New to Tacoma and not sure where to start with utilities, permits, and inspections? You’re not alone. The first week in a new city can feel like a maze of accounts, schedules, and paperwork. This guide gives you a simple, step-by-step plan so you can get your lights on, trash picked up, and records in order without surprises. You’ll find who to contact, what to prepare, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Let’s dive in.
Quick week-one checklist
- Set up electric and water service with Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU).
- Confirm garbage, recycling, and compost collection details with the City of Tacoma.
- Choose internet and schedule installation if needed.
- Gather documents: photo ID, proof of residency, and start date.
- Locate your main water shutoff, electrical panel, and sewer cleanout.
- Test smoke and CO alarms; ensure your address is visible from the street.
- Enroll in online accounts and billing alerts for TPU.
- Sign up for city or county emergency notifications.
- Check for open or expired permits tied to your address.
- Note contact points for the Permit Center and 311 for quick help.
Set up Tacoma Public Utilities
TPU provides electricity through Tacoma Power and potable water through Tacoma Water for many addresses in the city. Your first step is to open or transfer your account. You can usually start service online or by phone and select a start date that aligns with your move-in.
Have the following ready:
- Photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
- Proof of residency, like a lease, deed, or closing statement.
- Your preferred start date and any access notes, such as gate codes.
- Social Security number or consent for a credit check, if required for deposit decisions.
What to expect:
- Account creation is often same day. Meter turn-on or technician visits may take from same day to a few business days based on staffing and status.
- A deposit may be required for new accounts. Some deposits can be waived with an approved credit check or prior utility history.
- Enroll in TPU’s online account management to set up e-billing, autopay, and outage alerts.
Trash, recycling, and compost
The City of Tacoma manages solid waste, recycling, and yard waste services for most addresses, either directly or through contracted haulers. Your pickup schedule and container setup may vary by neighborhood, so confirm your service details rather than assuming they carry over from a previous address.
Key steps:
- Look up your collection day and container rules, including acceptable materials and overflow limits.
- Request bulky item pickup in advance, especially during high-demand times.
- Review yard waste and organics guidelines so your first pickup is not rejected.
- For hazardous waste and electronics, follow the city’s instructions for safe drop-off or special handling.
- If you live in an HOA, check rules for dumpsters, bulk trash, or landscaping debris to avoid fines.
Pro tip: Put sticky notes on your calendar for your first two collection days. It helps you learn the cadence quickly and avoid overfilling.
Safety checks in your first week
Spend an hour on home safety to prevent headaches later:
- Find and test the main water shutoff valve and label it clearly.
- Locate the electrical panel and reset a breaker to confirm it functions.
- Identify the sewer cleanout location for future plumbing needs.
- Test smoke and CO alarms and replace batteries if needed.
- Make sure house numbers are visible from the street for emergency services.
Set up digital accounts and alerts
Create your TPU online profile to manage billing, enroll in paperless statements, and receive outage and usage alerts. Then, sign up for City of Tacoma or Pierce County emergency notifications for weather, flood, or other advisories. While you’re at it, file a USPS mail forwarding request and update your address with your bank, insurance, and healthcare providers.
Find permits and property records
Before you settle in, confirm your home’s permit and inspection history. This helps you avoid issues with unfinished work and clarifies what has been legally permitted.
Where to start:
- City of Tacoma online permit/records portal: Search by address or parcel number for building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and land-use permits. Look for PDFs or attachments such as approved plans, inspection logs, and final approvals.
- City GIS or property search: These tools usually display parcel and zoning data and can show overlays for permits or inspections.
- Pierce County Assessor: Use the parcel search to confirm the legal description, tax parcel ID, and current assessed values.
- Pierce County Recorder: Check recorded documents such as deeds, easements, covenants, and maps.
If you cannot find what you need online, contact the City’s Permit Center. Staff can help you pull older paper files or larger plan sets that are not digitized.
About DART-style records:
- Some agencies use a Development Activity or Document Access and Retrieval Tool to display scans of permits, plans, inspections, and code actions. The City’s portal name can change over time, so ask the Permit Center if a DART-style portal exists and how to access it.
