performed in conjunction with the sale of fuel, such as vehicle maintenance and repair, vehicle washing, and electric vehicle battery swap-out, but excludes body and fender work or repair of heavy trucks or vehicles.
G. 
13.01.060.G.
“Gable.”
The triangular end of an exterior wall above the eaves.
“Garage, private.”
An accessory building, detached or part of the main building, for the parking or storage of automobiles belonging to the occupants of the premises.
“Genus” (pl. genera).
A group of plants within a family that is morphologically similar and contains one or more species.
“Glare.”
Unwanted light that causes eyestrain, discomfort, nuisance, or adversely affects a visual task.
“Golf course.”
A facility providing a private or public golf recreation area that is designed for executive or regulation play, generally consisting of tees, greens, fairways, and hazards, along with customary golf support facilities, such as a clubhouse, restrooms, locker rooms, related retail sales, and eating and drinking. This use does not include standalone miniature golf courses or driving ranges (see “Commercial recreation and entertainment”), but may include those as accessory components of the overall golf course facility.
“Government offices.”
Administrative, clerical, or public contact offices of a government agency, including postal facilities, together with incidental storage and maintenance of vehicles.
“Grade.”
The elevation of the ground surface around a building.
“Green hydrogen.”
Hydrogen produced through electrolysis powered by renewable electricity, specifically including hydroelectric power.
“Green roof.”
See Vegetated roof.
“Greenhouse gas emissions.”
Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere. "Greenhouse gas," "greenhouse gases," "GHG," and "GHGs" includes carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride, and any other gas or gases designated by the federal clean air act (United States Code Title 42, Chapter 85), state clean air act (Chapter 70.94 RCW) or state limiting greenhouse gas emissions law (Chapter 70.235 RCW).
"Greenhouse gas emissions – Facility emissions.”
Means greenhouse gas emissions associated with fossil fuel refineries, processing, or fossil fuel transshipment facilities based upon the refining and processing of fossil fuels located within the Port of Tacoma Manufacturing and Industrial Center.
“Greenhouse gas emissions – Lifecycle emissions.”
The aggregate quantity of greenhouse gas emissions (including direct emissions and significant indirect emissions), related to the full fuel lifecycle, including all stages of fuel and feedstock production and distribution, from feedstock generation or extraction through the distribution and delivery and use of the finished fuel to the ultimate consumer, where the mass values for all greenhouse gases are adjusted to account for their relative global warming potential.
“Grocery store, full service.”
A grocery store that sells a broad range of food products that typically include fresh meats, canned and prepared foods, fresh fish, fresh eggs, fresh produce, fresh dairy products, frozen foods, and baked goods.
“Groundcover.”
Low and dense growing plants that cover the ground in place of turf, planted for ornamental purposes or to prevent soil erosion. Turf lawn and mulch do not count as groundcover.
“Group housing.”
A residential facility designed to serve as the primary residence for individuals, which has shared living quarters without separate bathroom and/or kitchen facilities for each unit. This classification includes uses such as convents and monasteries, student housing, or single-room occupancy dwellings, but does not include uses that are otherwise classified as special needs housing or student housing.
H. 
13.01.060.H.
“Habitable space.”
A space used for habitation. May include residential spaces such as foyers, entries, living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, dens, lofts, home offices, common amenity spaces, playrooms, and mudrooms, as well as non-residential spaces such as lobbies, mailrooms, cafes or commercial spaces. May not include spaces such as garages, storage spaces, loading, mechanical, electrical or other utility rooms.
“Hazard tree.”
A tree that is found to be likely to fail and has an extreme or high risk to cause property damage, personal injury or fatality in the event of a failure. Trees designated as hazards shall be designated as such by a Certified Arborist who has achieved a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification.
“Hazardous substance.”
Any liquid, solid, gas, or sludge, including any material, substance, product, commodity, or waste, regardless of quantity, which exhibits any of the characteristics or criteria of hazardous waste.
“Hazardous waste.”
All dangerous and extremely hazardous waste as defined in RCW 70.105.010.
“Hazardous waste storage.”
The holding of dangerous waste for a temporary period. Accumulation of dangerous waste by the generator on the site of generation is not storage as long as the generator complies with the applicable requirements of WAC 173-303-200 and 173-303-201.
“Hazardous waste treatment.”
The physical, chemical, and biological processing of dangerous waste to make such waste not dangerous or less dangerous, safer for transport, amenable for energy or material resource recovery, amenable for storage, or reduced in volume.
“Hazardous waste treatment and storage (off-site).”
Facilities which treat and store hazardous wastes from generators on properties other than those on which the off-site facilities are located.
“Hazardous waste treatment and storage (on-site).”
Facilities which treat and store hazardous wastes generated on the same, geographically contiguous, or bordering property.
“Hearing examiner.”
The Hearing Examiner as established by Chapter 1.23 of the Tacoma Municipal Code.
“Heavy vehicle and driver services.”
The transportation of goods and people using large vehicles, such as tractor-trailers and buses, and uses or facilities that provide these services.
“Heliport.”
An area, either at ground level or elevated on a structure, licensed by the federal government or an appropriate state agency and approved for the loading, landing, and takeoff of helicopters, and including auxiliary facilities such as parking, waiting room, fueling, and maintenance equipment.
“Heritage building.”
Any primary structure or substantial portion thereof built 50 or more years ago.
“Hospitals.”
Medical facilities, licensed by the Department of Health Services, the Committee on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, the Department of Aging, or other similar organizations, for the provision of surgery, rehabilitation and physical care, acute psychiatric care, chemical dependency, and substance abuse on an out-patient basis, including ancillary nursing, training, and administrative facilities. Such facilities are generally licensed by the state under the provisions of RCW 70.41.
“Hotel or motel.”
A building or group of buildings in which lodging or lodging and meals are provided for transient or semi-permanent guests, or both, for compensation, and in which there are ten or more guest rooms.
“Household.”
One or more persons, related or unrelated, living together in a single dwelling where all members have common access to and use of living, kitchen, and other shared spaces.
“Houseplex – House, duplex, triplex, fourplex, fiveplex, sixplex.”
A Housing Type consisting of a single building containing one to six units, which may be in a “side-by-side” or “stacked” configuration. At least one private or shared entry is required from the street, and a private or shared yard is often included behind the building. Multi-story units that are oriented perpendicular to the street and where vehicular and/or pedestrian access is provided from a shared facility along the side (often called “slot homes”) are included in this type.
“Housing types.”
Residential buildings allowed in certain districts based on classification of their physical characteristics such as scale, yard location, dwelling unit configurations, and pedestrian and automobile access location. Housing types within Urban Residential Districts include: Houseplexes, Backyard Buildings, Courtyard Housing, Rowhouses, and Multiplexes.
I. 
13.01.060.I.
“Illumination, direct.”
Illumination by means of light that travels directly from its source to the viewer’s eye.
“Illumination, indirect.”
Illumination by means only of light cast upon an opaque surface from a concealed source.
“Industry, heavy.”
Manufacturing of any and all parts or products, provision of industrial services, and commercial production and sale of goods and services. This classification includes, but is not limited to, basic industrial processing from raw materials, food processing, industrial boatyards, industrial recycling facilities, scrap metal yards, CDL waste recycling facilities, port/terminal uses, log yards, sawmills, chemical plants, hulk hauling yards, wrecking yards, and bulk or raw materials storage.
“Industry, light.”
Manufacturing of finished parts or products, primarily from previously prepared materials; and provision of industrial services, both within an enclosed building. This classification includes commercial bakeries, dry cleaning plants, lumber yards, retail storage, and businesses engaged in processing, fabrication, assembly, treatment, and packaging, but excludes basic industrial processing from raw materials, food processing, log yards, bulk storage, and raw materials storage.
“Intermediate care facility.”
A facility that provides, on a regular basis, assistance with one or more Activities of Daily Living (“ADL”) such as bathing, toileting, dressing, personal hygiene, mobility, transferring, and eating, including persons with functional disabilities, needing health-related care and services, but who do not require the degree of care and treatment that a hospital or extended care facility provides. Such facility requires a state boarding home license. This use includes assisted living facilities, but does not include adult family homes, staffed residential homes, or residential care facilities for youth.
“Invasive species.”
A plant species that has a negative environmental, economical, recreational, and/or public health impacts that overcome native plants or ornamental landscaping for resources. For a current listing of Pierce County Invasive/Noxious weeds consult the Pierce County Noxious Weed Control Board.
“Invasive tree.”
A tree species that was introduced by humans to locations outside of the tree’s native range that spread and persist over large areas. Invasive species negatively impact natural ecosystems by displacing native species, reducing biological diversity, and interfering with natural succession.
J. 
13.01.060.J.
“Joint Base Lewis McChord (“JBLM”) joint land use study.”
A collaborative process among local, state, and regional jurisdictions; the public; federal, state, and regional agencies; and military installations within the South Puget Sound region that presents recommendations for consideration by local and state governments that promote development compatible with military presence and protecting public health, safety, and welfare while also protecting the ability of the military to accomplish its vital training and operational missions presently and over the long-term.
“JBLM Accident Potential Zone II (“APZ II”).”
Clear Zones and Accident Potential Zones (“APZs”) are areas where the potential for aircraft accidents has been identified through the Air Installation Compatible Use Zone (“AICUZ”) program of the U.S. Air Force. The APZ II designation has a lower accident potential than either the Clear Zone or APZ I, but still is considered high enough to warrant land use restrictions to promote public safety.
“Juvenile community facility.”
A group care facility for the care of juveniles committed to the physical custody of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services under the Juvenile Justice Act of 1977. A county detention facility that houses juveniles is not a juvenile community facility. Nothing in this section precludes placement in a juvenile community facility of children who would otherwise be eligible for placement in a community care facility for youth, a residential care facility for youth, or a staffed residential home as defined herein.
K. 
13.01.060.K.
“Kennel.”
A building, enclosure, or portion of any premises in or at which dogs or cats are kept or maintained by any person other than the owner thereof, as defined in Title 17 of the Tacoma Municipal Code.
L. 
13.01.060.L.
“Laboratories.”
Establishments providing medical or dental laboratory services, scientific research, pharmaceutical research laboratories (including limited product testing) or establishments with less than 2,000 square feet providing photographic, analytical, or testing services. This classification excludes manufacturing, except of prototypes. (Other laboratories are classified as limited industry.)
“Landscape.”
To plant and maintain some combination of trees, ground cover, shrubs, vines, flowers, or lawn. Required landscaping may include natural features such as existing or imported rock and structural features including fountains, pools, art work, screens, walls, fences, or benches. A landscaped area may also include a walkway or concrete plaza if it is an integral part of the elements of landscaping described above. Plants on rooftops, porches, or in boxes attached to buildings are not considered landscaping.
“Landscaping, interior.”
A landscaped area or areas within the shortest circumferential line defining the perimeter or exterior boundary of the parking or loading area, or similar paved area, excluding driveways or walkways providing access to the facility (as applied to parking and loading facilities or to similar paved areas).
Figure: Landscaping: Interior/Exterior
“Landscaping, perimeter.”
A landscaped area adjoining and outside the shortest circumferential line defining the exterior boundary of a parking or loading area, or similar paved area, excluding driveways or walkways providing access to the facility (as applied to parking and loading facilities or to similar paved areas).
“Laundry and dry cleaning plant.”
A building or portion of a building, or premises, used or intended for cleaning fabrics, textiles, wearing apparel, or articles of any sort that are cleaned by process of immersion or agitation in volatile solvents, petroleum distillates, and chlorinated hydrocarbons.
“Light rail street.”
A street either containing public light rail transportation or planned for such transportation as evidenced by a public transportation agency.
“Live/work.”
A dwelling or sleeping unit in which up to 50 percent of the space includes a commercial business use. The business owner lives in the residential space.
“Loading space.”
An off-street space, having a paved surface, within a building or on the same lot with a building, for the temporary parking of a commercial vehicle or truck while loading or unloading merchandise or materials and which has direct access to a street or alley.
“Log yard, lumber yard, sawmill.”
Any area or situation used primarily for the receipt, storage, sorting and preparation of logs immediately before entry to a sawmill. A sawmill is a factory in which logs are sawed into lumber by machine, typically including debarking, sawing, and sawdust handling. This use is not intended to include the production of cross laminated timber.
“Lot.”
A fractional part of divided lands having fixed boundaries, being of sufficient area and dimension to meet minimum zoning requirements for width and area. The term shall include tracts or parcels.
“Lot, corner.”
A lot abutting upon two or more streets at their intersection.
“Lot frontage.”
That portion of a lot abutting upon a public or private street or way or permanent access easement including an officially approved accessway.
“Lot, interior.”
A lot other than a corner lot.
“Lot line.”
A line of record bounding a lot that divides one lot from another lot or from a public or private street or any other public space.
“Lot of record.”
A single platted lot which is a part of a plat which has been recorded as required by the laws of the state of Washington, in the office of the Pierce County Auditor.
“Lot, through.”
A lot having frontage on two parallel or nearly parallel streets.
“Lot width, average.”
The average width of a lot shall be considered to be the average horizontal distance between the side lot lines. It shall be calculated by dividing the lot area by the average lot depth. (See examples, below.) For properties where the front and rear lot lines are not parallel, the average lot depth shall be calculated as the average of the length of the two straight lines drawn between the foremost points of the side lot lines in front (where they intersect with the front lot line) and the rearmost points of the side lot lines in the rear (where they intersect with the rear lot line). (See examples 1 and 3, below)
Figure: Average Lot Width = Lot Area / Average Lot Depth
“Low impact development.”
A stormwater and land use management strategy that strives to mimic predisturbance hydrologic processes of infiltration, filtration, storage, evaporation and transpiration by emphasizing conservation, use of onsite natural features, site planning, and distributed stormwater management practices that are integrated into a project design.
“Low impact development best management practices (LID BMPs).”
