Property Maintenance in Lakewood, WA: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in Lakewood or are thinking about moving there, property maintenance are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Lakewood has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of property maintenance, and some of them might surprise you.
Vacant Lot Maintenance
Lakewood, Washington requires owners of a vacant lot or building near an occupied home to keep the premises free of uncut grass, weeds, blackberry vines, bushes and debris under LMC 8.16.030, specifically to prevent rodent, insect or pest infestation and fire hazard. The City can order cleanup and, if ignored, abate the lot itself and bill the owner.
Key details: Governing section: LMC 8.16.030. Applies to: Vacant lots/buildings near occupied dwellings. Must be free of: Uncut grass, weeds, vines, bushes, debris. Enforcement: City Manager order, then abatement (LMC 8.16.050). Interest on City costs: 12 percent per annum.
Enforcement of LMC 8.16.030 runs through the general nuisance abatement process in LMC 8.16.050 rather than a fixed fine schedule: after notice and an opportunity to correct, an uncooperative owner can have the City abate the lot directly and recover its costs, plus 12 percent annual interest, as a debt and a lien against the property, in addition to any misdemeanor or infraction prosecution available under other City codes.
Property Blight
Lakewood, Washington requires every property owner or occupant, including on vacant lots, to keep their land free of junk, litter, overgrown weeds above 15 inches, and dilapidated or filthy structures that endanger health or invite rodents, under LMC 8.40.020. A property violating this duty is declared a public nuisance under LMC 8.40.030 and can be ordered rehabilitated, repaired, or demolished.
Key details: Governing section: LMC 8.40.020, duty to maintain property. Nuisance declared by: LMC 8.40.030. Weed/vegetation limit: Average height over 15 inches. Fine: $500 civil infraction per day. Interest on City costs: 12 percent per annum (LMC 8.16.050).
A violation of LMC 8.40.020 is a civil infraction under LMC 8.40.040, punishable by a $500.00 fine per violation, with each day the condition continues counted as a separate violation. The City can pursue abatement, cost recovery and lien enforcement in addition to the fine, and unresolved nuisances proceed through the notice-and-hearing steps in Chapter 8.16 LMC before the City abates the property itself.
The Bottom Line
Lakewood's property maintenance 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 Lakewood is broadly strict or permissive.
Keep in mind that Lakewood can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.