Tacoma: Request Crosswalk or School Zone Signage

Transportation Washington 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of Washington

In Tacoma, Washington, residents and organizations can request new crosswalks or school zone signage through the City’s traffic engineering process. This guide explains who reviews requests, what information to submit, expected steps and timelines, enforcement contacts, and how appeals work. Use the city evaluation to understand engineering criteria and safety studies that guide installations. If you represent a school, PTA, or neighborhood group, collect maps, photos and pedestrian counts to support your request and follow the submission instructions below.

How requests are evaluated

Tacoma Public Works’ Traffic Engineering evaluates crossing and school zone signage requests based on engineering standards, observed pedestrian activity, proximity to schools, available sight lines, and traffic speeds. A site visit and data collection (counts, speed measurements) are typically part of the review. For submission details, use the Traffic Engineering request page Traffic Engineering[1]. The municipal code that governs traffic regulations is maintained in the city code repository Tacoma Municipal Code[2].

Penalties & Enforcement

Tacoma enforces traffic controls and signage through Traffic Engineering and Tacoma Police Department traffic units. Specific monetary fines for improperly altering, removing, or tampering with traffic signs or for violating posted school zone speed limits are either listed in the municipal code or handled as traffic infractions; the cited code pages should be consulted for exact amounts.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; refer to the municipal code for current fine schedules.[2]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offences - not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, mandatory corrective actions, or court proceedings can be used when signs are falsified or tampered with; specific remedies are not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer: Tacoma Public Works - Traffic Engineering and Tacoma Police Department traffic units; complaints and reports start with Traffic Engineering or Police non-emergency contacts.[1]
  • Appeals & review: formal appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited pages; contact Traffic Engineering for procedural steps and deadlines.[1]
Contact Traffic Engineering early to confirm required data before submitting a request.

Applications & Forms

Traffic Engineering provides an online request process and contact methods on its service page; specific form names or numbered applications are not published on the cited page. If you represent a school, include site maps, proposed sign locations, photos, and pedestrian counts when you submit.

Action steps to request signage

  1. Document the location: exact address, nearest intersection, and reason for the request.
  2. Collect evidence: photos, pedestrian counts, school crossing schedules, and any crash history if available.
  3. Submit the request via the Traffic Engineering page or contact their office to ask for the formal evaluation process.[1]
  4. Site evaluation: Traffic Engineering conducts field checks and may perform speed or volume studies.
  5. Decision and installation: if approved, the City schedules installation; fee information is not specified on the cited page.
Requests requiring engineering study may take several weeks to months depending on workload and data collection needs.

FAQ

How do I request a new crosswalk or school zone sign?
Submit a request and supporting documentation to Tacoma Public Works - Traffic Engineering via their service page or contact line. See Traffic Engineering for the current submission process.[1]
Is there a fee to request signage?
Fees for installation or study are not specified on the cited Traffic Engineering page; contact the department to confirm any applicable charges.[1]
How long does the evaluation take?
Timelines vary by workload and whether data collection is needed; the Traffic Engineering page advises contacting the office for current estimates.[1]

How-To

  1. Identify the exact location and gather photos and any pedestrian count data.
  2. Prepare a short justification describing school hours, crossing needs, and safety concerns.
  3. Use the Traffic Engineering service page to submit your request or call the office to confirm required attachments.[1]
  4. Respond to any follow-up from the City and provide additional data if requested.
  5. If approved, coordinate with the City for installation timing and any community notifications.

Key Takeaways

  • Prepare clear evidence (maps, photos, counts) to support your request.
  • Start with Tacoma Public Works - Traffic Engineering for submission and guidance.[1]
  • Enforcement and fines follow municipal code; check official code pages for specifics.[2]

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Tacoma - Traffic Engineering service and request information
  2. [2] Tacoma Municipal Code - Code of Ordinances (vehicles and traffic provisions)

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