Distributed stormwater management practices, integrated into a project design, that emphasize predisturbance hydrologic processes of infiltration, filtration, storage, evaporation and transpiration. LID BMPs include, but are not limited to, bioretention, rain gardens, permeable pavements, roof downspout infiltration and dispersion, dispersion, soil quality and depth, minimal excavation foundations, vegetated roofs, and water reuse. LID BMPs shall be designed in accordance with the Stormwater Management Manual.
“Low impact development principles.”
Land use management strategies that emphasize conservation, use of onsite natural features, and site planning to minimize impervious surfaces, native vegetation loss and stormwater runoff.
M. 
13.01.060.M.
“Main building and principal use.”
1. 
Building. The primary building or other structure on a lot designed or used to accommodate the principal use to which the premises are devoted. Where a principal use involves more than one building or structure designed or used for the principal use, as in the case of group dwellings, each such permitted building or structure on a lot defined by this chapter shall be construed as comprising a main building or structure.
2. 
Use. The main or primary purpose for which a building, other structure, and/or lot is designed, arranged, or intended, or for which they may be lawfully used, occupied, or maintained under this chapter.
“Major transit stop.”
1. 
A stop on a high capacity transportation system funded or expanded under the provisions of chapter 81.104 RCW;
2. 
Commuter rail stops;
3. 
Stops on rail or fixed guideway systems, including transit ways;
4. 
Stops on bus rapid transit routes or routes that run on high occupancy vehicle lanes;
5. 
Stops for a bus or other transit mode providing actual fixed route service at intervals of at least fifteen minutes for at least five hours during the peak hours of operation on weekdays; or
6. 
Stops on Transit Streets designated in TMC § 11.05.492.
“Mansard roof.”
A roof with two slopes or pitches on each of the four sides, the lower slopes steeper than the upper.
“Marijuana.”
As defined in RCW 69.50.101 and provided herein for reference. All parts of the plant Cannabis, whether growing or not, with a THC concentration greater than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis; the seeds thereof; the resin extracted from any part of the plant; and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant, its seeds or resin. The term does not include the mature stalks of the plant, fiber produced from the stalks, oil or cake made from the seeds of the plant, any other compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the mature stalks (except the resin extracted therefrom), fiber, oil, or cake, or the sterilized seed of the plant which is incapable or germination.
“Marijuana cooperative” (or “cooperative”).
As regulated by RCW 69.51A.250 and provided herein by reference, qualifying patients or designated providers may form a cooperative and share responsibility for acquiring and supplying the resources needed to produce and process marijuana only for the medical use of members of the cooperative.
“Marijuana processor.”
As defined in RCW 69.50.101 and provided here for reference. A person licensed by the state liquor and cannabis board to process marijuana into useable marijuana and marijuana-infused products, package and label useable marijuana and marijuana-infused products for sale in retail outlets, and sell useable marijuana and marijuana-infused products at wholesale to marijuana retailers.
“Marijuana producer.”
As defined in RCW 69.50.101 and provided here for reference. A person licensed by the state liquor and cannabis board to produce and sell marijuana at wholesale to marijuana processors and other marijuana producers.
“Marijuana researcher.”
As defined in RCW 69.50.101 and provided here for reference. A person licensed by the state liquor and cannabis board to produce, process, and possess marijuana for the purposes of conducting research on marijuana and marijuana-derived drug products.
“Marijuana-infused products.”
As defined in RCW 69.50.101 and provided here for reference. Products that contain marijuana or marijuana extracts and are intended for human use. The term “marijuana-infused products” does not include useable marijuana.
“Marijuana retailer.”
As defined in RCW 69.50.101 and provided here for reference. A person licensed by the state liquor and cannabis board to sell marijuana concentrates, useable marijuana, and marijuana-infused products in a retail outlet.
“Massing study.”
A massing study is an architectural method to visualize the way that the shape and size of buildings will impact the neighborhood and site character. Massing refers to the general shape and size of buildings. A massing study shall detail the building bulk, height and articulation on the site as well as the site setbacks, yards and open spaces.
“Mature or maturity, tree.”
A tree that has achieved at least 75 percent of its anticipated crown growth or a tree that is over 15 years of age.
“Microbrewery/winery.”
An establishment primarily engaged in the production and distribution of beer, ale, or other malt beverages, or wine, and which may include accessory uses such as tours of the microbrewery/winery, retail sales, and/or on-site consumption, e.g., “taproom.” This classification allows a microbrewery to sell beer/wine at retail and/or act as wholesaler for beer/wine of its own production for off-site consumption with appropriate state licenses.
“Middle housing.”
Buildings that contain two or more attached, stacked, or clustered homes including duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, fiveplexes, sixplexes, townhouses, stacked flats, courtyard apartments, and cottage housing. Within Urban Residential Districts, middle housing types also include houseplexes, backyard buildings, courtyard housing, rowhouses and multiplexes – see TMC § 13.06.020F.
“Mining and quarrying.”
The Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction sector comprises establishments that extract naturally occurring mineral solids, such as coal and ores; liquid minerals, such as crude petroleum; and gases, such as natural gas. The term mining is used in the broad sense to include quarrying, well operations, beneficiating (e.g., crushing, screening, washing, and flotation), and other preparation customarily performed at the mine site, or as a part of mining activity. This use category includes all industry sectors identified under NAICS Code 21 Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction as well as surface mining as defined in TMC § 13.01.060S.
“Mixed-rate housing.”
Includes both affordable and market-rate housing units in the same housing or mixed-use development.
“Mobile home/trailer court” or “mobile home park.”
Any real property which is rented or held out for rent to others for the placement of two or more mobile homes/trailers for the primary purpose of production of income, except where such real property is rented or held out for rent for seasonal recreational purpose only and is not intended for year-round occupancy.
“Modification (wireless communication facility).”
The changing of any portion of a wireless communication facility from its description in a previously approved permit. Examples include, but are not limited to, changes in design and the addition of an antenna to the site.
“Modulation, horizontal.”
The horizontal stepping back of one or more upper levels of a building from the façade (see diagram below).
Figure: Horizontal Modulation
“Modulation, vertical.”
A stepping back or projecting forward of vertical walls of the building face as a means of breaking up the apparent bulk of a structure's continuous exterior walls (see diagram below).
Figure: Vertical modulation
“Mount (wireless communication facility).”
The structure or surface upon which the wireless communication facilities are mounted. There are three types of mounts:
1. 
Building mounted. A wireless communication facility mount fixed to the roof or side of a building.
2. 
Ground mounted. A wireless communication facility mount fixed to the ground, such as a tower.
3. 
Structure mounted. A wireless communication facility fixed to a structure other than a building, such as light standards, utility poles, and bridges.
“Multiplex.”
A Housing Type consisting of seven or more stacked units, with the appearance of a large house or a small apartment building. Access is often from one shared entry at the street leading to a central corridor accessing all units, but other configurations are possible (including a few single-stair buildings connected together).
“Mural.”
A decorative design or scene intended to provide visual enjoyment this is painted or placed on an exterior building wall. A mural contains no commercial messages, logo or corporate symbol.
N. 
13.01.060.N.
“Neutral surface" (for purposes of the sign regulations).
The building surface, cabinetry, and opaque surfaces which are not an integral part of the sign message.
“Normal maintenance and repair.”
“Normal maintenance” includes those usual acts designed to keep a building, structure, or site, or portion thereof, in a sound condition and operation. “Normal repair” includes those usual acts designed to restore a building, structure, or site, or portion thereof, to a state comparable to its original condition within a reasonable period after decay or partial destruction. Maintenance or repair does not include acts that would noticeably change the size, shape, location, external appearance, potential impacts, or character of existing development.
“Nonconforming building or structure.”
A lawfully established building or structure which, on the effective date of this title or the effective date of any amendment to this title, was not in conformance with the height, area, or parking requirements of the zone classification upon which said building or structure is located.
“Nonconforming use.”
A use which lawfully occupied a building or land at the time this chapter became effective and which does not conform with the use regulations of the district in which it is located, as provided by this chapter and any amendment hereto.
“Noxious weed.”
A plant that, once established, is highly destructive, competitive, and difficult to control using cultural or chemical practices. For a current listing of Pierce County Invasive/Noxious weeds consult the Pierce County Noxious Weed Control Board.
“Nursing home.”
See “extended care facility.”
O. 
13.01.060.O.
“Occupancy.”
Means the purpose for which a building, or part thereof, is used or intended to be used.
“Office.”
Offices of firms or organizations providing medical, professional, executive, management, or administrative services. This classification includes offices for a physician, dentist, chiropractor, massage therapy, and acupuncture; laboratories; emergency medical care; architectural; computer software consulting; data management; engineering; interior design; graphic design; real estate; insurance; investment; banks and savings and loan associations; government offices; and law offices.
“Officially approved accessway.”
A public or private street or way or permanent access easement, which does not conform to the minimum requirements of the Major Street Plan and the specifications of the City of Tacoma, and, which has been officially approved, as identified in Section 13.04.140, by the City as providing a proper and adequate principal access to the property it is intended to serve.
“Open space.”
Land undeveloped with structures which may be managed or utilized for a variety of purposes. The term open space is employed differently in different code sections, generally either to refer to public or quasi-public land maintained for its natural features (see Parks, recreation and open space definition), or to an area within subdivisions or developments which provides a separation between structures, a buffer between different uses, recreation opportunities or similar functions.
“Outdoor storage.”
Exterior display of materials or storage outside of a building of material not intended for immediate sale or exhibition, including retail storage, log and lumber yards, bulk storage, contractor’s equipment yards, raw materials storage, etc.
P. 
13.01.060.P.
“Parapet.”
A protective railing, false front, or low wall along the edge of a roof, balcony or terrace and extending above the roof line, generally provided for decorative, drainage control, and/or fire separation purposes.
“Parcel.”
A single platted or unplatted lot, or contiguous lots, or tract of land having the same Pierce County Assessor’s tax identification number. A parcel is usually considered a unit for the purposes of development.
“Parcel and mail services.”
A use which provides for the preparation of parcels and packages for shipping, delivery, and mailing for walk-in clientele.
“Parks, recreation and open space.”
Metropolitan Park District, City of Tacoma, or other public/quasi-public parks, playgrounds, community gardens, and active-use open spaces, including commonly associated uses and features such as recreation facilities and community centers; and, undeveloped, passive use public or quasi-public open space lands maintained primarily in a natural state for their conservation, aesthetic and other open space benefits. Open space may be enhanced with low-impact public access features such as trails and viewpoints, on-site parking, small buildings such as storage structures, bathrooms or picnic shelters, or interpretive signage and other limited improvements, and in some cases may serve additional public purposes.
“Parking aisles.”
A maneuvering area for ingress and egress to a parking space in a parking area.
“Parking area.”
An open, off-street area used for the parking of five or more motorized vehicles, trailers, or a combination of motorized vehicles and trailers. The term parking lot may be used as well. Differs from vehicle storage in that a majority of vehicles enter and exit daily under unassisted operation of individual drivers not necessarily in the employment of the site or an affiliated operation.
“Parking space.”
An off-street area for the parking or storage of one automobile that is unobstructed and readily accessible to an alley or a street.
“Passenger terminal.”
Public or publicly regulated facility for passenger transportation services and operations. This classification includes railroad passenger terminals, rapid rail or street railway passenger terminals, bus passenger terminals, multi-modal transportation passenger terminals, or any combination of the above. This use category includes typical associated components such as pick-up/drop-off areas, bus connection facilities, rail tracks, and utility infrastructure, as well as ticketing, waiting, boarding, baggage and parcel handling, transport, and temporary storage of transit vehicles and equipment. Passenger terminals may include park-and-ride facilities, bicycle facilities, and pedestrian linkages at, above, or below grade (including sky-bridges and/or tunnels within City rights-of-way). Accessory uses may include indoor and/or outdoor retail sales, food and drink sales or other service operations within or adjacent to the terminal.
“Pawn shops.”
Establishments engaged in the buying or selling of new or secondhand merchandise and offering loans in exchange for personal property. (See “retail sales.”)
“Peak.”
The uppermost point of a gable or the uppermost point of a parapet designed to mimic the shape of a gable.
“Permanent roadway.”
Roadway constructed with a designed full depth subgrade and road surface section with an established curb and gutter alignment.
“Permeable pavement.”
Pervious concrete, permeable pavers, or other forms of pervious or porous paving material effectively allowing the passage of water through the pavement section. It often includes an aggregate base that provides structural support and acts as a stormwater reservoir.
“Person.”
Person shall mean and include a person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company, or organization, singular or plural, of any kind.
“Person with functional disabilities.”
A person who, because of recognized chronic physical or mental condition or disease, is functionally disabled to the extent of: (a) needing care, supervision, or monitoring to perform activities of daily living or instrumental activities of daily living; (b) needing supports to ameliorate or compensate for the effects of the functional disability so as to lead as independent a life as possible; (c) having physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of such person’s major life activities; or (d) having a record of having such an impairment or being regarded as having such an impairment. Such term does not include persons who claim to be disabled solely on the basis of having been adjudicated a juvenile delinquent, having a criminal record, being a sex offender pursuant to RCW 9A.44.130, being a person currently using illegal drugs, or being a person who has been convicted of the manufacture or sale of illegal drugs.
“Personal services.”
Provision of recurrently needed services of a personal nature. This classification includes services such as barber and beauty shops, tanning, seamstresses, tailors, shoe repair, dry cleaning agencies (excluding plants), photocopying, and self-service laundries; provision of instructional services or facilities such as photography, fine arts, crafts, dance or music studios, driving schools, diet centers, reducing salons, and fitness studios.
“Petroleum.”
Crude oil, petroleum products and byproducts, and gaseous hydrocarbons and byproducts.
“Petroleum fuel facility.”
This definition includes the following facilities:
•
Petroleum fuel refinery;
•
Terminals engaged in the bulk movement of petroleum fuels (excluding railyards and marine fueling facilities);
•
Natural gas processing: any facility which (i) separates natural gas components to recover usable natural gas liquids (i.e., liquefied petroleum or natural gas), or (ii) produces natural gas suitable for transport (i.e., pipeline quality dry natural gas), or (iii) processes natural gas to create methanol or other chemical products.
