How Edmonds Handles Parking Rules: A Practical Guide

Edmonds maintains 27 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with parking rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Edmonds falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

RV & Boat Parking

Edmonds has a residential RV parking permit program. Residents may obtain an RV parking decal allowing parking in permit-designated areas on the Residential & Visitor Parking Map. Apply at City Hall or by email.

Key details: RV Permit: Decal from City Hall. Apply: parkingpermits@edmondswa.gov. Map: Residential & Visitor Parking Map. Address: 121 5th Ave N, Edmonds.

Violations result in a notice to comply with a 14-day deadline. Failure to comply carries fines of $50–$200 per day. Abandoned or derelict vehicles may be towed at the owner's expense.

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions

Commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs. GVWR require a conditional use permit for storage in residential zones (ECDC §17.50.100). Street parking of commercial vehicles is subject to the 72-hour maximum rule and other traffic ordinances.

Key details: Residential Storage: Conditional use permit if over 10,000 lbs.. Code: ECDC §17.50.100. Street Parking: 72-hour maximum. Contact: Planning Division: 425-771-0220.

Violations result in warnings followed by fines of $100–$300 per occurrence. Vehicles parked in violation for extended periods may be subject to towing at the owner's expense.

Street Parking Limits

Under ECC §8.50.120, vehicles may not remain lawfully parked on a public street for more than 72 hours. Moving and re-parking a vehicle within the same block to reset the time limit is prohibited (ECC §8.48.162). The city's parking enforcement unit patrols and issues citations.

Key details: Maximum Street Parking: 72 hours (ECC §8.50.120). Re-parking to Reset: Prohibited (ECC §8.48.162). Code: ECC Ch. 8.48. Enforcement: Parking enforcement unit.

Parking violations carry fines of $35–$75 per citation. Abandoned vehicles are towed at the owner's expense ($150–$400 plus daily storage fees). Blocking fire lanes carries fines of $250+.

Abandoned Vehicles

Abandoned vehicle removal is regulated under ECC Ch. 8.48 and RCW 46.55. Vehicles left on public or private property without permission for more than 24 hours may be declared abandoned. Automobile hulks on private property are subject to abatement. Contact the parking enforcement unit at 425-771-0205.

Key details: Abandonment Threshold: 24 hours without permission (private property). Street Maximum: 72 hours (ECC §8.50.120). Code: ECC Ch. 8.48; RCW 46.55. Contact: Parking enforcement: 425-771-0205.

Abandoned vehicles on public streets are towed after 72-hour notice ($200–$500 towing plus $30–$50/day storage). Junk vehicles on private property: 30-day compliance notice, then $100–$300 per day fines.

The Bottom Line

Edmonds's parking rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Edmonds is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Edmonds's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.