Frequently Asked Questions

In most cases, yes. The City of Edgewood requires any business located within city limits to be licensed prior to operating.

Businesses that are located outside of city limits but conduct business activities within city limits, such as contractors and mobile food vendors, are required to obtain a business license if their annual income within city limits exceeds $5,000. Edgewood city limits can be viewed on Edgewood GIS.

There are a few extra rules that try to keep the “home” in “home based business.” Is your business online? Do you have in-person customers, but see less than eight per day? A home occupation certificate may fit your needs. It will allow you to operate a business within your home whether you live in a house, townhouse, apartment, or accessory dwelling unit. View the Home Occupation Certificate and Appendices for details. For a full list of home occupation standards, please see EMC 18.100.070 and EMC 18.100.080.

Yes. Many businesses, such as contractors, have physical locations outside city limits but still perform work within the city. Unless the business’s annual income within city limits is less than $5,000, a license is required. 

Please visit the Washington State Department of Revenue and click the link to “Add a city license to your business.”

You will receive a renewal notice in the mail approximately six weeks before your endorsements expire. Please visit the Washington State Department of Revenue for details.

The City’s zoning and building codes regulate the types of uses in designated land use areas and in certain types of structures.

Every tax parcel within the City is assigned to a zoning district. Each zoning district has specific development standards and a specific combination of allowed uses. Allowed uses require development permits to be established.

Please visit Edgewood GIS at gis.edgewood.org to look up a property and its zoning. You may also view the zoning layer directly within the GIS. Please visit our Maps and Directions page for more information.

View the Land Use Table – EMC 18.70.050 to view land uses by zoning district.

A change of use occurs when the general character of the existing or previous activities on the property differ from what you are proposing. This can include a different use as identified on the Land Use Table in EMC 18.70.050, a change in the structure’s occupancy classification as defined by the Building Code, or other changes in the characteristics of the occupancy, such as increased traffic generation or different hours of operation.

Uses that are vacated or abandoned for a period of twelve or more months are not considered “existing.”  

A change of use requires documentation indicating the legality of the previous use, such as a building permit or certificate of occupancy that clearly identifies the previous use.

Always needed for a change of use:

• Planning - Site Plan Design Review
• Building - Non-Residential Tenant Improvement

Sometimes needed for a change of use:

• If the proposed use generates additional traffic, a Traffic Concurrency Reservation Certificate (CRC) may be required. The CRC may identify additional traffic improvement requirements. CRCs are administered by the Engineering Division.
• If additional pavement or stormwater infrastructure is needed, a Surface Water Compliance or Site Development Permit through the City’s Engineering Division may be required.  

Building permits, in addition to site plan design review, are required when there is a change of use.

Building permits are required when there are modifications to walls, ceilings or partitions over 5 ft. 9 in. in height.

Site plan design review is required for new construction, expansions, remodels, or alterations by more than five percent of the existing floor area, or for a change of use.

If the proposed use generates additional traffic, a Traffic Concurrency Reservation Certificate (CRC) may be required. The CRC may identify additional traffic improvement requirements.

If additional pavement or stormwater infrastructure is needed, a Surface Water Compliance or Site Development Permit may be required.  

To have a better understanding of what permits are required, you are encouraged to call the Community and Economic Development Department at 253.952.3299 or email permit staff.

Other permits are required for:

• Modifications to the plumbing system such as sinks, toilets, or plumbing pipe modifications.
• Modifications to the mechanical system such as heating and cooling ducts, air conditioning units, furnaces, gas piping, hoods and exhaust fan modifications.
• The installation of any signs.
• Modifications to the fire alarm or fire sprinklers systems.
• Modifications to the electrical system, such as lighting and outlet modifications, may require an electrical permit from Labor and Industries.

When a property undergoes a change of use as described above, different zoning regulations may apply for pedestrian access, parking, or landscaping. Upgrades to the parking area may also require upgrades to the storm water retention system. A change in use may also require additional restrooms or barrier free accessibility upgrades such as the addition of a ramp at the entry.