•
Bulk storage and processing of one type of petroleum fuel, or a combination of multiple types of petroleum fuels, in excess of one million gallons.
“Petroleum – Storage capacity.”
Gallons of petroleum capable of being stored within the entirety of the applicant’s facility for purposes of measuring expansion as allowed herein.
“Pipestem lot.”
An interior lot in which the buildable area is not bound laterally by a public or private road, and which gains access by means of a lot extension, a driveway easement, or the terminus of a private or public road. Also commonly referred to as flag lots or panhandle lots (see diagram below).
Figure: Pipestem Lot Diagram
“Plants; plant; plant material.”
These terms refer to vegetation in general, including trees, shrubs, vines, groundcovers, ornamental grasses, bulbs, corms, tubers, or herbaceous vegetation.
“Plant nurseries.”
Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of plants grown elsewhere. Merchandise other than plants is kept within an enclosed building or a fully screened enclosure, and compost, mulch, soil additives, and fertilizer of any type are stored and sold in package form only.
“Playground.”
A public outdoor recreation area for children, usually equipped with swings, slides, and other playground equipment, owned and/or managed by a city, county, state, or federal government, or a metropolitan parks district.
“Police sector.”
Areas created by the Tacoma Police Department to support its Community Policing Division, which focuses on proactive policing in partnership with the community.
“Provider (wireless communication facility)."
Every corporation, company, association, joint stock company, firm, partnership, limited liability company, other entity, and individual that provides wireless communication services over wireless communication facilities.
“Public benefit use.”
Public benefit uses shall include any of the following uses, whether operated by a for-profit, non-profit, or faith-based organization:
1. 
Day care available to the general public
2. 
Human services, such as employment counseling and walk-in clinics
3. 
Recreation, such as health clubs
4. 
Community meeting rooms
5. 
Cultural institutions
6. 
Drop-in centers for youth or seniors
“Public facility site.”
A public or quasi-public site developed with a facility that provides service to the general public, and is funded in whole or part with public funds. This definition may include, but is not limited to schools, public libraries, community centers, public parks, government facilities, substations, water reservoirs, or standpipes; police or fire stations; sewer or refuse utility. This general classification does not include other government facility sites that are more specifically defined and regulated, such as correctional and detention facilities, parks, schools, and utilities.
“Public service facilities.”
Facilities owned, operated, or occupied by a government agency that provide a governmental service to the public, such as public libraries, courthouses, post offices, community centers, government offices, police and fire protection, and ambulance services. This general classification does not include other government facilities that are more specifically defined and regulated, such as correctional and detention facilities, parks, schools, and utilities.
Q. 
13.01.060.Q.
(For future use if needed.)
R. 
13.01.060.R.
“Recreation center or facility.”
A supervised center that provides a broad range of activities and events intended primarily for use by persons under twenty-one years of age, owned and/or managed by a charitable nonprofit organization, city, county, state, or federal government, or a metropolitan parks district.
“Regional public convention & entertainment facility.”
Any facility, funded in whole or part with public funds, which provides convention and/or entertainment services for the greater region. These facilities are typically located on 10 acre or larger sites and are comprised of convention centers, stadiums, or similar facilities.
“Religious assembly.”
Facilities where persons regularly assemble for religious worship, such as churches, temples, and synagogues, that are maintained and controlled by a religious body, together with their customary accessory buildings and uses, such as incidental religious education, but not including private schools.
“Repair services.”
Establishments providing repair services for personal items and small equipment, such as appliance and office machine repair or building maintenance services. This classification excludes maintenance and repair of vehicles, including lawnmowers (see “vehicle service and repair”). Repair and storage (including display and sales) shall be located entirely within the building.
“Replacement value.”
The value of a building as calculated using the latest “Evaluation Table” printed in the Building Standards magazine, published by the International Conference of Building Officials, based on the existing occupancy and the most closely appropriate type of construction.
“Research and development industry.”
Establishments primarily engaged in the research, development, and controlled production of high-technology electronic, industrial, or scientific products or commodities for sale. This classification includes biotechnology firms and manufacturers of nontoxic computer components.
“Residential business.”
A business, profession, home occupation, or trade conducted for gain or support, which use is accessory, incidental, and secondary to the use of the building for dwelling purposes and does not change the essential residential character or appearance of such building.
“Residential care facility for youth.”
A facility, licensed by the state, that provides 24-hour care for persons who are 18 years of age or younger, with or without functional disabilities, that has not been licensed by the state as a staffed residential home. Such facilities may, in addition to providing food and shelter, provide some combination of assistance with Activities of Daily Living (“ADL”), such as bathing, toileting, dressing, personal hygiene, mobility, transferring, and eating, and additional services such as social counseling and transportation. New housing solely or partially for juveniles who are committed to the physical custody of the Department of Social and Health Services under the Juvenile Justice Act of 1977 must be sited under Section 13.06.080H, Juvenile Community Facilities.
“Residential chemical dependency treatment facility.“
A residential facility, licensed by the state, that provides chemical dependency treatment and includes room and board in a twenty-four-hour-a-day supervised facility.
“Retail.”
Establishments engaged in retail sales of goods, including, but not limited to, the retail sale of merchandise not specifically listed under another use classification. This classification includes, but is not limited to, department stores, clothing stores, bank branches, furniture stores, pawn shop, pharmacies, and businesses retailing the following goods as examples: toys, hobby materials, food and beverages sales (including catering and commissary kitchens), hand-crafted items, jewelry, cameras, photographic supplies, electronic equipment, records, sporting goods, kitchen utensils, hardware, appliances, art, antiques, art supplies and services, baseball cards, coins, comics, paint and wallpaper, carpeting and floor covering, medical supplies, office supplies, bicycles, and new automotive parts and accessories (excluding service and installation).
“Retirement home.”
A multi-unit dwelling, a complex of dwellings, an apartment hotel or a complex of apartment hotels and/or boarding houses operated primarily as a residence for retired persons. Depending on the level of care provided, such facilities may or may not require state licensing. Such an establishment may include the following accessory facilities for the exclusive use of its residents and their guests:
1. 
Food preparation, service, and storage on a group basis;
2. 
Indoor and outdoor recreation facilities;
3. 
Religious assembly facilities;
4. 
Medical and nursing facilities for the care of temporary and permanent illness;
5. 
Administrative offices and staff quarters;
6. 
Commissary facilities;
7. 
Common lobby and lounge areas.
“Roof line or ridge line.”
The top edge of the roof or top of a parapet, whichever forms the top line of the building silhouette, excluding any cupola, pylon, chimney, mechanical equipment, or other minor projection.
“Rowhouse.”
A Housing Type consisting of a building with access to the street from its front door and a private yard. Each Rowhouse may contain more than one unit accessed from the same sidewalk and front door. A Rowhouse is always attached to two to five other Rowhouse buildings, which together create a “Rowhouse Cluster” of three to six Rowhouses. These are sometimes, but not always, located on individual lots.
S. 
13.01.060.S.
“School, public or private.”
Public facilities for primary, secondary or post-secondary education, including elementary, grade, middle, junior, and high schools and community, professional, business, technical, and trade colleges and universities, and private institutions having a curriculum comparable to that required in the public schools of the State of Washington.
“Screening.”
A continuous fence, wall, or evergreen hedge supplemented with landscape planting of grass, shrubs, or evergreen ground cover, or a combination thereof, that effectively screens visually the property which it encloses, and which is at least four feet high and is broken only for accessways.
“Searchlight.”
An apparatus for projecting a beam or beams of light.
“Seaport terminal.”
A facility in which quantities of bulk, roll on roll off or other goods or container cargo are stored without undergoing any manufacturing processes, transferred to other modes of transportation or stored outdoors in order to transfer them to other locations. Seaport cargo terminals may include accessory warehouses, railroad yards, storage yards, support and fender pilings, cargo handling equipment and offices.
“Seasonal sales.”
Temporary sales, usually outdoors and independent of another use, of merchandise for the celebration of certain seasons. These include items such as Christmas trees and pumpkins.
“Security barrier” (wireless communication facility).
A wall, fence, or berm that has the purpose of sealing a wireless communication facility from unauthorized entry or trespass.
“Self-storage.”
Any real property designated and used for the purpose of renting or leasing separate storage spaces to individuals or businesses.
“Setback line.”
A line within a lot parallel to a corresponding lot property line, which is established to govern the location of buildings, structures, or uses. Where no minimum front, side, corner side, or rear yard setbacks are specified, the setback line shall be coterminous with the corresponding lot line.
“Shopping center.”
A unified grouping of two or more commercial establishments, such as retail, eating and drinking, office, and personal service uses, which are located on a single site with common/shared parking facilities. Shopping centers may occupy a single structure or separate structures that are physically or functionally related, but establishments with accessory uses, such as a grocery store with an accessory coffee shop, are not, by themselves, considered a shopping center. A shopping center may include pads for future buildings.
“Short-term rental.”
The rental of not more than nine guest rooms within an owner occupied dwelling, or the rental of an entire dwelling for less than thirty days at a time. This use includes bed and breakfast, but does not include home exchange (“home swapping”) or units in a multi-unit development reserved for guest(s) of the residents.
“Shrub.”
Any woody perennial plant that is generally less than fifteen feet in height at maturity.
“Sign.”
Any materials placed or constructed, or light projected, that (a) convey a message or image, and (b) are used to inform or attract the attention of the public, but not including any lawful display of merchandise. Some examples of “signs” include placards, A-boards, posters, murals, diagrams, banners, flags, billboards, or projected slides, images or holograms. The applicability of the term “sign” does not depend on the content of the message or image conveyed.
“Sign, abandoned.”
A sign that no longer correctly directs any person or advertises a bona fide business, lessor, owner, product, or activity conducted or available on the premises where such sign is located.
“Sign, a-board.”
A sign which consists of two panels hinged or attached at the top or side, designed to be movable and stand on the ground. Also commonly known as sandwich board signs.
“Sign, animated.”
A sign that uses movement by electronic means to depict action or create a special effect or scene, as with video or a series of moving lights.
“Sign, architectural blade.”
A sign structure which is designed to look as though it could have been part of the building structure, rather than something suspended from or standing on the building.
“Sign area.”
The total area of a sign, as measured by the perimeter of the smallest rectangle enclosing the extreme limits of the letter, module, or advertising message visible from any one viewpoint or direction, excluding the sign support structure, architectural embellishments, decorative features, or framework which contains no written or advertising copy. (Includes only one side of a double-faced sign, unless noted otherwise.)
1. 
Individual letter signs, using a wall as the background without added decoration or change in wall color, shall be calculated by measuring the smallest rectangle enclosing each letter. The combined total area of each individual letter shall be considered the total area of the sign.
2. 
For a multiple face sign, the sign area shall be computed for the largest face only. If the sign consists of more than one section or module, all areas will be totaled.
3. 
Neutral surfaces (i.e., graphic design, wall murals and colored bands), shall not be included in the calculation. (See definition of “Neutral Surface.”)
4. 
The area of all regulated signs on a business premises shall be counted in determining the permitted sign area.
“Sign, banner.“
A sign intended to be hung either with or without a frame, possessing characters, letters, illustrations, or ornamentations applied to paper, plastic, or fabric of any kind.
1. 
Commercial banner. A banner used for commercial purposes, which includes “For Lease,” “Grand Opening,” “Sale,” etc.
2. 
Cultural, civil, and educational banner. A banner used for cultural, civic, or educational events, displays, or exhibits.
“Sign, billboard.”
See § 13.01.060B, above.
1. 
Poster panels or bulletins normally mounted on a building wall (“wall-mounted billboard” or “building-mounted billboard”) or freestanding structure (“freestanding billboard”) with advertising copy.
2. 
Painted bulletins, where the message of the advertiser is painted directly on the background of a wall-mounted or freestanding display area.
“Sign, blade.”
A double-faced sign intended for pedestrian viewing installed no higher than the top of the first floor of a building and generally perpendicular to the building façade for which it identifies.
Image: Blade Sign
“Sign, canopy (or awning).”
A sign affixed to the surface of a canopy, awning, marquee, or similar feature and which does not extend vertically or horizontally beyond the limits of such feature, but does not include a projecting roof.
“Sign, center identification.”
Any sign which identifies a shopping center, industrial center, or office center by name, address, or symbol. Center identification signs may also identify individual businesses and activities located within the center.
“Sign, changing message center.”
An electronically controlled sign, message center, or readerboard where copy changes are shown on the same lamp bank or screen.
“Sign, changeable copy (manual).”
Any sign that is designed so that characters, letters, or illustrations can be changed or rearranged by hand, without altering the face or the surface of the sign (i.e., readerboards with changeable pictorial panels).
“Sign, construction.”
A temporary sign giving the name or names of principal contractors, architects, lending institutions, or other persons or firms responsible for construction on the site where the sign is located, together with other information included thereon.
“Sign, corporate logo.”
A logo sign consists of a symbol or identifying mark(s) used as part of a corporation identification scheme that is meant to identify a corporation, company, or individual business or organization. Internally illuminated cabinet signs shall not be allowed for use as a logo sign above 35 feet in any of the downtown districts.
“Sign, directional.”
Any sign which serves solely to designate the location of any place, area, or business within the City limits of Tacoma, whether on-premises or off-premises.
“Sign, directory.”
A sign on which the names and locations of occupants or the use of a building is given.
“Sign, electrical.”
A sign or sign structure in which electrical wiring, connections, and/or fixtures are used as any part of the sign.
“Sign, feather.”
A portable freestanding type sign, affixed to a light weight pole, intended to advertise temporary promotions, services, and events.
Image: Feather Sign
“Sign, flashing.”
An electrical sign or portion which changes light intensity in sudden transitory bursts, but not including signs which appear to chase or flicker and not including signs where the change in light intensity occurs at intervals of more than one second.
“Sign, freestanding.”
