Tacoma City Council Adopts Ordinance 29015 to Help Food and Beverage Businesses Navigate Grease Interceptor Requirements
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~ Tacoma City Council Adopts Ordinance to Assist Food and Beverage Businesses with Grease Interceptor Requirements

In an effort to promote economic growth and create a more equitable business environment, the Tacoma City Council has adopted Ordinance 29015. This new ordinance aims to help food and beverage businesses navigate grease interceptor requirements by requiring those involved in commercial real estate transactions, such as registered real estate brokers and property managers, to share an educational flyer produced by the City of Tacoma with potential tenants or buyers.

Council Member Olgy Diaz, a strong advocate for small and micro-businesses in Tacoma, believes that providing clear and upfront information about grease interceptors can prevent costly surprises and delays for entrepreneurs. "This ordinance is one step we can take as a City Council because, ultimately, we all want to help business owners have the information they need to build a responsible business plan that works for them and thrive in Tacoma," said Diaz.

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Grease interceptors are essential for restaurants, cafes, catering facilities, hotels, schools, hospitals, and other food-related businesses. These devices are installed on sewer water drain lines and are designed to remove fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from wastewater. Without proper grease protection measures in place, FOG can cause blockages in the wastewater collection system pipes leading to raw sewage spills that can impact streets, private property, and receiving waters.

Deputy Mayor Kiara Daniels, who chairs the Economic Development Committee in Tacoma, recognizes the importance of small businesses for the city's economy. "I am excited to see we are advancing a new way to be more proactive in ensuring that businesses are informed about our requirements," said Daniels. "This is a step in the right direction."

Council Member Joe Bushnell also emphasized the city's support for local restaurants. "Tacoma is a community that loves its small businesses and wants to see them thrive," said Bushnell. "At the end of the day, restaurant owners should have all the facts before they select a location, so they can make sensible financial decisions on the front end and build all required infrastructure into their business plan."

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Under this new ordinance, registered real estate brokers and property managers in Tacoma will receive an educational flyer from the City's Environmental Services Department. The flyer will also be available for download on the City of Tacoma's website and will provide information on who to contact at the City for any grease interceptor permitting questions. The City will also work with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department to ensure that food- and beverage-related businesses receive a copy of the flyer during their interactions.

The adoption of Ordinance 29015 is just one step in Tacoma's efforts to support local businesses. The City Council remains committed to examining the impact of grease interceptor requirements on small businesses and finding ways to help them thrive in Tacoma.

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