Pre-application meetings are not generally required for a change of use. However, applicants are encouraged to apply for a pre-application meeting for larger projects. The pre-application meeting will allow you to get preliminary feedback on your proposal from all City departments and partner review agencies.

Site plan design review is required for new construction, change of use, or for expansions, remodels, or alterations by more than five percent of the existing floor area. 

Adding new gross floor area to existing tenant space or changing to a higher impact use may require an updated Traffic Concurrency Reservation Certificate (CRC). The CRC may identify additional required traffic mitigation measures, such as improvements or payment of traffic impact fees. Changing to a lower impact use does not require a new CRC. 

Building permit fees are based off of the valuation of construction. Site plan design review has flat fees for new construction or alterations. Please see our fee schedule online or at City Hall for more information.

Please visit the Washington State Department of Revenue to complete a business license application.

Please contact City Hall at 253-952-3299, or you can send an email to codeenforcement@cityofedgewood.org. You may also use the City's citizen reporting app, SeeClickFix. Please provide all the information available regarding the concern and how staff can contact you to follow-up.

Edgewood has adopted the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC). Edgewood Municipal Code (EMC) 15.80.230 requires lawns to be 6 inches or less in height, and vegetation on vacant lots to be 12 inches or less. 

Maybe - Edgewood has regulations for significant trees and their removal, but there are several exceptions. Please see the Tree Permit Handout for more information.

Vehicles over 16,000 GVW, such as semi-trucks and trailers, and storage containers are prohibited on properties where the primary use is residential. Other restrictions apply to commercial vehicles on the roadway, per EMC Chapter 10.05 Commercial Vehicles.

There are a few extra rules that try to keep the “home” in “home based business.” Is your business online? Do you have in-person customers, but see less than sixteen roundtrips per day including deliveries and client-related trips? A home business permit may fit your needs. It will allow you to operate a business within your home whether you live in a house, townhouse, apartment, or accessory dwelling unit. For a full list of home occupation standards, please see EMC 18.100.070 and EMC 18.100.080.  You may also visit Business License FAQ Answer Page.

Please see the City's business licensing FAQ Answer Page.

All provisions of the International Residential Code, including building permit requirements shall apply to residential property construction or renovation. Please contact the Building Division at 253-952-3299 for more information or visit the Building Division Page.

All provisions of the International Building Code, including building permit requirements shall apply to commercial property construction or renovation. Please contact the Building Division at 253-952-3299 for more information or visit the Building Division Page.

Fence permits are not required for fences under six foot tall, however the height may be further restricted depending on the location on your property. See EMC 18.90.060 Fences, bulkheads, and retaining walls. Fences on non-residentially zoned property have additional design standards. Please contact the planning department with your questions at 253-952-3299 or comdev@cityofedgewood.org.

No person shall own, keep, harbor any dog within the City unless such dog is licensed. All dogs shall be kept secured by a leash or otherwise under the control of an owner or responsible person, or within the real property limits of the owners. It is prohibited for a dog to make excessive noise that disturbs a neighbor within the city limits.
Licensing information can be found at the Metro Animal Services.

All residential, business, property owners or tenants of the City of Edgewood shall maintain their properties in a manner which upholds the property values in their neighborhood as well as ensures the health, safety and welfare of the public is protected. Code Violation conditions can include junk vehicles, garbage and debris, graffiti, and safety issues.

A Notice of Code Violation, or “NOCV”, is formal notification from the city regarding alleged violations on your property. The NOCV explains the violations and corrective action required to bring the property into compliance.

It depends on the size of your lot. Check out our GIS map to confirm your lot size and then use the simple chart below:

Referenced codes: 18.90.020 Accessory Buildings

Replacement of top deck boards may be done without a permit, but if you find you need to fix, alter or repair the deck’s framing structure, a permit is required.  
If you plan to build a new deck, a permit is required for all decks unless it meets the following three criteria: 

• Not exceeding 200 square feet in area 
• Not more than 30 inches above grade (measured vertically to the grade below at any point within 36" of the outer edge of deck).  
• Not attached to the home serving the main egress door. 