A permanently installed, self-supporting sign resting on or supported by means of poles, standards, or any other type of base on the ground.
“Sign graphics.”
An aggregate of designs, shapes, forms, colors, and/or materials located on an exterior wall and relating to or representing a symbol, word, meaning, or message.
“Sign, ground.”
A sign that is six feet or less in height above ground level and is supported by one or more poles, columns, or supports anchored in the ground.
“Sign height.”
The vertical distance measured from the adjacent grade at the base of the sign to the highest point of the sign structure; provided, however, the grade of the ground may not be built up in order to allow the sign to be higher.
“Sign, identification or directory.”
A combination sign used to identify numerous buildings, persons, or activities which relate to one another, which is used as an external way-finding for both vehicular and pedestrians traffic.
“Sign, illuminated.”
A sign designed to give forth any artificial or reflected light, either directly from a source of light incorporated into or connected with such sign or indirectly from a source intentionally directed upon it, so shielded that no direct illumination from it is visible elsewhere than on the sign and in the immediate proximity thereof.
“Sign, incidental.”
A small sign intended primarily for the convenience and direction of the public on the premises, which does not advertise but is informational only, and includes information which denotes the hours of operation, telephone number, credit cards accepted, sales information, entrances and exits, and information required by law. Incidental information may appear on a sign having other copy as well, such as an advertising sign.
“Sign, interpretive.”
A sign designed to impart educational, instructive, or historic information, or to identify parks or other public recreational facilities.
“Sign landscaping.”
Any material used as a decorative feature, such as planter boxes, pole covers, decorative framing, and shrubbery or planting materials, used in conjunction with a sign, which expresses the theme of the sign but does not contain advertising copy.
“Sign, mechanized.”
A sign which uses natural or mechanical means to physically move all or part of the sign structure.
“Sign, nonconforming.”
A nonconforming sign shall mean any sign which does not conform to the requirements of this Chapter.
“Sign, off-premises.”
A permanent sign not located on the premises of the use or activity to which the sign pertains.
“Sign, on-premises.”
A permanent sign located on the premises of the use or activity to which the sign pertains.
“Sign, political.”
A temporary sign which supports the candidacy of any candidate for public office or urges action on any other matter on the ballot in a primary, general, or special election.
“Sign, portable.”
Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or a building. (Includes A-frame, sandwich boards, and portable readerboards.)
“Sign, projecting.”
A sign, other than a wall sign, which is attached to and projects from a structure or building face.
“Sign, public information.”
A sign erected and maintained by any governmental entity for traffic direction or for designation of, or direction to, any school, hospital, historical site, or public service, property, or facility. Public signs include those of such public agencies as the Port of Tacoma, Pierce Transit, the Tacoma School District, and the MetroParks Tacoma.
“Sign repair.”
To paint, clean, or replace damaged parts of a sign, or to improve its structural strength, but not in a manner that would change the size, shape, location, or character.
“Sign, roof sign.”
Any sign erected upon, against, or directly above a roof or parapet of a building or structure.
“Sign, rotating.”
Any sign or portion thereof which physically revolves about an axis.
“Sign structure.”
Any structure which supports, has supported, is designed to support, or is capable of supporting a sign, including a decorative cover.
“Sign, swinging.”
A sign installed on an arm or spar that is fastened to an adjacent wall or upright pole, which sign is allowed to move or swing to a perceptible degree.
“Sign, temporary off-premises.”
An off-premises advertising sign attached to temporary fencing during the time of construction.
“Sign, temporary.”
A sign, banner, balloon, feather sign, pennant, valance, A-board, or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, fabric, paper, cardboard, plywood, wood, wallboard, plastic, sheet metal, or other similar light material, with or without a frame, which is not permanently affixed to any sign structure and which is intended to be displayed for a limited time only.
“Sign, under-canopy.”
Signs or other information-conveying devices that are affixed to the underside of a canopy, awning, marquee, or similar feature and project down from the bottom of the feature.
“Sign, unlawful.”
Any sign which was erected in violation of any applicable ordinance or code governing such erection or construction at the time of its erection, which sign has never been in conformance with all applicable ordinances or codes.
“Sign, wall.”
A sign painted on or attached to or erected against the wall of a building with the face in a parallel plane of the building wall. Also known as a fascia sign.
“Sign, warning.”
Any sign which is intended to warn persons of prohibited activities such as “no hunting” and “no dumping.”
“Sign, window.”
A sign painted on, affixed to, or installed inside a window for purposes of viewing from outside the premises.
“Smelting.”
Smelting is a process of applying heat to ore in order to extract a base metal. It is a form of extractive metallurgy. It is used to extract many metals from their ores, including silver, iron, copper, and other base metals. This use category includes all smelting activities identified in NAICS codes 331411, 331313, and 331410.
“Special needs housing.”
A broad term that includes adult family homes, confidential shelters, emergency and transitional housing, extended care facilities, continuing care retirement communities, intermediate care facilities, residential chemical dependency treatment facilities, residential care facilities for youth, retirement homes, and staff residential homes.
“Stable, private.”
A detached accessory building for the keeping of horses owned by the occupants of the premises and which are not kept for remuneration, hire, or sale.
“Stacking lane.”
A driving lane, associated with a drive-thru, in which cars line up while waiting for service.
“Staffed residential home.”
A home, licensed by the state, providing 24-hour care for six or fewer children or expectant mothers, 17 years or younger, with or without functional disabilities. The home employs staff to care for children and may or may not be a family residence. New housing solely or partially for juveniles who are committed to the physical custody of the Department of Social and Health Services under the Juvenile Justice Act of 1977 must be sited under Section 13.06.080H, Juvenile Community Facilities.
“Storage, general.”
Any real property designed and used for the purpose of renting or leasing storage space to individuals or businesses, for the purpose of indoor dead storage of personal items or business inventory and supplies. This may include self-storage or businesses where storage is provided as a service.
“Storage of bulk or raw materials.”
The use of a portion or entire parcel or lot for storage of uncontained or open solid materials, typically for materials that will be subsequently used in the production and manufacture of other products.
“Story.”
That portion of a building included between the surface of any floor and the surface of the floor next above it, or, if there be no floor above it, then the space between the floor and the ceiling next above it.
“Story, half.”
A story which, by reason of a sloping roof, has not more than one-half of the habitable space of the floor next below it.
“Street.”
A thoroughfare which provides the principal means of access to abutting property.
“Street tree.”
A planted tree, or tree that is intended to be planted, whose trunk is wholly or partially located within the public right-of-way.
“Structure.”
That which is built or constructed and located on the ground.
“Structural alterations.”
Any change in the supporting members of a building, such as bearing walls, columns, beams, or girders.
“Substance abuse facility.”
(See “Drug rehabilitation facility.”)
“Substantial connection.”
A substantial connection is a common covered structure whose roof extends between two structures, the width of which is at a minimum 50% of the width of one of the structures, and which utilizes a roof style, structure, and finishing materials that tie into the existing roof of at least one of the two structures.
“Super regional mall.”
Combination of stores in single ownership or under unified control through a reciprocal easement agreement with at least four anchor tenants and a total of not less than 750,000 square feet of leasable building area.
“Surface mining.”
Any premises from which the removal of any rocks, sand, gravel, stone, earth, topsoil, peat, minerals, or other natural resources results in the following:
1. 
More than three acres of disturbed area;
2. 
Surface mined slopes greater than 30 feet high and steeper than 1.0 foot horizontal to 1.0 foot vertical; or
3. 
More than one acre of disturbed area within an eight acre area, when the disturbed area results from mineral prospecting or exploration activities.
Surface mining shall exclude excavations or grading necessary for the construction of a structure for which a building permit has been duly issued.
“Surface planting diameter.”
The minimum dimension of a tree planting area in any direction, provided suspended pavement systems are used to meet required soil volume underground.
“Suspended pavement systems.”
Suspended pavement systems, or SPS, reference a technology that structurally supports paving over planting soil to allow growth of tree roots directly underneath paving. In addition to aiding urban tree growth, the soil can also be used for on-site stormwater management, maintaining pre-development hydrology, minimizing non-point source pollution and flooding, and recharging watersheds.
Image: Suspended pavement system.
(Source: Tracking the Performance of Urban Trees in Silva Cells | Landscape Performance Series)
T. 
13.01.060.T.
“Telecommunications exchange facility.”
A structure where the majority of its floor area is used for equipment for the purposes of automatically receiving, decoding, routing, recoding, and sending of voice and data communications.
“Temporary housing.”
A structure, usually an automobile house trailer or mobile home, of a temporary nature not involving permanent installations.
“Temporary shelters.”
A temporary type of accommodation for persons without permanent housing or a fixed address that provides shelter by means of a structure or dwelling unit.
“Temporary use.”
A use established for a limited duration with the intent to discontinue such use upon the expiration of the time period. Temporary uses include seasonal sales, temporary office space, carnivals, and temporary housing.
“Theater.”
A building or part of a building devoted primarily to the showing of motion pictures or for dramatic, dance, musical, or other live performances.
“Topping” or “tree topping.”
An unacceptable tree pruning practice, which injures trees through the reduction of a tree’s size by pruning live branches and leaders to stubs, without regard to long-term tree health or structural integrity. Topping can lead to unacceptable risk, tree stress, and decay.
“Total cost.”
All costs associated with an alteration incurred from project initiation to project completion, excluding the purchase costs for the building and site.
“Transit street.”
A street on which regularly scheduled bus service operates at frequencies of 15 minutes or less during peak travel periods. Transit streets are designated by the Director of Public Works in consultation with Pierce Transit and include streets designated in Section 11.05.492.
“Transparency.”
Glazing through which it is possible to see clearly into and out of a building or into a window display.
“Transportation/freight terminals.”
A place where transfer of goods and/or people takes place between modes of transportation. This classification includes marine terminals, freight terminals and transfer yards, container marshalling yards, intermodal rail yards, general rail yards, train and bus stations, and ferry terminals.
“Travel services.”
Establishments providing travel information and reservations to individuals and businesses. This classification excludes car rental agencies.
“Tree.”
Any self-supporting woody perennial that generally matures over fifteen feet in height, generally has a minimum mature canopy width of ten feet and greater, and is capable of being pruned to develop a branch-free trunk to at least eight feet in height at maturity.
“Tree credit.”
Tree credits quantify the value of a tree’s canopy for the purposes of defining how many trees are required on a site.
“Tree size.”
Categorized as Large, Medium or Small as determined by the Canopy Factor, which takes into account the trees mature height, mature crown spread and growth rate.
“Truck and chassis parking.”
A dedicated parking area specifically designed for large commercial vehicles like semi-trucks, where both the tractor (truck) and the trailer (chassis) can be parked together or separately.
U. 
13.01.060.U.
“Unlicensed wireless services.”
Commercial mobile services that operate on public frequencies and do not need an FCC license.
“Unpaved surface planting diameter.”
The minimum dimension of a tree planting area in any direction, provided suspended pavement systems are used to meet required soil volume underground.
“Upper story setback.”
See “modulation, horizontal.”
“Urban forest manual (UFM).”
A compilation of City urban forestry practices and standards created to facilitate the planning, design, installation, and maintenance of trees and landscaping.
“Urban horticulture.”
A use in which plants are grown or produced indoors for the sale of the plants or their products or for use in any business, including such things as fruits, vegetables, and other crops, flowers, ornamental plants or trees.
“Use.”
The purpose land, building, or structure now serves or for which it is occupied, maintained, arranged, designed, or intended.
“Utilities.”
Generating plants, electrical substations with outdoor equipment, refuse collection and transfer stations, processing, recycling or disposal facilities, water reservoirs, flood control or drainage facilities, water or wastewater treatment plants, and similar facilities.
V. 
13.01.060.V.
“Variance.”
The procedure by which the strict application of the provisions of this title relating to height, area, setbacks, parking, design and other such development standards may be modified for a particular project based on special circumstances applicable to the specific property and/or project. Variances cannot change the underlying zoning or allow for uses that are otherwise prohibited. Since variances are an adjustment to the standards, projects that have received approval of a variance shall be considered to be conforming to that standard.
“Variance, minor.”
A variance in which the relief requested is within 10 percent of the quantified standard contained in the code.
“Vegetated roof.” (also known as green roofs)
Thin layers of engineered soil and vegetation constructed on top of conventional flat or sloped roofs. Vegetated roofs shall be designed in accordance with the SWMM.
“Vegetated wall.”
A vegetated wall is a vertical surface designed and planted to be covered at maturity by plants that:
•
Can include the wall of a structure (such as a masonry wall), or a trellis or lattice structure either free standing or on the side of a building, or a wire screen or other framework that allows coverage by plants.
•
Is at least 6 feet tall, unless specifically allowed at a lower height;
•
Does not consist of invasive species; and
•
Has demonstrated viability in the planned environment.
“Vehicle.”
The term “vehicle” as used herein means all instrumentalities capable of movement by means of circular wheels, skids, or runners of any kind, specifically including, but not limited to, all forms of automotive vehicles, buses, trucks, cars, and vans; all forms of trailers or mobile homes of any size, whether capable of supplying their own motive power or not, without regard to whether the primary purpose of which instrumentality is or is not the conveyance of persons or objects, and specifically including all such automobiles, buses, trucks, cars, vans, trailers, and mobile homes even though they may be at any time immobilized in any way and for any period of time.
“Vehicle rental and sales.”
Sale or rental of automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, tractors, construction or agricultural equipment, mobile homes, boats, and similar equipment, including storage and incidental maintenance.
“Vehicle sales area.”
An open, off-street area used for the display, sale or rental of new or used automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, tractors, construction or agricultural equipment, mobile homes, boats, and similar equipment, and where no repair work is done.
“Vehicle service and repair.”
Repair and/or service of automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, motor homes, recreational vehicles, or boats, including the sale, installation, and servicing of related equipment and parts. This classification includes car washing facilities, auto repair shops, electric vehicle rapid charging and/or battery swap-out facilities, body and fender shops, car painting, wheel and brake shops, and tire sales and installation, but excludes vehicle dismantling or salvage and tire retreading or recapping.