What to look for:
- Open or expired permits that were never finaled.
- Records of major system work, such as roof replacement, electrical service upgrades, or sewer and water line repairs.
- Easements, covenants, or right-of-way notes that affect future projects.
- Any floodplain or shoreline designations that may impact improvements.
If records are missing:
- File a public records request with the City Clerk or the department that holds the files. Expect processing time and possible duplication fees.
Schedule inspections for projects
If you plan to remodel or finish projects, you may need inspections. Common inspection types include building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, water and sewer connection checks, and right-of-way work like driveway or sidewalk changes.
How to schedule:
- Use the City’s online permit portal to request inspections and choose windows when available.
- If the portal is not accessible, call the Permit Center or inspections line. Have your permit number, address, and requested inspection type ready.
- Lead times range from same day to several business days. Afternoon requests often roll to the next business day.
How to prepare:
- Keep approved plans and the permit placard on site. Post the placard where it is visible from the street.
- Do not cover any work that needs rough inspections. Leave framing, wiring, and plumbing exposed until cleared.
- Ensure safe access, unlock gates, and secure pets.
- Inspectors compare field work to approved plans and code. Common corrections include flashing details, nail spacing, electrical connections, venting, and stair or guardrail heights.
After your inspection:
- You’ll receive a list of corrections if anything fails. Complete fixes and schedule a reinspection.
- Keep your approval letter or final inspection sign-off. Finaled permits help with resale disclosures and insurance.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Assuming garbage schedules are the same citywide. Pickup days and haulers can vary by address.
- Overlooking open or expired permits on your new home. These can impact future projects or resale.
- Waiting to set up internet. Some addresses require technician visits with multi-day lead times.
- Not locating your shutoff valves or panel. In a small leak or outage, minutes matter.
Timelines and expectations
- Utility account creation: same day to 3 business days. Field work can take longer if crews are required.
- Permit searches: instant for digitized files. Older paper files may take several business days to retrieve.
- Inspection scheduling: same day to several business days, depending on season and workload.
- Public records requests: small requests can take days; larger or archived sets can take weeks.
Keep these documents handy
- Lease, deed, or closing statement.
- TPU account numbers and e-billing confirmations.
- Finaled permits and inspection records.
- Sewer or septic documents and water quality tests, if applicable.
- Seller disclosures and repair invoices.
Who to contact in Tacoma
- Tacoma Public Utilities for starting, stopping, or transferring electric and water service.
- City of Tacoma Environmental Services for garbage, recycling, yard waste, bulky items, and hazardous waste guidance.
- City of Tacoma Permit Center for permit applications, records searches, and inspection scheduling.
- City 311 for non-emergency service requests and department referrals.
- Pierce County Assessor and Recorder for parcel data, assessed values, deeds, easements, and recorded maps.
- City Clerk for public records requests when documents are not available online.
Ready to make your Tacoma move smoother? If you want a local, step-by-step plan for neighborhoods, timing, and property strategy, book a call with Catt for no-pressure guidance tailored to your move.
FAQs
How do I start Tacoma utilities if I arrive this weekend?
- You can usually open TPU accounts online or by phone the same day. Field activation or a technician visit may take from same day to a few business days, so request your start date as early as possible.
How do I find my Tacoma trash pickup day?
- Check the City of Tacoma’s solid waste information for your address-specific collection schedule, container rules, and service guidelines. Do not assume your day matches your neighbor’s.
What is a DART-style permit record in Tacoma?
- DART is a general term for a public records portal that stores scanned permits, plans, and inspections. Ask the City’s Permit Center which online portal to use, since platform names can change.
How do I check if my home has open permits?
- Search the City’s permit portal by address or parcel number. Look for permits that are marked open or expired and review inspection histories for final approvals.
How do I schedule an inspection for a small remodel?
- Use the online permit portal to request inspections and choose a time window, or call the Permit Center with your permit number, address, and inspection type. Lead times vary by season.
What if I cannot find older permits online?
- Contact the Permit Center to request paper files. If documents are still unavailable, file a public records request with the City Clerk or the relevant department.
