Nothing reported in Tacoma City yet
Who decides here: the City Council of Tacoma City votes on zoning. The Pierce County may review big projects too.
Local votes and rules
⏸️ Pause on new data centers · Pierce County
Pierce County Council passed an emergency ordinance (No. 2026-577), 6-1, that blocks filing, review or approval of permits for new or bigger data centers over 10 megawatts in unincorporated Pierce County for up to one year. A public hearing is set for Oct. 20, 2026, at 3 p.m. in the Council Chambers in Tacoma.
📌 Other
Tacoma's planning department issued an official reading of the zoning code (a Director's Interpretation) that says stand-alone data centers cannot be permitted under current zoning. Two at-large council members said the Planning Commission could help write a full code change if needed.
What you can do
- Get told first.
We'll email you if anything changes in Tacoma City. - Go to council meetings.
Anyone can speak. Big projects usually need a public hearing. - Ask questions in writing.
Use our checklist.
🔔 Get told first
⚡ Your electric company
Depending on where you live in Tacoma City: City of Tacoma (run by the town) or Peninsula Light Company (co-op (owned by its members)) or Bonneville Power Administration (public).
Big data centers need a lot of power. Who pays for new power lines depends on state rules. See the rules in Washington.