Tacoma City Code Severability Clauses

General Governance and Administration Washington 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of Washington

Severability clauses say that if one part of an ordinance is invalid, the rest stays effective. In Tacoma, Washington these clauses are included in the city code and in enacted ordinances; locating them helps residents, attorneys, and city staff understand how an invalid provision affects enforcement and remedies. Consult the consolidated Tacoma municipal code and city ordinance records to find the exact clause that applies to a specific regulation [1] and to confirm enactment history via the City Clerk [2]. For questions about enforcement or to report a possible conflict between sections, contact the City code enforcement or legal offices [3].

Where to find severability clauses

Severability language commonly appears in general provisions or at the end of specific chapters (for example, zoning, sign regulations, or licensing chapters). Search the Tacoma code for "severability" or review the ordinance that enacted the chapter to see the clause as adopted. Use the municipal code publisher for consolidated text and the City Clerk for the ordinance file and vote history [1][2].

A severability clause preserves enforceable portions of a law when one part is struck down.

Penalties & Enforcement

Severability clauses themselves do not impose penalties; they govern how other provisions remain effective if a portion is invalidated. Enforcement and penalties for municipal violations are set elsewhere in the code; where amounts or escalation rules are not shown on the cited page, this article notes that fact and points to the enforcing office.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page for severability clauses; see the specific ordinance or chapter for monetary penalties [1].
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offence ranges are not specified on the severability clause page and vary by ordinance or code section; consult the relevant chapter.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to comply, abatement, permit suspension, or court actions may be available under the applicable code sections.
  • Enforcer and inspections: code enforcement, building and permitting divisions, and the City Attorney enforce and review municipal code matters; file complaints or request inspections through official city pages [3].
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes typically include administrative review, hearings before a hearing examiner or municipal hearing body, and judicial review; specific time limits are set in the ordinance or chapter and are not specified on the severability clause page.

Applications & Forms

There is no universal application for severability determinations. Challenges, appeals, or permit variances use the forms and procedures published for the specific code chapter—search or contact the enforcing department for the correct form and submission instructions [3]. If no form is published for a particular remedy, the cited ordinance or chapter will indicate the process.

Most disputes over severability are resolved through court review or targeted amendment, not a special city form.

How severability affects enforcement in practice

When a court invalidates a particular clause, a severability clause helps the city and courts determine whether the rest of the ordinance stands. If the invalidated provision is central to the ordinance's purpose, a court may strike the entire ordinance despite a severability clause; if it is severable, enforcement continues for the unaffected provisions. Confirm the operative text and any council amendments in the consolidated code and ordinance file before acting on enforcement or compliance obligations [1][2].

FAQ

What is a severability clause?
A severability clause states that if part of a law is found invalid, the remainder remains in effect unless the remaining provisions cannot stand independently.
Where in Tacoma code will I find it?
Look in the general provisions of the Tacoma municipal code or at the end of the specific chapter or ordinance; consult the municipal code publisher and the City Clerk records for the exact language [1][2].
Who enforces the code and handles appeals?
Code enforcement divisions, permitting departments, the City Attorney, and municipal hearings bodies handle enforcement and appeals; contact details and procedures are available on city pages [3].

How-To

  1. Find the consolidated ordinance or chapter in the Tacoma municipal code and search for "severability" to read the exact clause.
  2. Locate the ordinance that enacted or amended the chapter via the City Clerk to confirm legislative history and effective dates.
  3. Contact the relevant enforcing department or the City Attorney for guidance on enforcement implications and appeals.
  4. If necessary, prepare an administrative appeal or file a judicial challenge following the procedures and time limits in the applicable ordinance or chapter.

Key Takeaways

  • Severability clauses preserve the rest of a law when one part is invalidated.
  • Always confirm clause text and enactment history in the municipal code and City Clerk records before acting.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Municode: Tacoma, WA Code of Ordinances
  2. [2] City of Tacoma: City Clerk - Ordinances
  3. [3] City of Tacoma: Code Enforcement

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data