A unit lot subdivision divides a property so individual housing units, new or existing, can be owned and sold separately, often with shared access, utilities, and infrastructure. Under Home in Tacoma, unit lot subdivisions are allowed in Urban Residential zones; the parent lot must meet all development standards, but the individual unit lots do not have to (City of Tacoma). New parent lots can be created with a minimum size of 2,500 square feet in UR zones.
How does a unit lot subdivision work?
A unit lot subdivision starts with a parent lot that meets the zone’s lot area and density standards. Unit lots are then created inside it, one per housing unit, so each can be sold with its own title (City of Tacoma).
Shared elements, such as driveways, walkways, and utility lines, are usually handled through recorded agreements among the owners. This is what makes rowhouses and cottage clusters sellable as individual homes.
Why does Tacoma allow unit lot subdivisions?
Tacoma allows unit lot subdivisions to promote homeownership in middle housing. Home in Tacoma and state law allow lot flexibility and separate ownership of individual units in the new UR zones (City of Tacoma).
For builders and investors, it means a small multi-unit project can be sold unit by unit instead of only as a rental building.
What are the minimum lot rules?
The minimum site size for a unit lot subdivision, the parent lot, is set in the District Standards table for each zone. New parent lots can be created with a minimum lot size of 2,500 square feet in UR zones (City of Tacoma).
The parent lot must meet all standards, while unit lots do not have to. Confirm the numbers for your zone with Tacoma Planning and Development Services before design.
Which housing types work best with unit lot subdivisions?
Rowhouses, cottage or courtyard housing, and backyard buildings are the most common fits, because each unit already has its own entry and footprint. Home in Tacoma allows house-plexes, backyard buildings, courtyard housing, rowhouses, and multiplexes in Urban Residential zones.
Stacked units in one building, such as a triplex, usually need a condominium structure instead, since the units share floors and roofs. A land-use attorney or surveyor can advise on the best ownership structure.
What should I plan for before a unit lot subdivision project?
Plan for surveying, the subdivision application, separate utility services, shared-access agreements, and construction that meets the 2021 Washington State Energy Code (Washington State Building Code Council). Each of these affects schedule and budget.
For timing, see How Long Does a Design and Construction Project Take in Tacoma, WA?. For pricing, see What Should Be Included in a Construction or Remodeling Estimate?
Unit lot subdivision vs. standard subdivision vs. condominium
| Factor | Unit lot subdivision | Standard subdivision | Condominium |
| What is owned | Each unit and its unit lot | Each full lot | Unit interior plus shared interest in common areas |
| Lot standards | Parent lot must comply; unit lots need not | Every lot must comply | Single parcel |
| Best for | Rowhouses, cottages, backyard units | Detached homes | Stacked units in one building |
| Allowed in Tacoma UR zones | Yes, under Home in Tacoma | Yes | Yes |
Ready to plan a unit lot project?
Transparent Construction LLC builds new construction, Custom Homes, and small-scale multi-family projects through our Commercial Remodeling service. Our Pre-Construction Consulting helps map feasibility, budget, and sequencing. We do not provide land surveying or legal services; those come from licensed professionals.
Contact Transparent Construction LLC or call 253-339-6117 to schedule a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell rowhouses separately in Tacoma?
Yes, through a unit lot subdivision, which Home in Tacoma allows in Urban Residential zones.
What is the minimum lot size for a unit lot subdivision in Tacoma?
The parent lot minimum is set in each zone’s District Standards table. New parent lots can be created at a minimum of 2,500 square feet in UR zones.
Do unit lots have to meet zoning standards?
No. The parent lot must meet all standards, but individual unit lots do not.
Is a unit lot subdivision the same as a condo?
No. A unit lot subdivision gives each unit its own lot, while a condominium owner holds a unit plus a shared interest in common areas.
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