The City of Tacoma regularly updates its Stormwater Management Manual (previously called the Surface Water Management Manual) to comply with the most recent National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, to clarify information and to incorporate updated policies.
If you have questions or concerns about the Stormwater Management Manual or don't know which version of the manual is applicable to your project, please contact Environmental Services at (253) 591-5760.
2021 Stormwater Management Manual (SWMM)
The July 2021 Stormwater Management Manual is applicable to the following projects:
- All complete applications submitted one or after July 1, 2021.
- All complete applications submitted prior to November 24, 2015 that have not started construction by July 1, 2021. **Even if a construction permit has been approved and issued.**
- All complete applications submitted prior to July 1, 2021 that have not started construction by July 1, 2026.
Stormwater Management Manual WebBook
The City Hosted Training Sessions on "How to Successfully Complete a Stormwater Site Plan"
A full day training session, held on June 15 and 23, 2021, focused on larger projects that trigger Minimum Requirements #1-9. This training targets individuals who develop stormwater site plans for larger projects (commercial, multi-family, plats, etc.) such as project engineers, consultants, and other interested parties.
A half-day training session, June 16 and 22, 2021, focused on smaller project that trigger only Minimum Requirements #1-5. This training targets individuals who develop Stormwater Site Plans for smaller projects such as single-family residences or very small commercial (between 2,000 and 5,000 sf new plus replaced hard surfaces).
Training Materials
Full Day Recorded Trainings – Coming Soon
Full Day Powerpoint Only
Full Day Stormwater Site Plan Example
Full Day Soils Report Example
Half Day Recorded Training
Half Day Powerpoint Only
Half Day Stormwater Site Plan Example
Half Day Operation and Maintenance Manual Example
If you have any questions please email swmupdates@cityoftacoma.org.
2016 Stormwater Management Manual (SWMM)
In July 2016, the Stormwater Management Manual (SWMM) was updated to clarify requirements and fix text errors throughout the document. The 2016 Errata Overview shows all changes made to the manual in redline form. The July 2016 version of the SWMM is applicable to projects vested beginning August 1, 2016.
January 2016 SWMM
The January 2016 version of the Stormwater Management Manual is applicable to projects vested beginning January 7, 2016 to August 1, 2016.
Related Documents
2016 Public Training Presentation
Payment In-Lieu of Construction Program
Tip Sheet for Payment In-Lieu of Construction Program - Gravel Pit
City of Tacoma Regional Stormwater Facility Plan (June 2016)
City of Tacoma Regional Stormwater Facility Plan - Attachment 1: Flett Creek Watershed (August 2017)
City of Tacoma Regional Stormwater Facility Plan – Attachment 2: Thea Foss Watershed (May 2018)
The City of Tacoma is currently in the design phase for a project that will alter the drainage basin for
the Thea Foss Basin. This may affect which new development projects can participate in the program.
Before completing an application for inclusion in the Thea Foss Program for a new development project
contact Mieke Hoppin (mhoppin@cityoftacoma.org) to ensure that the project can utilize the program.
Application For Payment In-Lieu of Construction Program – Gravel Pit
Application for Payment In-Lieu of Construction Program – Foss Facilities
Voluntary Agreement and Covenant – Gravel Pit
Voluntary Agreement and Covenant – Foss Facilities
If you wish to receive Stormwater Management Manual updates and stormwater policy information, please fill out the online form on the bottom of the page.
2012 Stormwater Management Manual
The 2012 Stormwater Management Manual is applicable to projects vested beginning February 1, 2012 to January 7, 2016.
The Errata documents below show changes or edits to the 2012 SWMM after February 1, 2012.
Errata to Volume 3 and Glossary (August 27, 2013)
Errata to Volume 3-Chapter 1 (April 4, 2012)
Errata to Volume 3-Chapter 10 and Volume 5-Chapter 3 (April 29, 2012)
Errata to Volume 3-Chapter 5 and Chapter 9 (October 30, 2012
Related Documents
2012 Training Workshop Presentation
2008 Surface Water Management Manual
The 2008 Surface Water Management Manual is only applicable to projects vested beginning September 22, 2008 and ending January 31, 2012.
2003 Surface Water Management Manual
The 2003 Surface Water Management Manual is only applicable to projects vested prior to September 22, 2008.
Policy Updates
Policy Updates for all SWMM
Use of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement Millings and Recycled Concrete Aggregate - Environmental Services Directive ESD16-1 (August 15, 2016)
Oil Water Separator Policy - (Rescind 2021)
South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District Infiltration Policy (January 9, 2017)
Policy Updates for 2012 SWMM
Stormwater Facility Maintenance Standards (June 2015)
Infrastructure Protection Requirement (July 30, 2014)
Minimum Requirement #5 Roof Downspout Control Selection (August 13, 2013)
Infiltration Trench Sizing (August 13, 2013)
New Impervious Surface Definition (August 7, 2013)
Bituminous Surface Treatment Definition (June 19, 2013)
Policy Updates for 2008 SWMM
Revision to Detention Practices for the Leach Creek Watershed (January 28, 2009)
Proprietary Device Policy - (Rescind 2021)
Revision to Detention Practices for Flett Creek Watershed (May 13, 2008)
Subscribe to Policy Updates
If you wish to receive Stormwater Management Manual updates and stormwater policy information related to site development, please provide the applicable contact information below.
Our primary distribution method for updates will be through email. If a valid email is not provided, the majority of information will not be received.