Home in Tacoma: New Updates and What They Mean for Discerning Property Owners in 2025
It’s about to get real.
Tacoma’s latest updates to the Home in Tacoma initiative are changing the landscape once again, and it’s not just about zoning rules or density requirements. This is a unique opportunity for Tacoma’s most savvy property owners, seasoned developers, and visionary investors to shape their spaces with purpose and depth. In fact, the new amendments add just the right amount of flexibility for those of us who aren’t looking for just another development project—but something extraordinary.
If you’re ready to elevate your property, let’s dive into the latest updates to Home in Tacoma (HIT), how they create fresh potential, and what they mean for the high-standard homeowner or developer.
The Refined Vision of Tacoma: Zoning, Design, and a Touch of Luxury
Home in Tacoma has always had a forward-thinking edge to alleviate the city’s housing shortage, from its Phase 1 zoning changes to the more recent 2024 updates. This second phase, HIT 2, fine-tunes the city’s Urban Residential (UR) zoning, with new options to create multifamily housing that doesn’t just look like any housing but rather feels like a natural, artful extension of the neighborhood.
Updates to Tacoma’s Urban Residential Zones
With HIT 2, the new zoning map has been sharpened, with each UR zone better aligned to fit its neighborhood’s unique character. For instance:
UR-1 Zones now give property owners a broader canvas to work on with up to four units per lot—perfect for those considering adding an elegant duplex.
UR-2 and UR-3 Zones: Strategically updated, UR-2 now applies to certain mid-scale locations, while high-density UR-3, which supports the greatest design flexibility.
These nuanced updates in Tacoma’s zoning map make way for multi-unit projects that were not possible in the current zoning.
If your vision includes creating something as refined as it is functional, these new opportunities are worth exploring.
How Tacoma’s Affordability Bonuses Elevate Your Project
Tacoma’s commitment to accessibility and affordability isn’t about cramping style but about adding value in surprising ways. HIT 2’s updated affordability incentives provide meaningful options for increasing density and flexibility if you’re open to including affordable housing units in your development.
New Density Bonuses: By reserving 20% of units as affordable (for a minimum of 50 years), you gain the option to increase your unit count—and make the most out of your available lot space. These density bonuses make higher density, high-design projects in UR-2 and UR-3 zones feasible without losing the elegance of single-family character. A creative design that pencils could make this a win for developers and renters alike.
Fee-in-Lieu Options: For those who prioritize high-style execution, Tacoma now offers a “fee-in-lieu” option, allowing developers to pay into a fund for affordable housing if they prefer not to designate units on-site. Tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), this contribution option offers both flexibility and a meaningful way to support Tacoma’s housing vision.
For the astute property owner, these affordability incentives offer a dual benefit: enhancing the financial feasibility of your project and aligning with Tacoma’s socially conscious growth.
Tree Preservation: Luxury in Harmony with Nature
True luxury never compromises on environmental impact. Tacoma’s updated HIT 2 zoning shows that even in urban settings, green space is achievable, sustainable, and timelessly elegant.
Tree Canopy Coverage: Every project must include tree canopy coverage (10-20%, depending on the zone) as a built-in measure to preserve Tacoma’s urban forest. For high-density areas, the city’s Tree Credit Fee lets you offset this requirement when on-site planting is a challenge. However, for those with an eye for natural elegance, integrating trees into the project could be an asset rather than an obstacle.
Flexible Solutions for Mature Trees: If the tree preservation requirement feels restrictive, Tacoma now offers a solution: relocate or replace larger trees within the same watershed. Whether you replant on-site or nearby, this approach lets you meet environmental standards while maintaining flexibility.
There’s nothing like old growth trees. For the conscientious property owner, these green-building options make the integration of nature and structure an intrinsic part of each space. Imagine creating a residential project that breathes with the presence of natural canopy—sophisticated, grounded, and enduring.
Pedestrian Accessibility and Adjusted Parking: A Walkable Tacoma Awaits
HIT 2’s latest updates are driven by a commitment to walkable, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. The reduced parking requirements in key areas and accessibility amendments aim to preserve Tacoma’s charm while making room for development.
Refined Parking Requirements: Parking ratios in UR zones are lighter than in traditional single-family areas, prioritizing a walkable, transit-focused community. For example, UR-1 requires only one stall per unit, while higher-density UR-3 zones only require 0.5 stalls per unit. Less parking means more room for inspired design that brings out the best of each site.
Three-Year Parking Study: Responding to concerns about parking scarcity, the city has implemented a three-year study to assess parking needs in high-density areas, particularly in transit-accessible neighborhoods. This study allows Tacoma’s urban plan to evolve thoughtfully, supported by real-time data.
In areas where every square foot counts, these refined parking standards and pedestrian-focused designs give property owners and developers a remarkable opportunity to create dynamic, space-efficient properties that appeal to modern urban tastes.
Unit Lot Subdivisions: A Smart Path to Ownership and Investment
With Tacoma’s Unit Lot Subdivision (ULS) amendment, those who prioritize ownership flexibility have new ways to invest. ULS makes it possible to separate ownership in multi-unit properties, while still maintaining shared spaces for utilities and maintenance. This opens up new possibilities for townhouses, rowhouses, and other forms of middle housing while allowing each unit to feel uniquely its own.
For property owners, the opportunity to subdivide means expanding property potential and market appeal, particularly for high-value buyers who prioritize both individuality and community.
Key Takeaways for the Savvy Property Owner
If you’re a property owner, developer, or discerning investor with a high standard for quality and detail, Tacoma’s latest zoning adjustments offer a promising path forward:
Study Your Zone: Each UR zone has its own set of development options—understand what’s possible for your property and consider the design potential of Tacoma’s latest amendments.
Think Beyond Parking: With reduced parking requirements, you can dedicate more land to landscaping, outdoor living, and creative design solutions.
Make the Most of Affordability Bonuses: HIT 2’s incentives are structured to reward elegant, socially conscious designs that align with Tacoma’s broader community goals.
Integrate Trees as Design Assets: Meeting canopy requirements doesn’t have to be a chore—it can be an integral part of a luxurious landscape design that stands out in the market.
Explore Unit Lot Subdivision for Broader Ownership Appeal: ULS lets you add ownership flexibility, ideal for buyers interested in owning multi-unit properties without sacrificing privacy or independence.
Final Thought: Shape the Future with Tacoma’s New Zoning Vision
In a city that’s evolving at a rapid pace, Home in Tacoma isn’t just about growth; it’s an invitation to create meaningful spaces. For homeowners and developers who see the potential in Tacoma’s rich landscape, this zoning evolution provides an unprecedented opportunity to craft properties that harmonize elegance with livability.
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