NEW: Download Permeable Pavement Specifications from WSDOT    

The specifications were reviewed by APWA-WA Construction Materials Committee, and the specifications have now been integrated into the Local Agency GSPs!

Solutions with Permeable Pavement

Permeable pavements are a cost-effective solution to managing stormwater when replacing failed roadways. In the last ten years, the City of Tacoma has constructed approximately 30 blocks of permeable pavement and five acres of permeable parking lot. Those projects have shown that while technology is advancing rapidly, the lack of industry standards is slowing progress.

Task Force

Industry standards are vital to the long-term success of permeable pavements in the region. To establish specifications, Tacoma formed a task force of experts from across the spectrum in permeable pavement design and construction.

Subgroups studied porous asphalt, pervious concrete, and subgrade and subbase to finalize specifications. The task force reached consensus on these specifications, recognizing that changes will be needed as technology advances.

The specifications were developed by these experts:

Future Development in Permeable Pavements

A  Google Group was established for people interested in permeable pavements. This site will be a venue to announce upcoming paving projects and to ask questions. 

NEW: The specifications were reviewed in November 2015 by APWA-WA Construction Materials Committee Specifications and have been updated. They have also been forwarded to WSDOT for review.

About These Specifications

These specifications are provided as an informational guide by the Permeable Pavement Specifications Task Force. It is still the responsibility of the licensed engineering professional to design the contract documents.