Comprehensive Plan

What's New
Posted below is the Comprehensive Plan, as amended in June 2012 (amendments adopted on June 12, 2012, effective on July 1, 2012). 

To view the amendments made, click on Document C - Record of Changes (2012) below, or go to 2012 Annual Amendment.

To update your 3-ring binder of the Comprehensive Plan that was last updated in 2011, print this document: Comp Plan 3-ring Binder Update Packet (from 2011 to 2012).  

About the Comprehensive Plan
Tacoma's Comprehensive Plan is the City's official statement concerning future growth and development.  It sets forth goals, policies and strategies to protect the health, welfare, safety and quality of life of Tacoma's residents. 

The Comprehensive Plan is adopted pursuant to the authority conferred by the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA) and Title 13 of the Tacoma Municipal Code.  Development and oversight of the Comprehensive Plan and implementing regulations are the primary responsibility of the Planning Commission.  The Plan is used by the City Council and City officials to guide land use, development and capital facility decisions.

The Comprehensive Plan is subject to continuous review, evaluation and modification to remain relevant and to respond to changing circumstances.  GMA allows the Comprehensive Plan generally to be amended only once each year (see "Annual Amendments").

The Comprehensive Plan consists of 26 elements, of which the first 15 elements are in chapter format designed for compilation in a 3-ring binder and the rest are stand-alone documents.