The cost of permit varies depending on the project. Most permits are based on a project valuation. The project valuation can be determined by the square footage of a new home or addition, or it could simply be based on the contractors construction estimate. As long as the project valuation takes into account the cost of materials and labor at the fair market value*, it can be used to calculate permit fees. We can always run an estimate for you if you need a close dollar amount.  

* Fair market value: The valuation to be used in computing the plan review and permit fees will be the prevailing fair market value of all construction work for which the permit is issued, as well as all finish work, painting, roofing, electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, elevators, fire extinguisher systems or any other permanent work or permanent equipment. 

Fences located on the rear and side yards that are no more than 6 feet and fences in the front yard setback no more than 4 feet can be built without a permit.  
See EMC 18.90.060 Fences, bulkheads, and retaining walls. Fences on non-residentially zoned property have additional design standards, please contact the planning department at 253-952-3299. 

7:00AM – 7:00PM          Monday – Friday          
9:00 AM – 6:00PM         Saturday                           
No Construction             Sunday and City Observed Holidays 
EMC 18.90.140 (G) 

Wind:   85 mph Residential 
Snow:   25lbs Ground Load Residential 
Please refer to ASCE 710 for minimum design loads not found in EMC 15.30.210. 

This widely depends on a few different factors regulated by other departments. 

1. Zoning – what is the zoning and standard setbacks for the lot 
2. Shape of Lot – the shape of your lot can alter the required setbacks 
3. Critical Areas – If you lot contains critical areas such as (but not limited to) wetlands, wetland buffers or steep slopes. 

Use our GIS Mapping tools to determine your lot restrictions. Contact the Planning Department if you have any questions.  

Any repair or replacement of any roofing material does require a building permit.  

A permit is required for all above ground, in ground and on-ground swimming pool, hot tub, spa or wading pool, if the water depth is over 24 inches. 

All rockeries or retaining walls exceeding four feet in height (from the very bottom to the top of the wall), or that supports any load/weight (surcharge) above or behind it would require a permit.

A permit is required for the installation, alterations or relocation of plumbing systems and/or associated fixtures. All work associated with potable water (such as a hose bib, refrigerator ice maker, etc.), drain, waste or ventilation system require a permit. Like in kind replacement of basins and toilets are exempt from permit.  

A permit is required for the installation, alterations or relocation of mechanical systems and/or associated fixtures. All work associated with exhaust systems (such as bath fan, range hoods, etc.), HVAC systems (such as air conditioning units, furnaces, heat pumps, etc.) would require a permit. Portable “plug and play” style appliances are exempt from permit. 

Check out our Apply for a Permit page to learn more about the permitting process, where to find permit forms and how to submit your application online through our permitting portal.  

• Septic Systems – Contact the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department  
• Sewer Connections – The city works with various sewer purveyors. Contact our Public Works Department for help determining if sewer is available for your property.  
• Water Purveyor – check out our GIS map to see which water company services your property.  
• Power and Gas – Contact Puget Sound Energy for all power and natural gas questions.  
• Electrical Permits – Contact Labor and Industries (L&I)

Yes. As the owner of the property, you are entitled to obtain a permit and complete the work yourself. If you intend to complete the work yourself, an Owner as Contractor affidavit must be submitted with your permit application. See our Permit Forms page to get a copy of the Owner as Contractor affidavit form.  

Neighborhood Crime Watch is a national program based on the principle of neighbors working together as the first and best line of defense against crime. Neighborhood Crime Watch has been around for over 25 years and has proven to be an extremely effective deterrent to crime at the neighborhood level.

Neighborhood Crime Watch organizes and extends what you are probably already doing on an informal level. We tend to know and watch out for our neighbors next door, but neighbors at one end of the block may not know the neighbors at the other end of the block. Organizing a Neighborhood Crime Watch makes this attitude of watchfulness more systematic and provides a block map with neighbors’ names and telephone numbers, which can be used in case of an emergency. Neighborhood Crime Watch is simple to start and can improve the security of your neighborhood while also increasing your sense of community.

Neighborhood Crime Watch doesn’t require you to perform any special tasks, attend lots of meetings, or take on extra responsibilities. You don’t have to patrol the neighborhood or tell your neighbors every aspect of your business, it just involves being alert and vigilant as a part of your everyday life.