“Vehicle service and repair, industrial.”
Facilities, either indoors or outdoors, for the layover, maintenance, and temporary storage of buses, trains, transit, semi trucks, heavy equipment, and associated support vehicles. Equipment, materials, and vehicles used in the maintenance of bus transit facilities are also included.
“Vehicle storage.”
Lots for storage of parking tow-aways, impound yards, and storage lots for automobiles, trucks, buses and recreational vehicles. Not to be construed as a parking lot or area.
W. 
13.01.060.W.
“Walkways.”
Illustrated as required in certain districts of Chapter 13.06:
Figure: Pedestrian Access
“Warehouse, storage.”
A building or portion of a building, or open storage or outdoor yard area, used for long-term storage of items where incoming and outgoing traffic is intermittent and which requires minimal employee activity.
“Wholesale or distribution.”
A building or portion of a building used for short-term storage in preparation for rerouting or reshipment, or used in connection with an industrial activity where incoming and outgoing shipments are a continuing operation.
“Window type.”
A window type is an individual grouping of windows, a window size, or a window shape. Individual panes within the same frame are not considered a separate type. Illustrated as required in certain districts of Chapter 13.06:
Figures: Upper Level Window Requirement
“Wireless communication” and “wireless communication facilities.”
Facilities used in the transmission of information by wire, radio, optical cable, electromagnetic, or other similar means for communication, cellular phone, personal communication services, enhanced specialized mobile radio, and any other services licensed by the FCC and unlicensed wireless services. These types of facilities also include central office switching units, remote switching units, telecommunications radio relay stations, and ground level equipment structures. This classification does not include communication facilities.
“Wireless communication tower.”
Any structure that is designed and constructed primarily for the purpose of supporting one or more antennas, including self-supporting lattice towers, guyed towers, or monopole towers. The term encompasses wireless communication facilities, radio and television transmission towers, microwave towers, common-carrier towers, cellular telephone towers, wireless communication towers, building-mounted structural supports and/or the building where equipment is mounted directly to the building’s structure, and alternative tower structures, and the like.
“Work release center.”
An alternative to imprisonment, including work and/or training release programs which are under the supervision of a court or a federal, state, or local agency. This definition excludes at-home electronic surveillance.
“Work/live.”
A commercial business use which includes a dwelling unit in up to 50 percent of the unit’s space. The business owner lives in the residential space.
“Works of art.”
Original, artist-produced creations of visual art, including, but not limited to, sculptures, murals, paintings, inlays, earthworks, mosaics, etc. Works of art can be both self-standing and/or integrated into the structure or its grounds. The reproduction of original works of art, commercially mass-produced artwork, or architect-designed elements are not included. Also not included are directional signage or super graphics, maps, etc., except where an artist is employed. Works of art shall be determined by the City’s Arts Administrator and/or approved by the Arts Commission, as determined by the Arts Administrator.
X. 
13.01.060.X.
(For future use if needed.)
Y. 
13.01.060.Y.
“Yard.”
An open space other than a court, on the same lot with a building unoccupied or unobstructed from the ground upward, except as otherwise provided in Chapter 13.06.
“Yard, front.”
A yard extending the full width of the lot, the depth of which is the minimum distance from the front lot line to the building.
“Yard, rear.”
A yard extending the full width of the lot, the depth of which is the minimum distance from the rear lot line to the main building.
“Yard, side.”
A yard extending from the front yard to the rear yard along the side of the main building, the width of which yard is the minimum distance from the side lot line to the main building.
Z. 
13.01.060.Z.
(For future use if needed.)
(Previously codified as 13.06.700, relocated to § 13.01.060 by Ord. 28613 Ex. G, 2019-09-24; Ord. 28613 Ex. E, 2019-09-24; Ord. 28725 Exs. A and D, 2020-12-08; Ord. 28786 Ex. A, 2021-11-16; Ord. 28821 Ex. E, 2022-06-28; Ord. 28904 Ex. A, 2023-08-15; Ord. 28986 Ex. D, 2024-11-19; Ord. 29042 Ex. A, 2025-06-24; Ord. 29076 Ex. A, 2025-12-02)
For purposes of Chapter 13.07 Landmarks and Historic Special Review Districts, certain terms and words are hereby defined as follows:
A. 
13.01.070.A.
(For future use if needed.)
B. 
13.01.070.B.
(For future use if needed.)
C. 
13.01.070.C.
“Certified local government” or “CLG”
means the designation reflecting that the local government has been jointly certified by the State Historic Preservation Officer and the National Park Service as having established a historic preservation commission and a historic preservation program meeting Federal and State standards.
“City landmark”
means a property that has been individually listed on the Tacoma Register of Historic Places, or that is a contributing property within a Historic Special Review District or Conservation District as defined by this chapter.
“Conservation district”
means an area designated for the preservation and protection of historic resources and overall characteristics of traditional development patterns, and that meets the criteria for such designation as described in Section 13.07.040C of this code.
D. 
13.01.070.D.
“Deconstruction”
the disassembly of a building, or a portion thereof, in a manner that keeps individual components and materials intact. These may then be reassembled to the original design, or may be made available for reuse in other improvement projects.
“District”
means a geographically definable area possessing a significant concentration, linkage, or continuity of sites buildings, structures, and/or objects united by past events or aesthetically by plan or physical development.
E. 
13.01.070.E.
“Embodied energy”
means the energy consumed to construct a building, including that required to create materials for it, transport them to the site, and then assemble them.
F. 
13.01.070.F.
(For future use if needed.)
G. 
13.01.070.G.
(For future use if needed.)
H. 
13.01.070.H.
“Historic resource”
means any property that has been determined to be eligible by the City Historic Preservation Officer or Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation staff for listing in the Tacoma Register of Historic Places, the Washington State Heritage Register, or the National Register of Historic Places, or any property that appears to be eligible for such listing by virtue of its age, exterior condition, or known historical associations.
“Historic Special Review District”
means an Overlay Zone with a concentration of historic resources that has been found to meet the criteria for designation as a Historic Special Review District under the provisions of this chapter and has been so designated by City Council.
I. 
13.01.070.I.
(For future use if needed.)
J. 
13.01.070.J.
(For future use if needed.)
K. 
13.01.070.K.
(For future use if needed.)
L. 
13.01.070.L.
(For future use if needed.)
M. 
13.01.070.M.
(For future use if needed.)
N. 
13.01.070.N.
(For future use if needed.)
O. 
13.01.070.O.
(For future use if needed.)
P. 
13.01.070.P.
“Property”
means any building, object, site, structure, improvement, public amenity, space, streetscapes and rights-of-way, or area.
Q. 
13.01.070.Q.
(For future use if needed.)
R. 
13.01.070.R.
“Reconstruction”
means the act of structurally rebuilding a structure or portion thereof, wherein the visible architectural elements are replaced in kind with materials and finishes that accurately convey the character of the original elements.
“Rehabilitation”
means the act or process of making possible a compatible use for a property through repair, alterations, and additions while preserving those portions or features which convey its historical, cultural, or architectural values.
“Removal”
means any relocation of a structure on its site or to another site.
“Restoration”
means the act or process of accurately depicting the form, features, and character of a property as it appeared at a particular period of time by means of the removal of features from other periods in its history and reconstruction of missing features from the restoration period. The limited and sensitive upgrading of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and other code-required work to make properties functional is appropriate within a restoration project.
S. 
13.01.070.S.
“Significant interior spaces”
means architectural features, spaces, and ornamentations which are specifically identified in the landmark nomination and which are located in public or common areas of buildings such as lobbies, corridors, or other assembly spaces, or that are of exceptional historic significance due to integrity or association with historic events.
“Streetscape”
means the total visual environment of a street as determined by various elements including, but not limited to, street furniture, landscaping, lighting, paving, buildings, activities, traffic, open space, and view.
“Structure”
means anything constructed or erected with a fixed location on the ground, or attached to something having a fixed location on the ground.
T. 
13.01.070.T.
(For future use if needed.)
U. 
13.01.070.U.
(For future use if needed.)
V. 
13.01.070.V.
(For future use if needed.)
W. 
13.01.070.W.
(For future use if needed.)
X. 
13.01.070.X.
(For future use if needed.)
Y. 
13.01.070.Y.
(For future use if needed.)
Z. 
13.01.070.Z.
(For future use if needed.)
(Previously codified as 13.07.030, relocated to § 13.01.070 by Ord. 28613 Ex. G, 2019-09-24)
For the purposes of Chapter 13.11 Critical Areas Preservation, the following terms and phrases used in this chapter shall be interpreted as defined below. Where ambiguity exists, words or phrases shall be interpreted so as to give this chapter its most reasonable application in carrying out its regulatory purpose.
A. 
13.01.110.A.
“Adjacent.”
Immediately adjoining (in contact with the boundary of the influence area) or within a distance that is less than that needed to separate activates from critical areas to ensure protection of the functions and values of the critical areas. Adjacent shall mean any activity or development located:
1. 
On a site immediately adjoining a critical area;
2. 
A distance equal to or less than the required critical area buffer width;
3. 
A distance equal to or less than one-half mile (2,640 feet) from a bald eagle nest;
4. 
A distance equal to or less than three hundred (300) feet upland from a stream, wetland, or water body;
5. 
Bordering or within the floodway, floodplain or channel migration zone; or
6. 
A distance equal to or less than two hundred (200) feet from a critical aquifer recharge area.
“Alteration.”
Any human-induced change in an existing condition of a critical area or its buffer. Alterations include, but are not limited to, grading, filling, channelizing, dredging, clearing of vegetation, construction, compaction, excavation, or any other activity that changes the character of the critical area.
“Anadromous fish.”
Fish that spawn and rear in freshwater and mature in the marine environment. While Pacific salmon die after their first spawning, adult char (bull trout) can live for many years, moving in and out of saltwater and spawning each year. The life history of Pacific salmon and char contains critical periods of time when these fish are more susceptible to environmental and physical damage than at other times. The life history of salmon, for example, contains the following states; upstream migration of adults, spawning, inter-gravel incubation, rearing, smoltification (the time period needed for juveniles to adjust their body functions to live in the marine environment), downstream migration, and ocean rearing to adults.
“Aquifer.”
A geologic formation, group of formations, or part of a formation that is capable of yielding a significant amount of water to a well or spring.
“Aquifer critical recharging areas.”
Areas that, due to the presence of certain soils, geology, and surface water act to recharge groundwater by percolation.
B. 
13.01.110.B.
“Base flood.”
A flood event having a one percent (1%) chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year, also referred to as the 100-year flood. Designations of base flood areas on flood insurance map(s) always include the letters A or V.
“Best available science.”
The current science information used in the process to designate, protect, or restore critical areas, that is derived from a valid scientific process as defined by WAC 365-195-900 through 925. Sources of best available science are included in “Citations of Recommended Sources of the Best Available Science for Designating and Protecting Critical Areas” published by the Washington State Office of Community, Trade and Economic Development.
“Best management practices (BMPs).”
Conservation practices or systems of practices and management measures that:
1. 
Control soil loss and reduce water quality degradation caused by high concentrations of nutrients, animal waste, toxics, and sediment;
2. 
Minimize adverse impacts to surface water and ground water flow and circulation patterns and to the chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of wetlands;
3. 
Protect trees and vegetation designated to be retained during and following site construction and use native plant species appropriate to the site for revegetation of disturbed areas; and
4. 
Provide standards for proper use of chemical herbicides within critical areas.
“Biodiversity areas.”
Biodiversity Areas include those areas that contain native vegetation that is diverse with a mosaic of habitats and microhabitats. They include areas dominated by a vertically diverse assemblage of native vegetation containing multiply canopy layers and/or areas that are horizontally diverse with a mosaic of habitats and microhabitats. They also include areas with rare or uncommon plant species and associations designated by the City or identified by Federal and State agencies such as the Department of Natural Resources Heritage Program. They are not associated with a specific priority species and their overall habitat function may be limited due to their location in a highly urbanized area; however, they are diverse relative to other areas in the City and support common urban species.
“Biodiversity corridors.”
Areas of relatively undisturbed and unbroken tracts of vegetation that connect Biodiversity Areas, other Priority Habitat and Critical Areas, including shorelines and serve to protect those areas and allow movement of common urban species.
“Bioengineering.”
A combination of engineering techniques and natural products that increase the strength and structure of the soil through biological and mechanical means.
“Buffer or buffer zone.”
An area required by this chapter that is contiguous to and protects a critical area which is required for the continued maintenance, functioning, and/or structural stability of a critical area. The area may be surrounding a natural, restored, or newly created critical area.
C. 
13.01.110.C.
“Class, wetland.”
One of the wetland classes in the United States Fish and Wildlife Service publication, Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States (December 1979). A class describes the general appearance of the habitat in terms of either the dominant vegetation life form or the physical geography and composition of the substrate.
“Clearing.”
The destruction or removal of logs, scrub-shrubs, stumps, trees or any vegetative material by burning, chemical, mechanical or other means.
“Compensatory mitigation.”
Replacing project-induced loses or impacts to a critical area, and includes, but is not limited to, the following:
1. 
Restoration. Actions performed to reestablish wetland functional characteristics and processes that have been lost by alterations, activities, or catastrophic events within an area that no longer meets the definition of a wetland.
2. 
Creation. Actions performed to intentionally establish a wetland at a location where it did not formerly exist.
3. 
Enhancement. Actions performed to improve the condition of existing degraded wetlands so that the functions they provide are of a higher quality,
4. 
Preservation actions taken to ensure the permanent protection of existing high quality wetlands.
“Conservation easement.”
A legal agreement that the property owner enters into to restrict uses of the land. Such restrictions can include, but are not limited to, passive recreation uses such as trails or scientific uses and fences or other barriers to protect habitat. The easement is recorded on a property deed, runs with the land, and is legally binding on all present and future owners of the property, therefore, providing permanent or long-term protection.
