To help in planning or permitting a project, Planning and Development Services (PDS) provides many resources to help. To receive formal feedback or preliminary reviews and responses, PDS provides Pre-development Review options. For more information on these services, please review our Pre-application Requests tip sheet.
Virtual Customer Meetings
You can now also book free virtual counter appointments to get direct assistance from a Planning and Development Services representative, who will be able to answer basic questions about the City of Tacoma zoning, building, and development requirements for permitting.
You can schedule a virtual counter appointment online, choosing from available meeting times and services. All appointments are conducted using Microsoft Teams.
Before the Meeting
- Meetings are intended to be 15-20 minutes
- Organize and plan for your virtual counter appointment and be prepared with all your questions in advance.
- Have a computer, tablet or smartphone ready with internet access.
- The use of webcams during the virtual counter appointment is optional.
- If you would prefer to have a discussion with Planning and Development Services Staff over the phone rather than a virtual meeting, please note that in your request and staff will reach out to you for scheduling.
- As the virtual counter appointments will be conducted using Microsoft Teams, please familiarize yourself with this virtual meeting platform. See Virtual Meetings tip sheet.
During the Meeting
- During the virtual counter appointment, PDS representatives will be able to share their computer screen.
- If you have preliminary/conceptual plans, you can share your computer screen and electronic project documents during the virtual counter appointment.
- You will not be able to email files before, during or after meetings.
- Permits will not be issued as a result of the virtual meeting held with staff. Permit applications can be submitted online using our Permitting Portal (ACA).
- Because this meeting is informal, notes will not be provided by staff and it is recommended that the meeting requestor keep their own meeting notes
For general feedback on the permitting process for larger projects and assistance with:
– Pre-development review options
– Initial project feasibility
– Online tools
For residential projects (single and two-family dwellings, and accessory dwelling units), general information about:
– Building Code
– Traffic
– Off-site improvements
– Sanitary/storm sewer regulations
For general building code information about buildings and structures for all occupancies other than single and two-family dwellings (commercial, industrial, multi-family buildings, etc.).
– Building life safety (exiting, egress, accessibility)
– Structural
– Building systems (plumbing, mechanical, energy)
For general land use and zoning information about:
– Zoning required setbacks and height limits
– Property research
– When a land use permit is required and understanding the process
– Finding permit information or public notice information
– Subdividing property and understanding the process
– When SEPA (State Environmental Policy Act) is required
– How a property can be used
– Information about critical areas