Neighborhood Crime Watch encourages you and your neighbors to be familiar enough with each other to know who belongs in the neighborhood and who doesn’t, which cars are a part of the neighborhood and which aren’t. The goal is to be a little more observant of changes in your surroundings, so you can recognize when something suspicious is going on. Neighborhood Crime Watch is simply watching out for one another!

If you are interested in forming a Neighborhood Crime Watch in your area, fill out the registration form. We’ll get you started with a free Crime Watch Kit, which has a How-To guide, invitations, important phone numbers, and warning decals. When you get your first meeting scheduled, let us know and an officer will be happy to come explain the program in more detail, talk about crime in your area, and provide steps to improve your home security.

The vehicle was operated in violation of Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 46.61.440 and enforced pursuant to RCW 46.63.170 and Edgewood Municipal Code Chapter 10.25. The vehicle was operated at a speed in excess of the posted speed limit in the school zone where school speed limit signs indicate a 20 MPH speed limit, warning lights are flashing and signs indicating the speed limit is enforced with automated traffic safety cameras.

No. Because this violation is a civil infraction rather than a moving traffic violation, no points will be assessed on your driving record, nor can it be used for any purpose in the provision of motor vehicle insurance.

The fine is $166.00 for 1 – 10 MPH over the posted speed; or $250 for 11+ MPH over the posted speed.

Payments are made to the Pierce County District Court through nCourt. You can make a payment over the phone by calling nCourt at 253-590-4452, or you can visit the nCourt website at www.pcdistrictcourtpay.com. You will need your case number (the 1AE number) off your citation.

Yes. If you would like to set up a payment plan, please call Pierce County District Court directly at 253-798-7487, or email them pcdistcrt1@piercecountywa.gov.

The due date is included on the citation.

Contact Pierce County District Court to obtain a copy by calling 253-798-7487, or emailing them at pcdistcrt1@piercecountywa.gov.

Not if you are not speeding. The radar is able to track multiple vehicles. If you are traveling at or below the posted speed limit, you will not be cited.

See the schedule here.

You may request a hearing by completing and mailing the hearing coupon on the back of the citation to Pierce County District Court at 930 Tacoma Ave S, Room 239, Tacoma WA, 98402. If you have additional questions, please contact Pierce County District Court at 253-798-7487, or pcdistcrt1@piercecountywa.gov.

If someone else was driving your vehicle at the time of the infraction, you can download and fill out an Affidavit of Non-Liability form. If more than one owner is listed on the registration, all owner’s signatures are required on this form. Once completed, the form must be sent to Pierce County District Court. You can do this by mail at Pierce County District Court at 930 Tacoma Ave S, Room 239, Tacoma WA, 98402; by dropping it off in person at the same address; or by email at pcdistcrt1@piercecountywa.gov.

You may request a mitigation hearing or contested hearing by completing and mailing the hearing coupon on the back of the citation to Pierce County District Court at 930 Tacoma Ave S, Room 239, Tacoma WA, 98402. If you have additional questions, please contact Pierce County District Court at 253-798-7487, or pcdistcrt1@piercecountywa.gov.

Failure to pay the infraction will result in the debt being sent to collections. Two or more unpaid infractions will suspend the ability to renew the vehicle’s registration tabs.

You can review the video clip of the incident by going to the website shown at the top right-hand corner of the citation. If you have additional concerns, please contact the Pierce County District Court at 253-798-7487, or pcdistcrt1@piercecountywa.gov.

The school zone cameras perform a daily automated internal tuning for accuracy.  In addition, the system takes two pictures that measure a start point (point A) to an endpoint (point B), which provides a distance over time measurement.  This measurement is used to confirm the velocity picked up by the radar, as well as if the vehicle continued into the school zone.  The cameras have an external calibration done monthly and the results are provided to District Court for verification.  

Lost or Found Animals

The City of Edgewood has an Interlocal Agreement with Metro Animal Services for all your pet-related services/needs. You may purchase your pet licenses at City Hall or you can visit the Metro Animal Services Page to purchase your license online. Licensing and micro-chipping your pet is the best way to ensure its safe return home.  If your pet is lost, a license lets the finder know that it is a cherished member of your family, not a stray.  Click here for more information on licensing your pet. 

