Property Research

A property can be identified by a Parcel Identification Number (PIN), a 10-digit number assigned by the King County Assessor’s Office (also called an APN), available on tax records or via Tukwila iMap. If a structure exists, the property will also have a street address (e.g., 6200 Southcenter Blvd).

To determine what can be built on a property, check its zoning. The Zoning Code (TMC Title 18) regulates land use and development standards. The Tukwila iMap “Zoning” layer provides zoning details and links to the relevant code. You can also refer to Land Uses Allowed by District (Table 18-6) to see what uses are permitted in each zone.

Tukwila recently updated its zoning rules to allow middle housing—such as duplexes, townhomes, cottage clusters, and courtyard apartments—in most residential neighborhoods. These housing types bridge the gap between single-family homes and large apartment buildings, offering more housing choices while maintaining a residential scale. The changes increase flexibility for property owners, expand opportunities for homeownership, and support a wider range of housing options. Homeowners may also build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on most residential lots.

Learn more on our Middle Housing page.

Current Land Use & Building Permits

The City’s Development Viewer map provides details on recent permitting and rental housing activity in Tukwila. You may also research active permits through the Permit Center’s Construction and Land Use portals.

When did your property come under the jurisdiction of the City of Tukwila?

It’s often helpful and sometimes necessary, as property owners to know about the history of your home, lot, and or neighborhood. The City of Tukwila incorporated in 1908 as a much smaller City than currently exists. The annexation history map shows when your property came under the governance of the City of Tukwila.

When was your property subdivided or house/structure built?

In general the farther back in time one researches, the fewer records the City will have for all types of activities. The City’s first zoning code and zoning map were adopted in 1957. Records of land use approvals such as shoreline permits, subdivisions, short plats etc. are available from around the early 1970’s.

Previously issued land use approvals and building permits may be available online through the City’s Digital Records Center or through a records request. The City’s development records generally begin in 1958. A Request for Public Records  form must be completed with as much detail as possible. If you have questions on how to fill out the form and/or when you have it completed, call or return it to the Permit Center.

Please see regulations for Home Occupations in the TMC.

Home occupations are required to apply for a business license.

The size and type of development on a site may be limited by the presence of wetlands, watercourses (such as creeks and streams), and geologically unstable hillsides. The Tukwila iMap “Critical Area” layer provides an approximate location of these environmentally sensitive areas.

Additionally, residential properties in Tukwila are regulated by TMC Chapter 18.54: Urban Forestry and Tree Regulations. For more information on tree maintenance, removal, and installation, please visit our Urban Forestry webpage.

Several utility and service providers serve the City. Tukwila iMap provides information on the utility and service providers for a property, such as water, sewer, electric, and waste collection.

The Historic Preservation Program was formed in 1978. The program’s goal is to protect historic properties in King County.

Historic properties in King County, including those in Tukwila, may be found using the Historic Preservation Viewer map. 

Work at/upon inventoried sites is reviewed by the King County Historic Preservation Officer as required by Tukwila Municipal Code 16.60.040:
The official responsible for the issuance of building and related permits shall promptly refer applications for permits that affect inventoried historic buildings, structures, objects, sites, districts, or archaeological sites to the King County Historic Preservation Officer (HPO) for review and comment. For the purposes of this section, “affect” shall be defined as an application for change to the site of the inventoried property, whether through new construction, alterations or excavation. Inventoried properties are those that are listed in the King County Historic Resource Inventory. The responsible official shall seek and take into consideration the comments of the HPO regarding mitigation of any adverse effects affecting historic buildings, structures, objects, sites, or districts