“Critical areas.”
Critical areas include the following ecosystems: areas with a critical recharging effect on aquifers used for drinking water, fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas (FWHCAs), frequently flooded areas, geologically hazardous areas, wetlands, and streams.
“Cumulative impacts or effects.”
The combined, incremental effects of human activity on ecological or critical area functions and values. Cumulative impacts result when the effects of an action are added to or interact with the effects of other action in a particular place and within a particular time. It is the combination of these effects, and any resulting environmental degradation, hat should be the focus of cumulative impact an analysis and changes to policies and permitting decisions.
D. 
13.01.110.D.
“Director.”
For purposes of this Chapter (13.11 of the Tacoma Municipal Code) “Director” means the Director of Planning and Development Services unless otherwise specified.
E. 
13.01.110.E.
“Ecosystem.”
The system of interrelationships within and between a biological community and its physical environment.
“Emergent wetland.”
A wetland with at least thirty percent (30%) of the surface area covered by erect, rooted, herbaceous vegetation extending above the water surface as the uppermost vegetation strata.
“Endangered species.”
A regional plant or animal species which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. Such animal species are designated by the Washington Department of Wildlife pursuant to RCW 232-12 or United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Such plant species are designated by the Washington Department of Natural Resources, Washington Natural Heritage Program or United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
“Enhancement.”
The manipulation of the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics present to develop a wetland site to heighten, intensify or improve specific function(s) or to change the growth stage or composition of the vegetation present. Enhancement is undertaken for specified purposes such as water quality improvement, flood water retention or wildlife habitat. Activities typically consist of planting vegetation, controlling nonnative or invasive species, modifying site elevations or the proportion of open water to influence hydro-periods, or some combination of these. Enhancement results in a change in some wetland functions and can lead to a decline in other wetland functions, but does not result in a gain in wetland acres.
“Erosion.”
Wearing away of earth’s surface as a result of movement of wind, water, ice, or any means.
“Erosion hazard areas.”
Areas which contain soils classified by the United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service that may experience severe to very severe erosion hazards.
“Establishment.”
Establishment (Creation) means the manipulation of the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics present to develop a wetland on an upland or deepwater site, where a wetland did not previously exist. Activities typically involve excavation of upland soils to elevations that will produce a wetland hydroperiod, create hydric soils, and support the growth of hydrophytic plant species. Establishment results in a gain in wetland acres.
“Exotic.”
A species of plants or animals that is foreign to the area in question.
F. 
13.01.110.F.
“Fill.”
Dumping or placing, by any means, any material on any soil or sediment surface, including temporary stockpiling of material.
“Fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas (FWHCA).”
Areas identified as being of critical importance to the maintenance of fish and wildlife species. FWHCA Marine Habitat Buffers are vegetated setbacks from the shoreline measured from the Ordinary High Water Mark.
“FWHCA habitat management areas.”
Those areas that surround a priority fish and wildlife species or habitat area to a distance defined by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in which specified activities are limited in some manner for specie preservation.
“Flood hazard areas.”
Lands in a floodplain including areas adjacent to lakes, streams, oceans or other bodies of water lying outside the ordinary bank of the water body and which are periodically inundated by flood flow with a one percent or greater expectancy of flooding in any given year.
“Flood water storage.”
The ability to hold and slow down flood waters. Construction in a floodway reduces the flood water storage capacity and the removal of vegetation from a floodway reduces the floodway’s ability to slow down flood waters.
“Forested wetland.”
A wetland with at least thirty percent (30%) of the surface area covered by woody vegetation greater than (20) feet in height that is at least partially rooted within the wetland.
“Function and values.”
The beneficial roles served by critical areas including, but are not limited to, water quality protection and enhancement, fish and wildlife habitat, food chain support, flood storage, conveyance and attenuation, ground water recharge and discharge, erosion control, wave attenuation, protection from hazards, historical and archaeological and aesthetic value protection, educational opportunities, and recreation. These beneficial roles are not listed in order of priority.
G. 
13.01.110.G.
“Geologic hazards specialist.”
A professional geologist or engineering geologist with a degree in the geologic sciences from an accredited college or university with a minimum of four years’ experience in geologic practice involving geologic hazards. A qualified geotechnical engineer, licensed as a civil engineer with the state of Washington, with a minimum of four years’ experience in landslide evaluation, may also qualify as a geologic hazards specialist.
“Geologically hazardous areas.”
Areas that may not be suited to development consistent with public health, safety or environmental standards, because of their susceptibility to erosion, sliding, earthquake, or other geological events as designated by WAC 365-190-080(4). Types of geologically hazardous areas include: erosion, landslide, seismic, mine, and volcanic hazards.
“Geo-buffer.”
A zone within a geo-setback area required to be vegetated with either native or non-native vegetation.
“Geo-setback.”
The minimum building setback from the applicable geologically hazardous area.
“Grading.”
Excavating, filling, leveling, or artificially modifying surface contours.
H. 
13.01.110.H.
“Habitat.”
The specific area or environment in which a particular type of animal lives. An ecological or environmental area that is inhabited by particular species of animal, plant or other type of organism. It is the natural environment in which an organism lives, or the physical environment that surrounds, influences, and is utilized by a species or population.
“Habitat conservation areas.”
Areas designated as fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas.
“Habitats of local importance.”
Those areas that include a seasonal range or habitat element with which a given species has a primary association, and which, if altered may reduce the likelihood that the species will maintain and reproduce over the long-term. These might include areas of high relative density or species richness, breeding habitat, winter range, and movement corridors. These might also include habitats that are of limited availability or high vulnerability to alterations such as cliffs, talus, and wetlands.
“Hazard trees.”
Trees that are damaged, diseased, or have fully matured and their health is in decline and that pose a threat to life or property due to their location and increasing potential of falling.
“Hydraulic project approval (HPA).”
A permit issued by the Department of Fish and Wildlife for modifications to waters of the state in accordance with Chapter 75.20 RCW.
“Hydric soil.”
Soil that is saturated, flooded, or ponded long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the uppermost level.
“Hydrogeomorphic” or “HGM.”
A system used to classify wetlands based on the position of the wetland in the landscape (geomorphic setting), the water source for the wetland and the flow and fluctuation of the water once in the wetland.
“Hydroperiod.”
The seasonal occurrence of flooding and/or soil saturation which encompasses the depth, frequency, duration, and seasonal pattern of inundation.
“Hydrophytic vegetation.”
Macrophytic plant life growing in water or on a substrate that is at least periodically deficient in oxygen as a result of excessive water content. The presence of hydrophytic vegetation shall be determined following the methods described in the approved federal manual and applicable regional supplements for wetland delineation.
“Hyporheic zone.”
The saturated located beneath and adjacent to streams that contains some portion of surface water, serves as a filter for nutrients, and maintains water quality.
I. 
13.01.110.I.
“Impervious surfaces.”
A non-vegetated surface area that either prevents or retards the entry of water into the soil mantle as under natural conditions prior to development. A non-vegetated surface area which causes water to run off the surface in greater quantities or at an increased rate of flow from the flow present under natural conditions prior to development. Common impervious surfaces include, but are not limited to, roof tops, walkways, patios, driveways, parking lots or storage areas, concrete or asphalt paving, gravel roads, packed earthen materials, and oiled, macadam or other surfaces which similarly impede the natural infiltration of stormwater.
“In lieu fee program.”
An agreement between a regulatory agency (state, federal, or local) and a single sponsor, generally a public agency or non-profit organization. Under an in lieu fee agreement, the mitigation sponsor collects funds from an individual or a number of individuals who are required to conduct compensatory mitigation required under a wetland regulatory program. The sponsor may use the funds pooled from multiple permittees to create one or a number of sites under the authority of the agreement to satisfy the permittees’ required mitigation.
“In-kind compensation.”
To replace critical areas with substitute areas whose characteristics and functions closely approximate those destroyed or degraded by a regulated activity. It does not mean replacement “in category.”
“Infiltration.”
The downward entry of water into the immediate surface of the soil.
“Isolated wetlands.”
Isolated wetlands mean those wetlands that are outside of and not contiguous to any 100-year floodplain of a lake, river, or stream and have no contiguous hydric soil or hydrophytic vegetation between the wetland and any surface water, including other wetlands. Any project involving filling or altering a wetland that meets this definition is subject to regulation by the State Department of Ecology under the Water Pollution Control Act (90.48 RCW), in addition to the provisions in this chapter. While wetland fill is also regulated by the US Army Corps of Engineers under the Clean Water Act, isolated wetlands are not subject to such federal review.
J. 
13.01.110.J.
“Joint aquatic resource permit application (JARPA).”
A single application form that may be used to apply for hydraulic project approvals, shoreline management permits, approvals of exceedance of water quality standards, water quality certifications, coast guard bridge permits, Department of Natural Resources use authorization, and Army Corps of Engineers permits.
K. 
13.01.110.K.
(For future use if needed.)
L. 
13.01.110.L.
“Lahars.”
Mudflows and debris flows originating from the slope of a volcano.
“Land modification.”
A human-induced action which affects the stability of an erosion hazard area, landslide hazard area, or steep or moderate slope. Land modification includes clearing, grading, and other soil disturbances. It does not include pruning of vegetation; provided such pruning is not so extensive as to disturb the soil stability.
“Landslide.”
An episodic down slope movement of a mass of soil and/or rock.
“Landslide hazard areas.”
Areas potentially subject to landslides based on a combination of geologic, topographic, and hydrologic factors. They include areas susceptible because of any combination of bedrock, soil, slope aspect, structure, hydrology, or other features.
M. 
13.01.110.M.
“Management area.”
A specified area or zone surrounding documented locations of priority habitats or species, or other identified fish and wildlife conservation area, where specific measures are taken to protect habitat features, provide screening, or conserve vegetation. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife may have recommended conservation actions for this area, including seasonal limits for construction, tree retention, clearing limits or other measures.
“Mature forested wetland.”
A wetland where at least one acre of the wetland surface is covered by woody vegetation greater than 20 feet in height with a crown cover of at least 30 percent and where at least 8 trees/acre are 80-200 years old or have average diameters (dbh) exceeding 21 niches (53 centimeters) measured from the uphill side of the tree trunk at 4.5 feet up from the ground.
“Mine hazard areas.”
Those areas underlain by or affected by mine workings such as adits, gangways, tunnels, drifts, or airshafts, and those areas of sink holes, gas releases, or subsidence due to mine workshops. Underground mines do not presently exist within the City of Tacoma.
“Mitigation.”
Avoiding, minimizing, or compensating for adverse critical areas impacts. Mitigation, in the following sequential order of preference, is:
1. 
Avoiding the impact altogether by not taking a certain action or parts of an action.
2. 
Minimizing impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude of the action and its implementation, by using appropriate technology, or by taking affirmative steps such as project redesign, relocation, or timing, to avoid or reduce impacts.
3. 
Rectifying the impact to wetlands by repairing, rehabilitation, or restoring the affected environment to the conditions existing at the time of the initiation of the project:
4. 
Minimizing or eliminating the hazard by restoring or stabilizing the hazard area through engineered or other methods.
5. 
Reducing or eliminating the impact or hazard over time by preservation and maintenance operations during the life of the action.
6. 
Compensating for the impact to wetlands by replacing, enhancing, or providing substitute resources or environments.
7. 
Monitoring the hazard or other required mitigation and taking remedial action when necessary.
Mitigation for individual actions may include a combination of the above measures.
“Monitoring.”
Evaluating the impacts of development proposals on the biological, hydrological, and geological elements of such systems and assessing the performance of required mitigation measures throughout the collection and analysis of data by various methods for the purposes of understanding and documenting changes in natural ecosystems and features, and includes gathering baseline data.
“Mosaic wetlands.”
Wetlands that should be considered one unit when each patch of wetland is less than 1 acre, and each patch of wetland is less than 100 feet apart, on the average, and the areas delineated as vegetated wetland are more than 50% of the total area of the wetlands and the uplands together, or wetlands, open water, and river bars.
N. 
13.01.110.N.
“Native vegetation.”
Vegetation comprised of plant species which are indigenous to the area in question and were not introduced by human activities.
“Nonwetlands.”
Uplands and lowland areas that are neither deepwater aquatic habitats, wetlands, nor other special aquatic sites. They are seldom or never inundated, or if frequently inundated, they have saturated soils for only brief periods during the growing season, and if vegetated, they normally support a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life only in aerobic soil conditions.
“Normal maintenance and repair.”
Those usual acts to prevent a decline, lapse, or cessation from a lawfully established condition. "Normal repair" means to restore a development to a state comparable to its original condition, including but not limited to its size, shape, configuration, location and external appearance, within a reasonable period after decay or partial destruction, except where repair causes substantial adverse effects to shoreline resource or environment. Replacement of a structure or development may be authorized as repair where such replacement is the common method of repair for the type of structure or development and the replacement structure or development is comparable to the original structure or development including but not limited to its size, shape, configuration, location and external appearance and the replacement does not cause substantial adverse effects to shoreline resources or environment.
“Notice on title.”
O. 
13.01.110.O.
“Off-site compensation.”
To replace critical areas away from the site on which a critical area has been impacted.
“On-site compensation.”
To replace critical areas at or adjacent to the site on which a critical area has been impacted.
“Ordinary high water mark.”
A mark that has been found where the presence and action of waters are common, usual, and maintained in an ordinary year long enough to create a distinction in character between water body and the abutting upland.
P. 
13.01.110.P.
“Parties of record.”
Individuals, entities and groups who have commented on a proposal in writing or in person or who have asked to be included on a mailing list for a specific proposal.
“Priority habitats.”
Seasonal range or habitat element with which a given species is primarily associated and which, if altered, may reduce survival potential of that species over the long term. Priority habitats are designated by the Washington Department of Wildlife, Priority Habitat and Species Program, and may include habitat areas of high relative density or species richness, breeding habitat or habitats used as winter range or movement corridors. Habitats of limited availability or with high vulnerability to alteration, such as cliffs, talus, Biodiversity Areas/Corridors and wetlands, may also be included.