If your pet is lost:

Don’t give up!  Contact Metro Animal Services Shelter at 253-299-PETS (7387).  You can also check with the Humane Society of Tacoma / Pierce County at 253-383-2733.  In addition, consider posting on social media sites.  Be sure to use a recent photograph so your pet is easily identifiable.

If you have found someone else’s pet:

• Confine the animal if it is safe to do so 
• Contact Metro Animal Services Shelter at 253-299-PETS (7387) (use same links as above) 
• If you are able, consider taking the animal to a local veterinary clinic to see if it has a microchip 

Animal Complaints

Metro Animal Services is dedicated to protecting people and animals. Violations of county code and/or state law can have big penalties - from a $246 infraction to imprisonment.  There are two ways to file a complaint - online or by phone.  

For emergencies:

Dial 9-1-1.  Emergencies are situations such as: aggressive and threatening animals currently loose, injured domestic animals, and animal cruelty or abuse in progress.

For non-emergencies:

Call Metro Animal Services at 253-299-PETS (7387).  If directed to leave a message, please include your name, address, phone number, the nature of your complaint and the animal owner’s address, if known. After making a complaint, you may be contacted to obtain a statement or additional information.

Animal Noise Complaints

Metro has three full time Animal Control Officers who provide field services including response to stray or lost animals, barking dogs and animal noise nuisance complaints, aggressive and dangerous dogs, as well as injured animal rescue, dead animal removal, investigating reports of animal cruelty, kennel and pet shop inspections, and public education.

If you need Animal Control assistance, call the shelter at 253-299-PETS (7387).  All calls will be handled on a priority basis. For emergencies involving immediate threats to public safety, call 9-1-1.

Threats to Public Safety

Threats include but are not limited to: 

• Dogs running loose that have bitten a human 
• Vicious or scared dogs running in traffic or in neighborhoods
• Loose horses or livestock roaming in traffic

Dog Bites/Attacks

A dog that has bitten a human must be captured and appropriately quarantined for a ten-day period. Dog bites should be reported to Metro Animal Services as soon as possible by calling the shelter at 253-299-PETS (7387). If the bite requires medical attention, call 9-1-1 to notify an animal control officer.

Injured Animals

Injured animals should be called in to the on-duty animal control officer. After normal service hours, citizens should call 9-1-1.

Stray Animals

During normal business hours, animal control officers will pick up stray animals.  However, pick-ups must be completed by 4 pm to allow the animal control officer ample travel time and processing at the shelter.  You may bring animals directly to the shelter, located in Puyallup at 1200 39th Ave SE.  Due to limited staffing and high caseloads, you may experience a delayed response to your request for a stray animal pick-up.  If you feel it is safe to transport non-aggressive animals directly to the animal shelter, you may prefer to use that option.

You may also request a stray animal patrol if you know of a specific problem in your neighborhood.  Please provide the description of the dog and the owner information if known.  Stray animal patrol requests are handled as soon as possible on a priority basis compared with other requests for service.

Barking Dogs

A certain amount of noise must be tolerated living in urban and suburban areas, as they are part of daily life. However, when the noise becomes unreasonable, such as a chronic, excessive barking dog, we offer suggestions that can help reinstate peace and quiet to your neighborhood.

The first course of action is to speak to the dog owner directly, or if that is not possible, send a letter.  Be sure to use a neighborly tone, offering solutions and compromises, and allow a remedy period.  Those are your best options for solving the problem at a neighborhood level.

If that approach is unsuccessful, please contact the shelter for assistance.  Beyond a written warning, it can be difficult to enforce a barking dog complaint.  Many complaints require one or more witnesses to file a written statement documenting the date, time, and location of the incident; animal description; and the owner information, if known.  Please be prepared to provide additional information to the investigating officer about specific dates and times that the violation is occurring.

Other Complaints

Be sure to report any incidents involving dog bites to domestic animals, ongoing animal neglect, cruelty and/or abuse, or general nuisance problems.  Start by contacting the shelter.

