Right of Way: Lane and Street Closures
TMC 10.22.050
Any project occurring in City of Tacoma Right of Way which involves activities that will impede the normal flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic requires a Road Use (aka Barricade) Permit, Right of Way Bond and an approved Traffic Control Plan that must be submitted before a permit is issued.
Permits can be obtained from The City of Tacoma at tacomapermits.org or by visiting Planning and Development Services located at 747 Market Street, 3rd Floor, Monday through Friday between 9 AM and 3 PM. If you need more information about permits, please call Planning and Development Services at (253) 591-5030.
Traffic Control Plans
TMC 10.22.140
When construction, repair or maintenance work is to be conducted within City of Tacoma Right of Way, an approved Traffic Control Plan is required. The objective of a Traffic Control Plan (TCP) is to permit the contractor to maintain a safe work zone and keep both traffic and pedestrians moving safely. Both construction work and the public must be given equal consideration when developing a TCP. Attention must be given to all aspects of travel (vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians) through the work zone.
The TCP shall be consistent with the provisions found in The City of Tacoma’s Traffic Control Handbook and The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and must be submitted to the Public Works Department/ Traffic Engineering Section at least five working days prior to the start of work.
When parking lanes are to be closed per the approved TCP, temporary “No Parking” signs are required to be independently procured and set in place at least 72 hours in advance (72 hours in advance for business/commercial areas). The message on the temporary signs shall indicate the date and duration of the parking restriction as approved on the TCP, as well as project contact information.
An approved traffic control plan and permit shall be posted at the work location for review by City officials.
Policy for Placement of Dumpsters and Storage Containers in the Public Right of Way
A Road Use Permit must be secured before the object is placed within the City Right of Way.
Dumpster/container must be marked with company name and phone number, be positioned 30 feet from stop signs, 20 feet from nearest edge of marked/unmarked crosswalk and at least 15 feet away from a fire hydrant.
Dumpster/container may not block or encroach into through vehicle traffic or block/encroach on pedestrian traffic.
Reflective warning signs, traffic cones, temporary (or permanent) reflective tape must be placed on or near the dumpster.
Owners of dumpsters/containers are responsible for reimbursing the City for any damage caused by the dumpster/container to City property including pavement, curbs, sidewalk, trees and grass area.
View the Tacoma Traffic Control Handbook here.