“Priority species.”
Species which are of concern because of their population status and sensitivity to habitat alteration. Priority species are designated by the Washington Department of Wildlife, Priority Habitat and Species Program, and may include endangered, threatened, sensitive, candidate, monitored, or game species.
“Programmatic restoration project.”
Projects where restoration with applicable public access are the primary functions and goals of the project. Advanced mitigation may be proposed and tracked for future development elements that are submitted during the 20-year timeline available through a 5-year extension process. Programmatic restoration projects will provide support and incentives to preserve City Open Space and park areas, recreation areas and trails. These projects will provide partnerships that enhance recreation opportunities. Programmatic restorations projects will allow implementation of new programs/ and activities, and maintenance of native vegetation within critical areas and buffers.
“Protection/maintenance.”
Removing a threat to, or preventing the decline of, wetland conditions by an action in or near a wetland. This includes the purchase of land or easements, repairing water control structures or fences, or structural protection such as repairing a barrier island. This term also includes activities commonly associated with preservation. Preservation does not result in a gain of wetland acres, and may result in a gain of functions.
Q. 
13.01.110.Q.
“Qualified professional.”
A person who, at a minimum, has earned a degree from an accredited college/university in the relevant scientific or engineering discipline appropriate to the critical area subject and two years of related professional work experience; or eight years of professional work experience in the relevant critical area subject.
R. 
13.01.110.R.
“Re-establishment.”
The manipulation of the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of a site with the goal of returning natural or historic functions to a former wetland. Activities could include removing fill material, plugging ditches, or breaking drain tiles. Re-establishment results in a gain in wetland acres.
“Rehabilitation.”
The manipulation of the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of a site with the goal of repairing natural or historic functions of a degraded wetland. Activities could involve breaching a dike to reconnect wetlands to a floodplain or return tidal influence to a wetland. Rehabilitation results in a gain in wetland function but does not result in a gain in wetland acres.
“Repair or maintenance.”
An activity that restores the character, scope, size, and design of a serviceable area, structure, or land use to its previously authorized and undamaged condition. Activities that change the character, size, or scope of a project beyond the original design and drain, dredge, fill, flood, or otherwise alter critical areas are not included in this definition.
“Restoration.”
The manipulation of the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of a site with the goal of returning natural or historic functions to a former or degraded wetland. For the purposes of tracking net gains in wetland acres, restoration is divided into Re-establishment and Rehabilitation.
“Riparian zone.”
Areas adjacent to aquatic systems with flowing water that contain elements of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems that mutually influence each other. The width of these areas extends to that portion of the terrestrial landscape that directly influences the aquatic ecosystem by providing shade, fine or large woody material, nutrients, organic and inorganic debris, terrestrial insects, or habitat for riparian-associated wildlife. Width shall be measured from the ordinary high water mark or from the top of bank if the ordinary high water mark cannot be identified. It includes the entire extent of the floodplain and the extent of vegetation adapted to wet conditions as well as adjacent upland plant communities that directly influence the stream system. Riparian habitat areas include those riparian areas severely altered or damaged due to human development activities.
S. 
13.01.110.S.
“Scrub-shrub wetland.”
A wetland with at least thirty percent (30%) of its surface area covered by woody vegetation less than twenty (20) feet in height as the uppermost strata.
“Seismic hazard.”
Areas subject to severe risk damage as a result of seismic induced settlement, shaking, lateral spreading, surface faulting, slope failure or soil liquefaction. These conditions occur in areas underlain by soils low cohesion or density usually in association with a shallow groundwater table. Seismic hazard areas shall be defined by the Washington Department of Ecology Coastal Zone Atlas (Seismic Hazard Map prepared by GeoEngineers) as: Class U (Unstable), Class UOS (Unstable old slides), Class URS (Unstable recent slides, Class I (intermediate) and Class M (Modified) as shown in the Seismic Hazard Map.
“Species.”
Any group of animals or plants classified as a species or subspecies as commonly accepted by the scientific community.
“Species, endangered.”
Any plant, fish or wildlife species that is threatened with extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range and is listed by the state or federal government as an endangered species.
“Species, priority.”
Any plant, fish or wildlife species requiring protection measures and/or management guidelines to ensure their persistence as genetically viable population levels as classified by the Department of Fish and Wildlife, including endangered, threatened, sensitive, candidate and monitor species, and those of recreational, commercial or tribal importance.
“Species, threatened.”
Any plant, fish or wildlife species that is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout a significant portion of its range without cooperative management or removal of threats, and is listed by the state or federal government as a threatened species.
“Stream corridor.”
Perennial, intermittent or ephemeral waters included within a channel of land and its adjacent riparian zones which serves as a buffer between the aquatic and terrestrial upland ecosystems.
“Streams.”
An area where open surface water produces a defined channel or bed, not including irrigation ditches, canals, storm or surface water runoff structures or other entirely artificial watercourses, unless they are used by fish or are used to convey a naturally occurring watercourse. A channel or bed need not contain water year-round, provided there is evidence of at least intermittent flow during years of normal rainfall.
“Streams of local significance.”
Streams that contain salmon, steelhead, and bull trout.
“Subclass, wetland.”
One of the wetland subclasses in the United States Fish and Wildlife Service publication, Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States (December 1979). A subclass is based on finer distinctions in life forms and/or substrate materials. Examples of subclasses of vegetation include needle-leafed evergreen, broad-leafed evergreen, needle-leafed deciduous and broad-leafed deciduous.
T. 
13.01.110.T.
“Toe of slope.”
A distinct topographic break in slope at the lowermost limit of an area where the ground surface drops 10 feet or more vertically within a horizontal distance of 25 feet.
“Tsunami hazard areas.”
Coastal areas and large lake shoreline areas susceptible to flooding and inundation as the result of excessive wave action derived from seismic or other geologic events. Currently, no specific boundaries have been established in the City of Tacoma limits for this type of hazard area.
U. 
13.01.110.U.
“Unavoidable impacts.”
Impacts to a wetland or stream or associated buffers that will remain after project completion, when it has been demonstrated that no practicable alternatives exist, that extraordinary hardship exists or that the project is in the public interest.
V. 
13.01.110.V.
“Volcanic hazard areas.”
Areas subject to pyroclastic flows,
W. 
13.01.110.W.
“Waters of the state.”
Lakes, rivers, ponds, streams, inland water, underground waters, salt waters and all other surface waters and watercourses within the jurisdiction of the state of Washington.
“Wetland mosaic.”
An area with a concentration of multiple small wetlands, in which each patch of wetland is less than one acre; on average, patches are less than 100 feet from each other and areas delineated as vegetated wetland are more than 50% of the total area of the entire mosaic, including uplands and open water.
“Wetlands.”
Areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include small lakes, ponds, swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas. Wetlands do not include those artificial wetlands intentionally created from non-wetland sites, including but not limited to irrigation and drainage ditches, grass-lined swales, canals, detention facilities, farm ponds, and landscape amenities if routinely maintained for those purposes. Wetlands do not include those wetlands created after July 1, 1990, that were unintentionally created as a result of the construction of a road, street, or highway. However, wetlands do include those artificial wetlands intentionally created to mitigate conversion of wetlands.
“Wetlands of local significance.”
Wetlands that are of special concern to the City of Tacoma and require additional protection measures beyond that afforded to them through the buffers required for each wetland category. Wetlands of Local Significance may be nominated through a process described in the Environmental Policy Plan Element of the City of Tacoma Comprehensive Plan
“Wetland specialist.”
A person with professional work experience and training in wetland issues and with experience in performing delineations, analyzing wetland functions and values, analyzing wetland impacts, and recommending wetland mitigation and restoration. Qualifications include: (1) Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts or equivalent degree in biology, botany, environmental studies, fisheries, soil science, wildlife or related field, and two years of related professional work experience, including a minimum of one year experience delineating wetlands using the Unified Federal Manual and preparing wetland reports and mitigation plans. Additional education may substitute for one year of related work experience; or (2) Four years of related professional work experience and training, with a minimum of two years’ experience delineating wetlands using the Unified Federal Manual and preparing wetland reports and mitigation plans. The person should be familiar with the approved federal manual and applicable regional supplements for wetland delineation, the 2014 Washington State Wetlands Rating System for Western Washington (Ecology Publication #14-06-029), City of Tacoma wetland development regulations and the requirements of this chapter.
“Water resource inventory area (WRIA).”
One of sixty-two (62) watersheds in the state of Washington, each composed of the drainage areas of a stream or streams, as established in Chapter 173-5000 WAC as it existed on January 1, 1997.
X. 
13.01.110.X.
(For future use if needed.)
Y. 
13.01.110.Y.
(For future use if needed.)
Z. 
13.01.110.Z.
(For future use if needed.)
(Previously codified as 13.11.900, relocated to § 13.01.110 by Ord. 28613 Ex. G, 2019-09-24)
The terms in Chapter 13.12 Environmental Code are primarily adopted from those set forth in WAC 197-11-700 to -700. Except for the definitions below, this terminology is uniform throughout the state as applied to SEPA. These definitions are specific to this Chapter and are meant to clarify the specific terms used in SEPA review in the City. It also incorporates the following sections of the Washington Administrative Code by reference:
WAC 197-11-040
Definitions.
WAC 197-11-700
Definitions.
WAC 197-11-702
Act.
WAC 197-11-704
Action.
WAC 197-11-706
Addendum.
WAC 197-11-708
Adoption.
WAC 197-11-710
Affected tribe.
WAC 197-11-712
Affecting.
WAC 197-11-714
Agency.
WAC 197-11-716
Applicant.
WAC 197-11-718
Built environment.
WAC 197-11-720
Categorical exemption.
WAC 197-11-721
Closed record appeal.
WAC 197-11-722
Consolidated appeal.
WAC 197-11-724
Consulted agency.
WAC 197-11-726
Cost-benefit analysis.
WAC 197-11-728
County-city.
WAC 197-11-730
Decision-maker.
WAC 197-11-732
Department.
WAC 197-11-734
Determination of non-significance (DNS).
WAC 197-11-736
Determination of significance (DS).
WAC 197-11-738
EIS.
WAC 197-11-740
Environment.
WAC 197-11-742
Environmental checklist.
WAC 197-11-744
Environmental document.
WAC 197-11-746
Environmental review.
WAC 197-11-750
Expanded scoping.
WAC 197-11-752
Impacts.
WAC 197-11-754
Incorporation by reference.
WAC 197-11-756
Lands covered by water.
WAC 197-11-758
Lead agency.
WAC 197-11-760
License.
WAC 197-11-762
Local agency.
WAC 197-11-764
Major action.
WAC 197-11-766
Mitigated DNS.
WAC 197-11-768
Mitigation.
WAC 197-11-770
Natural environment.
WAC 197-11-772
NEPA.
WAC 197-11-774
Non-project.
WAC 197-11-775
Open record hearing.
WAC 197-11-776
Phased review.
WAC 197-11-778
Preparation.
WAC 197-11-780
Private project.
WAC 197-11-782
Probable.
WAC 197-11-784
Proposal.
WAC 197-11-786
Reasonable alternative.
WAC 197-11-788
Responsible official.
WAC 197-11-790
SEPA.
WAC 197-11-792
Scope.
WAC 197-11-793
Scoping.
WAC 197-11-794
Significant.
WAC 197-11-796
State agency.
WAC 197-11-797
Threshold determination.
WAC 197-11-799
Underlying governmental action.
In addition to those definitions contained within WAC 197-11-700 to 197-11-799, the following terms shall have the following meanings, and shall be applicable only to Chapter 13.12:
A. 
13.01.120.A.
“Applicant”
means the party responsible for completing the environmental checklist and requesting the environmental determination, regardless of the nature of the proposal (i.e., project or non-project action).
“Application”
means the request for an environmental determination, done in the form of the submission of an environmental checklist.
B. 
13.01.120.B.
“Battery charging station”
means an electrical component assembly or cluster of component assemblies designed specifically to charge batteries within electric vehicles, which meets or exceeds any standards, codes, and regulations set forth by Chapter 19.28 RCW and consistent with rules adopted under RCW 19.27.540.
“Battery exchange station”
means a fully automated facility that will enable an electric vehicle with a swappable battery to enter a drive lane and exchange the depleted battery with a fully charged battery through a fully automated process, which meets or exceeds any standards, codes, and regulations set forth by chapter 19.28 RCW and consistent with rules adopted under RCW 19.27.540
C. 
13.01.120.C.
“City”
means the City of Tacoma, or any department or division thereof acting in a SEPA lead agency capacity. This includes, but is not limited to, Tacoma Public Utilities and the Departments of Public Works, Environmental Services and Planning and Development Services.
D. 
13.01.120.D.
“Department”
means any division, subdivision, or organizational unit of the City established by ordinance.
E. 
13.01.120.E.
(For future use if needed.)
F. 
13.01.120.F.
(For future use if needed.)
G. 
13.01.120.G.
(For future use if needed.)
H. 
13.01.120.H.
(For future use if needed.)
I. 
13.01.120.I.
(For future use if needed.)
J. 
13.01.120.J.
(For future use if needed.)
K. 
13.01.120.K.
(For future use if needed.)
L. 
13.01.120.L.
(For future use if needed.)
M. 
13.01.120.M.
“Major transit stop.”
1. 
A stop on a high capacity transportation system funded or expanded under the provisions of chapter 81.104 RCW;
2. 
Commuter rail stops;
3. 
Stops on rail or fixed guideway systems, including transitways; or,
4. 
Stops on bus rapid transit routes or routes that run on high occupancy vehicle lanes;
5. 
Stops for a bus or other transit mode providing actual fixed route service at intervals of at least fifteen minutes for at least five hours during the peak hours of operation on weekdays; or
6. 
Stops on Transit Streets designated in TMC § 11.05.492.
N. 
13.01.120.N.
(For future use if needed.)
O. 
13.01.120.O.
(For future use if needed.)
P. 
13.01.120.P.