Many complaints require one or more witnesses to file a written statement documenting the date, time, and location of the incident; animal description; and the owner information, if known. Anonymous complaints can be made but any enforcement beyond a verbal warning generally requires that a witness write a statement and be willing to testify in court.   

Leave an Anonymous Tip About a Crime

Thank you for your willingness to be part of the solution by helping fight crime.  At this time, tips cannot be left anonymously on this site.  However, you can contact Crime Stoppers 24 hours a day by clicking here or by calling 800-222-TIPS.  Callers can remain anonymous and are eligible to receive a cash reward if the information given leads to an ARREST & CHARGES or grand jury indictment of a felony offender. 

(NOTE: Crime Stoppers is NOT law enforcement, therefore they do NOT file reports nor investigate crime. They forward your tip to law Enforcement investigating those crimes.  They do not take tips from victims of a crime as they must file a report with Law Enforcement for a crime to exist.  They must then continue to work with the detective assigned to their case.)

Police Scams

You may get a call saying you have a warrant for missing jury duty and you’re going to be arrested unless you pay the warrant using gift cards.  Or they may say you have a relative who has been arrested in a foreign country and they will go to prison if you don’t pay their bail immediately using gift cards.  Both of these scenarios are complete scams.  You will never be asked to pay police fines using gift cards.  

Free Trial Period

A caller might promise a Free Trial but then sign you up for products — sometimes lots of products — that you’re billed for every month until you cancel, and they will make it very difficult to cancel.  Don’t fall for it. 

Prize and Lottery

Have you been notified you won a prize or lottery but need to pay the registration, shipping, or taxes to claim your winnings?  This is a scam.  You will never have to pay money up front for winning a lottery legitimately.  And be real … if you didn’t play the Costa Rican Lottery, you probably didn’t win the Costa Rican Lottery.  Oh, and it’s illegal to play foreign lotteries by mail or phone.

Online Sales

Trying to sell something online?  Beware of buyers sending you a check for more than the selling price and asking you to send them back the balance.  These are usually stolen or forged checks.  Just don’t do it.  

Virtual Kidnapping / Ransom

You get a call your family member has been kidnapped and is being held for ransom.  You may even hear screaming in the background that sounds like your loved one.  They order you to stay on the phone until the money is wired to prevent you from calling your relative to check on them.  This is a scam, hang up and call your loved one.  If you’re still concerned, call the police to check on them.   

Online Dating

Are you using social connection sites to meet someone special?  Scammers often pose as good-looking, wealthy suitors looking for love.  Beware of someone who brags about riches, shows interest when they are much younger than you, or asks to leave the monitored site to talk directly via phone or email.  These are common red flags that they are up to no good.  And NEVER EVER send this special person money.  

Hitman

You get an email from an assassin who claims he’s been hired to kill you and he’s watching your every move.  Fortunately for you, the hitman is willing to spare your life if you pay him.  Oh, and you can’t call the police because he has people inside the PD working with him.  Don’t believe this story, it’s a popular scam.  

Solicitor Scam

Sometimes door-to-door salespeople aren’t legit.  By misrepresenting themselves, scammers can learn your name and the names of family members, determine how many people live in your home, what your schedule is, and even get the opportunity to case your house when they are invited in.  If you didn’t call them, don’t let them in!

REMEMBER…

Important points to remember when you’re trying to determine if something is a scam:

• There is no prize! 
• You won’t get arrested!
• You don’t need to decide right now!
• There is NEVER a good reason to send cash or a gift card!
• Government agencies aren’t calling you asking you to confirm your sensitive information!

Where can I find a crime map for my area?

Click here to be directed to Edgewood’s Crime Data map.  On it, you will be able to see the past 90 days of crimes in Edgewood collected by Pierce County.  Please be aware, there can be a delay of up to several weeks as data is uploaded to the system. 

For nation-wide crime data, visit the Community Crime Map by LexisNexis.

The Crime Free Multi-Housing (CFMH) Program strives to create a close working relationship between property owners/managers and law enforcement.  
The  goal of this program is to empower property managers with the knowledge and tools needed to keep illegal activity off their rental property.  This is a solution-oriented program which is designed to be simple yet effective in reducing the incidences of crime in rental property.  

