A Tacoma address is not automatically city utilities, Tacoma schools, or a Pierce County ballot at the new mailbox. Do these in the first week. Last checked August 29, 2026. Every line has a desk with the live number.
Day one
- Start power and water — TPU start-stop. (253) 502-8600, one business day ahead for a house.
- Look up garbage and recycling day — Dump and holiday calendar.
- Save 311 / (253) 591-5000 — Civic Desk.
This week
- School boundary is not the city limit — TPS desk.
- Change the voter address on VoteWA — Elections desk.
- License dogs, cats, pigs within 30 days — Pet license.
- If you work from the house or rent rooms, ask Tax & License — Business license desk.
- Tabs stay with a vehicle office; the photo license is a DOL appointment — DOL desk.
- Get a library card — Library desk.
When something breaks
- Power out: 502-8602 or text OUT — same TPU desk.
- Parking ticket: 30 days — Parking ticket.
- Property tax is county, not 311 — Pierce County desk.
- Remodel or ADU: third floor, mornings only — Permit counter.
- ORCA and Link — Transit desk.
- Birth certificate or restaurant complaint — Health desk.
- Food benefits vs jobless claim — DSHS and unemployment.
All of these sit on Tacoma, Washington.