City of Tacoma Launches Pilot Program to Fast-Track 'Missing Middle' Housing

~ The City of Tacoma is taking steps to address the housing shortage and affordability crisis by launching a one-year pilot program in January 2026. The program aims to expedite the permitting and delivery of "middle housing" developments, which are residential projects with seven to 20 units or townhome subdivisions consisting of 10 to 20 homes.

This initiative is an expansion of the City's existing permitting framework for smaller residential projects and is in line with their Home in Tacoma policy goals. The City has identified these types of projects as the "missing middle," which bridges the gap between single-family detached homes and large-scale multifamily developments.

To speed up the process for these projects, the City will be implementing a model that has been successful for developments with six units or less. This includes consolidating permitting authority within the Planning & Development Services Department and utilizing a dedicated staff review team. This streamlined structure aims to address complex code intersections and conflicts between right-of-way improvements and site amenities.

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The pilot program also places a strong emphasis on the quality of initial applications to eliminate delays. It offers free pre-application meetings and introduces a mandatory pre-submittal checklist to ensure all applications are "intake ready" upon submission.

To further support this process, a dedicated project coordinator will work closely with applicants from the feasibility phase through permit issuance. This approach provides developers with a single point of contact and consistent continuity throughout the project's lifecycle.

In addition to process changes, the City is investing in creating pre-approved townhouse building plans, which are expected to be released by the end of 2026. These pre-vetted designs aim to reduce engineering and design costs for developers while significantly shortening review times.

The pilot program also incorporates data-driven accountability measures. New tracking enhancements will allow the City to measure every phase of the review process, providing data to identify specific bottlenecks and assess which improvements yield the best long-term results.

More information about the pilot program can be found on the City's website. This initiative is a significant step towards addressing the housing crisis in Tacoma and providing more affordable options for residents. The City hopes that this pilot program will serve as a model for other cities facing similar challenges.

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