The benefits can include: 

• Increased property values
• Lower property maintenance and repair costs
• A more stable tenant base
• Improved personal safety for tenants, landlords, managers, and the surrounding community
• Cooperative solutions for improving tenant management

To learn more about Edgewood PD’s CFMH Program, please contact our Community Liaison Deputy  or calling 253-798-4960.  

What is a Junk Vehicle?

A junk vehicle is defined as any vehicle with three or more of the following conditions:

• Must be at least three years old
• Must be extensively damaged 
• Must be apparently inoperable 
• Must have a fair market value equal only to the approximate value of the scrap of the vehicle

This definition does not include special-interest vehicles, vehicles undergoing active restoration, farm machinery, or prominently displayed ornamental machinery.

How do I get rid of a junk vehicle on my own property?

If you own the vehicle: 

If you have the title – call a towing or wrecking company near your home and ask if the company is licensed to remove junk vehicles.  Depending on the scrap metal market value and the type of the vehicle you have, the hauler may or may not charge to haul your vehicle.  Some may even pay you.  Call around for the best deal.  The original copy of your title will go with the hauler; however, you may want to make copies for your own records.  If you cannot find the title, contact the Department of Licensing (DOL).  

If the vehicle belongs to someone else:

If you do not have the legal documentation for the vehicle (for example, a title or court order), fill out a Junk Vehicle Affidavit Request Form and return. The Code Enforcement Officer will perform an inspection and notify you when the Junk Vehicle Affidavit (JVA) is ready for you. Follow the instructions on the back of the JVA to notify the legal owner. The form also contains a section for cases where the legal owner can’t be found. The original copy of your JVA will go with the hauler, however, you may want to make copies for your own records.

Can I use the JVA to re-title or sell the vehicle?  

No, the Junk Vehicle Affidavit Request program is designed of the purpose of disposing of junk vehicles.  Your JVA will have a large red stamp on it that states “FOR SCRAP ONLY”.  Contact your local DOL office for title information.  

Does the city remove the vehicle from my property?

No, the city process does not include removing the junk vehicle from your property.  You will need to make arrangements and pay for the removal of the vehicle.  

More questions?

Please email  Edgewood Code Enforcement  or call 253-392-2561. 

Forgery Victim

If you are a resident of Edgewood and have been a victim of a forgery, immediately close the account that is being used, whether it is a checking account or a credit card account. Report the forgery to your Edgewood PD by either calling the non-emergency number at 253-287-4455 or clicking here to file a police report online.  

Identity Theft Victim

If you are a resident of Edgewood and have been a victim of identity theft, either by the use of your social security number, name and/or credit information, report the forgery to your Edgewood PD by either calling the non-emergency number at 253-287-4455 or clicking here to file a police report online.  Next, notify the Social Security Administration, all three credit bureaus, and the U.S. Postal Inspector or Federal Trade Commission if appropriate. 

• Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline: 800-269-0271
• Experian: 888-397-3742
• Equifax: 800-525-6285
• Transunion: 800-680-7289
• Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Hotline: 877-438-4338
• The U.S. Postal Inspector: 877-876-2455

Tips to Help Prevent Identity Theft

• Check your credit reports annually with all three credit-reporting agencies
• Change all passwords regularly
• Make passwords unique. Mix letters with numbers
• Memorize passwords. Don’t write them down
• Be vigilant for unusual charges on your monthly credit card statements, telephone bills and bank statements. Inquire about any charges that are suspicious
• Guard your Social Security number - don’t carry your card (or your number) in your wallet or purse. Don’t print the number or your driver’s license number or on checks. And don’t give out your Social Security number to anyone unless there is a good reason
• Be very careful when carrying your insurance identification card. It may contain your social security number
• Shred papers before throwing them out, especially those containing identifying information such as your social security number. A crosscut paper shredder works best
• Never provide information over the phone unless you initiated the call and you know the party you are speaking with
• Use a locked mailbox to send and receive all mail. Never leave your outgoing mail out in a street-side mailbox. If your mail is delivered to a street-side mailbox, pick up delivered mail as soon as possible. Be alert to strangers who may be taking mail out of mailboxes. Only authorized postal carriers have reason to reach into a mailbox. It is illegal for any other person or business to use your mailbox
• Reduce the number of pre-approved credit card offers you receive by calling 888-5OPTOUT (they will ask for your Social Security number)
• Register with the Do Not Call Registry 
• Monitor all your accounts and statements for possible fraudulent activity.

