Destination Downtown is a comprehensive strategy to help orchestrate the future development of downtown Tacoma. The strategy includes both goals and policies and a zoning code that builds on the basics of good urban design, desirable housing, efficient transportation, and enjoyable open space.
The intent is to create a lively downtown setting to attract a variety of residents, including urban professionals, artists and families. Providing interesting, attractive housing is the first link in a chain that brings services such as retail stores and restaurants, fulfilling the daily needs of residents. The goal is to have 2,010 new downtown housing units by the year 2010. The vision is for a healthy mix of housing types – condominiums, apartments, studios, and live/work spaces for families, couples, students and artists. By making downtown home to more people, an important step is taken in animating the streets, plazas, and parks of downtown.
Zoning regulations are organized around four downtown districts, each with base requirements for floor-area ratio, height and parking. The regulations are quite a departure from other codes that define zones by intended uses. A voluntary design review process allows more flexibility in the regulations in exchange for good design and results in buildings that better fit their physical surroundings.
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