(For future use if needed.)
Q. 
13.01.120.Q.
(For future use if needed.)
R. 
13.01.120.R.
“Responsible official for City Government”
means the Department Director for projects initiated or processed by that department, and for the Department of Public Utilities means the Superintendent or Division Head of the respective division for projects initiated or processed by that division. Responsible official duties may be delegated to appropriate staff persons, but the respective Director or Superintendent shall approve and is responsible for the determination of Environmental Significance and the adequacy of an Environmental Impact Statement. See additional information in Section 13.12.220.
S. 
13.01.120.S.
“SEPA public information center”
means the section within the Planning and Development Services Department that performs the functions and duties as described in Section 13.12.230 of this chapter.
“SEPA rules”
means WAC Chapter 197-11 as adopted and as may be amended by the Department of Ecology.
T. 
13.01.120.T.
(For future use if needed.)
U. 
13.01.120.U.
(For future use if needed.)
V. 
13.01.120.V.
(For future use if needed.)
W. 
13.01.120.W.
(For future use if needed.)
X. 
13.01.120.X.
(For future use if needed.)
Y. 
13.01.120.Y.
(For future use if needed.)
Z. 
13.01.120.Z.
(For future use if needed.)
(Previously codified as 13.12.900 and 13.12.910, relocated to § 13.01.120 by Ord. 28613 Ex. G, 2019-09-24; Ord. 28986 Ex. D, 2024-11-19; Ord. 29042 Ex. A, 2025-06-24)
The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement of Chapter 13.15 Commute Trip Reduction:
A. 
13.01.150.A.
“Affected employee”
means a full-time employee who begins their regular work day at a single worksite covered by the Commute Trip Reduction Plan between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. (inclusive) on two or more weekdays for at least 12 continuous months. The following are excluded from the count of affected employees: (1) independent contract employees; (2) seasonal agriculture employees, including seasonal employees of processors of agricultural products; and (3) construction workers who work at a construction site with an expected duration of less than two years.
“Affected employer”
means an employer that employs 100 or more affected employees.
“Alternative commute mode”
refers to any means of commuting other than that in which the single-occupant motor vehicle is the dominant mode. Telecommuting and compressed work weeks are considered alternative commute modes if they result in the reduction of commute trips.
“Alternative work schedules”
are programs such as compressed work weeks that eliminate work trips for affected employees.
B. 
13.01.150.B.
“Base year”
means the 12-month period which commences when an employer is determined an affected employer and from which goals for commute trip reduction shall be based.
“Base year survey” or “baseline measurement”
means the survey, during the base year, of employees at an affected employer’s worksite to determine the drive alone rate and vehicle miles traveled per employee at the worksite, and is used to develop commute trip reduction goals for the employer.
C. 
13.01.150.C.
“Carpool”
means a motor vehicle occupied by 2 to 4 people of at least 16 years of age traveling together for their commute trip, resulting in the reduction of a minimum of one motor vehicle commute trip.
“Commute trip”
means a trip that is made from a worker’s home to a worksite.
“Commute trip reduction (CTR) law”
means the portion of the Clean Air Act adopted to accomplish commute trip reduction (RCW 70.94.521-551).
“Commute trip reduction (CTR) plan”
refers to the adopted City of Tacoma plan to regulate and administer the CTR programs of affected employers.
“Commute trip reduction (CTR) program”
means an employer’s strategies to reduce employees’ drive alone trips and average vehicle miles traveled per employee.
“Compressed work week”
means an alternative work schedule, in accordance with employer policy and/or along with other arrangements, that allows a full-time employee to eliminate at least one work day every two weeks by working more hours during the remaining work days, resulting in fewer commute trips by the employee.
D. 
13.01.150.D.
“Dominant mode”
means the mode of travel used for the greatest distance of a commute trip.
“Drive alone”
means a motor vehicle, including a motorcycle, occupied by one employee for commute purposes.
E. 
13.01.150.E.
“Employee transportation coordinator (ETC)”
means a designated person who is responsible for the development, implementation and monitoring of an employer’s CTR program.
“Employer”
means a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, unincorporated association, cooperative, joint venture, agency, department, district or other individual or entity, whether public, nonprofit or private, that employs workers.
“Exemption”
means a waiver from any or all CTR program requirements granted to an employer by the City of Tacoma based on unique conditions that apply to the employer or the worksite.
F. 
13.01.150.F.
“Flex-time”
is a work schedule, in accordance with employer policy and/or along with other arrangements, that allows individual employees flexibility in choosing the start and end time but not the number of working hours to facilitate the use of alternative commute modes.
“Full-time employee”
means a person, other than an independent contractor, scheduled to be employed on a continuous basis for 52 weeks per year for an average of at least 35 hours per week.
G. 
13.01.150.G.
“Good faith effort”
means that an employer has met the minimum requirements identified in RCW 70.94.534(2) and this chapter, and is working collaboratively with the City of Tacoma to continue its existing CTR program or is developing and implementing program modifications likely to result in improvements to its CTR program over an agreed upon length of time.
H. 
13.01.150.H.
(For future use if needed.)
I. 
13.01.150.I.
“Implementation” or “implement”
means active pursuit by an employer to achieve the CTR goals of the CTR Law (RCW 70.94.521-551) and this chapter.
J. 
13.01.150.J.
(For future use if needed.)
K. 
13.01.150.K.
(For future use if needed.)
L. 
13.01.150.L.
(For future use if needed.)
M. 
13.01.150.M.
“Mode”
is the means of transportation used by employees, such as single-occupant motor vehicle, rideshare vehicle (carpool, vanpool), transit, train, ferry, bicycle, walking, and alternative work schedules.
N. 
13.01.150.N.
“Newly affected employer”
refers to an employer that is not an affected employer upon the effective date of this chapter, but who becomes an affected employer subsequent to the effective date of this chapter.
O. 
13.01.150.O.
(For future use if needed.)
P. 
13.01.150.P.
“Proportion of drive alone trips” or “drive alone rate”
means the number of commute trips over a set period made by employees in single-occupant vehicles divided by the number of potential trips taken by employees working during that period.
Q. 
13.01.150.Q.
(For future use if needed.)
R. 
13.01.150.R.
“Ride matching service”
means a system which assists in matching commuters for the purpose of commuting together.
S. 
13.01.150.S.
(For future use if needed.)
T. 
13.01.150.T.
“Teleworking/telecommuting”
means the use of telephones, computers or other applicable technology to permit an employee to work from home, eliminating a commute trip, or to work from a work place closer to home, reducing the distance traveled in a commute trip by at least one half.
“Transit”
means a multiple-occupant vehicle operated on a shared-ride basis, including bus, ferry or rail.
“Transportation Management Organization/Association (TMO/TMA)”
means a group of employers or an association representing a group of employers in a defined geographic area. A TMO/TMA may represent employers within the limits of the City of Tacoma, or may have a sphere of influence that extends beyond the city limits.
U. 
13.01.150.U.
(For future use if needed.)
V. 
13.01.150.V.
“Vanpool”
means a vehicle occupied by 5 to 15 people of at least 16 years of age traveling together for their commute trip, resulting in the reduction of a minimum of one motor vehicle trip.
“Vehicle miles traveled (VMT) per employee”
means the sum of the individual vehicle commute trip lengths, in miles, made by employees over a set period, divided by the number of employees during that period.
W. 
13.01.150.W.
“Week”
means a seven-day calendar period, starting on Sunday and continuing through Saturday.
“Weekday”
means Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday.
“Worksite” or “affected employer worksite”
means a building or group of buildings on physically contiguous parcels of land or on parcels separated solely by private or public roadways or rights-of-way, and at which there are 100 or more affected employees.
“Writing,” “written,” or “in writing”
means original signed and dated documents. Facsimile (fax) and electronic transmissions are a temporary notice of action that must be followed by the original signed and dated via mail or delivery (as set forth in Chapter 13.02.060).
X. 
13.01.150.X.
(For future use if needed.)
Y. 
13.01.150.Y.
(For future use if needed.)
Z. 
13.01.150.Z.
(For future use if needed.)
(Previously codified as 13.15.020, relocated to § 13.01.150 by Ord. 28613 Ex. G, 2019-09-24; Ord. 28725 Ex. A, 2020-12-08)
For the purposes of Chapter 13.16 Concurrency Management System, the following terms are defined as:
A. 
13.01.160.A.
“Adequate”
means at or above the level of service standards specified in the current adopted Capital Facilities Program.
“Applicant”
means a person or entity who has applied for a development permit.
“Available capacity”
means capacity for a concurrency facility that currently exists for use without requiring facility construction, expansion or modification.
B. 
13.01.160.B.
C. 
13.01.160.C.
“Certificate of capacity”
means a document issued by Planning and Development Services indicating the quantity of capacity for each concurrency facility that has been reserved for a specific development project on a specific property. The document may have conditions and an expiration date associated with it.
“Concurrency facilities”
means facilities for which concurrency is required in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. They are roads, transit, potable water, electric utilities, sanitary sewer, solid waste, storm water management, law enforcement, fire, emergency medical service, schools, parks and libraries.
“Concurrency test”
means the comparison of an applicant’s impact on concurrency facilities to the capacity, including available and planned capacity, of the concurrency facilities.
D. 
13.01.160.D.
“Development permit”
means a land use or building permit. Development permits are classified as exempt, final or preliminary. Exempt permits are set out in Section 13.16.050B.
“Development permit, final”
means building permit.
“Development permit, preliminary”
means short plat, preliminary plat, reclassification, shoreline substantial development permit, shoreline substantial development/conditional use permit, site plan approval, conditional use permit, wetland or stream development permit.
E. 
13.01.160.E.
F. 
13.01.160.F.
“Facility and service provider”
means the department, district or agency responsible for providing the specific concurrency facility.
G. 
13.01.160.G.
H. 
13.01.160.H.
I. 
13.01.160.I.
J. 
13.01.160.J.
K. 
13.01.160.K.
L. 
13.01.160.L.
“Level of service standard”
means the number of units of capacity per unit of demand. The level of service standards used in concurrency tests are those standards specified in the current adopted Capital Facilities Program.
M. 
13.01.160.M.
N. 
13.01.160.N.
O. 
13.01.160.O.
P. 
13.01.160.P.
“Planned capacity”
means capacity for a concurrency facility that does not exist, but for which the necessary facility construction, expansion or modification project is contained in the current adopted Capital Facilities Program and scheduled to be completed within six years.
“Planned capacity, transportation facilities”
means capacity for transportation facilities, including roads and transit, that does not exist, but for which the necessary facility construction, expansion or modification project is contained in the current adopted Capital Facilities Program and financial commitment is in place to complete the improvements within six years.
Q. 
13.01.160.Q.
R. 
13.01.160.R.
S. 
13.01.160.S.
T. 
13.01.160.T.
U. 
13.01.160.U.
V. 
13.01.160.V.
“Vested”
means the right to develop or continue development in accordance with the laws, rules, and other regulations in effect at the time vesting is achieved.
W. 
13.01.160.W.
X. 
13.01.160.X.
Y. 
13.01.160.Y.
Z. 
13.01.160.Z.
(Previously codified as 13.16.020, relocated to § 13.01.160 by Ord. 28613 Ex. G, 2019-09-24)
For the purposes of Chapter 13.17 Residential Target Areas, the following terms are defined as:
A. 
13.01.170.A.
(For future use if needed.)
B. 
13.01.170.B.
(For future use if needed.)
C. 
13.01.170.C.
(For future use if needed.)
D. 
13.01.170.D.
“Director”
means the Director of the Planning and Development Services Department or authorized designee.
E. 
13.01.170.E.
(For future use if needed.)
F. 
13.01.170.F.
(For future use if needed.)
G. 
13.01.170.G.
(For future use if needed.)
H. 
13.01.170.H.
(For future use if needed.)
I. 
13.01.170.I.
(For future use if needed.)
J. 
13.01.170.J.
(For future use if needed.)
K. 
13.01.170.K.
(For future use if needed.)
L. 
13.01.170.L.
(For future use if needed.)
M. 
13.01.170.M.
“Mixed-use center”
means a center designated as such in the land use element of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. A mixed-use center is a compact identifiable district containing several business establishments, adequate public facilities, and a mixture of uses and activities, where residents may obtain a variety of products and services.
“Multi-unit housing”
means building(s) having four or more dwelling units designed for permanent residential occupancy resulting from new construction or rehabilitation or conversion of vacant, underutilized, or substandard buildings.
N. 
13.01.170.N.
“Neighborhood commercial node”
means any commercially zoned area depicted on the Residential Target Area map in TMC § 13.17.020.
O. 
13.01.170.O.
“Owner”
means the property owner of record.
P. 
13.01.170.P.
“Permanent residential occupancy”
means multi-unit housing that provides either rental or owner occupancy for a period of at least one month. This excludes hotels and motels that predominately offer rental accommodation on a daily or weekly basis.
Q. 
13.01.170.Q.
(For future use if needed.)
R. 
13.01.170.R.
“Rehabilitation improvements”
means modifications to existing structures that are vacant for 12 months or longer, that are made to achieve a condition of substantial compliance with existing building codes or modification to existing occupied structures which increase the number of multi-unit housing units.
“Residential target area”
means an area within a mixed-use center that has been designated by the City Council as lacking sufficient, available, desirable, and convenient residential housing to meet the needs of the public.
S. 
13.01.170.S.
(For future use if needed.)
T. 
13.01.170.T.
(For future use if needed.)
U. 
13.01.170.U.
(For future use if needed.)
V. 
13.01.170.V.
(For future use if needed.)
W. 
13.01.170.W.
(For future use if needed.)
X. 
13.01.170.X.
(For future use if needed.)
Y. 
13.01.170.Y.
(For future use if needed.)
Z. 
13.01.170.Z.
(For future use if needed.)
(Previously codified as 13.17.010, relocated to § 13.01.170 by Ord. 28613 Ex. G, 2019-09-24; Ord. 28986 Ex. D, 2024-11-19)