Source: Identity Theft Resource Center

Dispose of any left-over prescription or over-the-counter medicine the safe way at Edgewood City Hall.  Disposing here keeps your meds from being misused or polluting the environment.  Look for the blue bin in the lobby.  It’s easy to use, just drop in old medicine by opening the front just like a mailbox.  No forms, no paperwork, no fuss. 

When operating on our standard schedule, City Hall is open to use the bin M-F from 8:00am to 4:30pm.  Please call the Edgewood PD at 253-798-4960 to set up an appointment to drop your medications off.  

There are many other medication disposal bins available throughout Pierce County. 

Accepted Items: 

• Controlled substances
• Inhalers
• Liquid medication in glass or leak-proof containers 
• Medicated ointments / lotions
• Medication samples 
• Prescription and over-the-counter medication 
• Veterinary medications
• Vitamins

Items Not Accepted:

• Bloody or infectious waste
• Business waste 
• Empty containers 
• Hydrogen peroxide
• IV bags 
• Needles 
• Personal care products 
• Thermometers

How do I find out about sex offenders in my area?

The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office and the Edgewood Police Department feel you have the right to know about high-risk sexual offenders living in your neighborhood.  To find out more information or to view a current map, click here.

If you are an Edgewood resident, are planning to be away from home for at least 5 days but not more than 90 days, and would like the Edgewood Police to perform residence checks on your home and property in your absence, please complete a Vacation Check Request and return it to the Police Department at least 7 days before your scheduled departure. We are not able to accept requests made by telephone.

If you are a victim and you need help, you are not alone. Please reach out to one of the community organizations below.

2-1-1

This is a Washington State Information Network that can get you quickly connected with the resources that can help you–everything from Confidential Address Protection Programs to Victim/Offender Mediation Programs.  Get started by simply dialing 211.

Victim Information & Notification Service

The Washington Statewide Victim Information and Notification Service will tell you if an offender is in custody and will give you other important custody information.  You may register for automatic notification when an offender is released, transferred, escapes or dies.  This service is completely confidential, and the offender will not know you are registered.  Click here to learn more or call 1-877-846-3492.

Resources for Victims of Domestic Violence

There are a number of additional resources for victims of domestic violence:
•    The Crystal Judson Family Justice Center 253-798-4310
•    National Domestic Violence 24-hr Hotline 800-799-7233
•    Pierce County 24-hr Crisis Line 800-576-7764
•    Rebuilding Hope Sexual Assault Center for Pierce County 253-474-7273 or 800-756-7273

Shelters in Pierce County

•    Exodus Housing 253-862-6808
•    YWCA Women’s Shelter 253-383-2593
•    Family Renewal Shelter 253-475-9010
•    Salvation Army 24-hr number 253-572-8452
•    Korean Women’s Association 253-359-0470

No. Concealed Pistol License applications and renewals are issued through South Sound 911. Please see below for South Sound 911’s contact information.

No. Fingerprinting must go through South Sound 911. Please see below for South Sound 911’s contact information.

No.  All Pistol Transfer Applications and Federal Firearms Licenses must be submitted through South Sound 911.  Please see below for South Sound 911’s contact information.

No. Following selection, we would require proof of a City of Edgewood Business License (and a Food Truck Permit, if applicable) prior to any contract.

Yes. This opportunity is open to both food truck operators and mobile vendors.

No. Mobile vendors do not need to apply for a Food Truck Permit. However, if selected, a mobile vendor would need to have a City of Edgewood Business License and pay an administrative fee of $50 to participate in this opportunity.

No. Attachment A of the RFQ provides clarification regarding exceptions for mobile vendors.