Right of way is typically an easement over real property for purposes of utilities or public travel. Real property is parceled land.

The more formal definitions are:

• The public right of way is typically an easement over the land of the abutting property owner. According to our TMC 8.30.020, public right of way includes the area of land, the right to possession of which is secured by the City for right-of-way purposes and includes the traveled portion of the public streets and alleys, as well as the border area, which includes, but is not limited to, any sidewalks, planting strips, traffic circles, or medians.
• Real Property is parceled land.

No, they are not surplus. The City maintains non-surplus properties that are identified to be necessary for municipal and/or utility operations. While some property may appear to be vacant or unused, there are most often uses on the site, which are not visible. These include stormwater treatment and mitigation, tree canopy requirements, underground utilities and wetland preservation. Some also have future public purpose for services, such as utility expansions.

The City’s only objective in owning real property is to use that property for public service or necessity. In the rare event we no longer need a property for public purpose, the City will declare that property surplus to our needs and may dispose of the property.

The City uses the term surplus to describe property when there is no longer an identified, present or future need or use for the real property. It is rare for real property owned by the City to become surplus.

No. City properties are necessary for municipal and/or utility operations. While some property may appear to be vacant or unused, there are most often uses on the site, which are not visible. These include stormwater treatment and mitigation, tree canopy requirements, underground utilities and wetland preservation. Some also have future public purpose for services, such as utility expansions.

In the rare event we no longer need a property for public purpose, the City will declare that property surplus to our needs and may dispose of the property.

If a property is declared surplus, the City has policies and processes for disposition of both General Government and Tacoma Public Utility Properties.

The City must adhere to City, State and Federal regulations regarding the disposition of public property. The City is prohibited from gifting public funds. The only exceptions at law are transfers between government entities and transfers for affordable housing developments. For no cost transfers for affordable housing purposes, there are both legal and policy requirements which must be strictly adhered to in order to retain the property once it is transferred.

The City has three established processes for disposing of City-owned real property:

1. Direct negotiated disposition
2. Request for proposal process
3. Bid sale to the highest bidder

It depends. The City owns properties that are used for libraries, public parks, campgrounds and walking trails are free for use by residents and visitors. The City also owns buildings that are open to the public for conducting City business, such as the Tacoma Municipal Building, Tacoma Recovery and Transfer Center and Tacoma Public Utilities Headquarters; services in these buildings are open during regular business hours for the public. Properties like the Tacoma Dome, the Convention Center, vacant land or office spaces require paid rental, lease or license. The majority of properties owned by the City are not available for public use as they are required for operational uses.