Concrete Services in Tacoma
Tacoma's housing stock is old by Pacific Northwest standards. College Park's period of significance runs from 1890 to 1960, when most of its homes were built; the South J Street homes went up in 1889 and 1890; Stadium/Seminary holds high-style homes from the late 19th to the early 20th century; and the North Slope and the Wedge are pre-World War II neighborhoods. On lots like these, original foundations, steps, walks, and retaining walls are often the first concrete to need attention.
Concrete topics for Tacoma homeowners
Popular Concrete Services in Tacoma
Historic districts and design review
Tacoma has nine historic districts: Buckley's Addition, College Park, North Slope, Old City Hall, Salmon Beach, South J Street, Stadium/Seminary, Union Depot/Warehouse, and the Wedge Neighborhood. In the North Slope Historic District, exterior changes that require building permits also require design review by the Landmarks Preservation Commission, and any exterior work on a City Landmark that is visible from the public right-of-way needs design review as well.
Slopes, shorelines, and critical areas
Tacoma regulates geologically hazardous areas and frequently flooded areas under TMC Chapter 13.11, Critical Areas Preservation, and the city's critical areas program points to keeping trees on a steep slope as a way to prevent landslides. Close to the water, a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit is generally required for development within 200 feet of the ordinary high water mark, and exempt projects still need a letter of exemption from the city.
Permits in Tacoma
Planning and Development Services at 747 Market Street issues permits, and select permits can be applied for online through the Tacoma Permits portal. In the street, no one may grade, pave, alter, construct, repair, remove, or excavate pavement without a written permit from the Director. Sidewalk and driveway repair or installation in the right-of-way requires a ROW bond, and with few exceptions the work must be done by a licensed contractor with an active $15,000 ROW bond on file with the city.
On private property, driveways and sidewalks no more than 30 inches above adjacent grade are exempt from a building permit, as are on-grade patios up to a cumulative 2,000 square feet. A site development permit is triggered by more than 50 cubic yards of cut or fill, 2,000 square feet or more of new or replaced hard surface, or 7,000 square feet or more of land disturbance. A retaining wall is exempt only when it is 4 feet or less from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, has flat ground above and below, carries no surcharge, and sits on private property.
Tacoma concrete FAQs
Do I need a permit to replace a sidewalk or driveway approach in Tacoma?
Yes. Tacoma requires a written permit to grade, pave, alter, repair, remove, or excavate pavement in the right-of-way, and sidewalk and driveway repair or installation there requires a ROW bond. With few exceptions, the work must be done by a licensed contractor with an active $15,000 ROW bond on file with the city.
When does a retaining wall need a permit in Tacoma?
Tacoma exempts a retaining wall only if it is 4 feet or less from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, has flat ground on both the upper and lower sides, does not support a surcharge from a driveway, building, or fence, and is built on private property.
Does concrete work in a Tacoma historic district need design review?
It can. In the North Slope Historic District, exterior changes that require building permits also require design review, and so does any exterior work on a City Landmark that is visible from the public right-of-way. The Landmarks Preservation Commission handles the review.
Nearby service areas
We also pour, repair, and replace concrete in the communities around Tacoma:
Call (206) 552-9998 for a free on-site estimate in Tacoma and nearby Pierce County communities.
