Property Maintenance in Lynnwood, WA

If you live in Lynnwood or are thinking about moving there, property maintenance are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Lynnwood has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of property maintenance, and some of them might surprise you.

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Lynnwood Municipal Code § 10.08.200(B)(12) declares uncut or unkempt vegetation a public nuisance whenever it creates a fire or safety hazard, harbors pests, or blocks a sidewalk or street, and separately caps residential lawn grass at eight inches. Dead or overgrown trees, bushes and vines that menace public health or degrade neighborhood character are likewise declared nuisances subject to city abatement.

Key details: Grass height limit: 8 inches or less, residential yards. Governing section: LMC 10.08.200(B)(12)(b), (c). Also covers: Dead/overgrown trees, bushes, vines as fire hazard. Notice required: 10 days written notice before abatement. Penalty: Misdemeanor, up to $300 fine (LMC 10.08.070).

Maintaining unkempt vegetation or lawn grass over eight inches in violation of LMC 10.08.200(B)(12) is a misdemeanor under LMC 10.08.070, carrying up to a $300 fine, 90 days in jail, or both. The city can also order abatement under LMC 10.08.220 after 10 days' written notice and, if the owner does not comply, perform the work itself and bill the property owner under LMC 10.08.260.

Snow & Sidewalk Clearing

Lynnwood puts the job of keeping sidewalks clear of ice and snow on the abutting property owner. Letting a sidewalk stay iced or snowed over is treated as a public nuisance, and an owner who does not clear it within 45 days of notice faces a fine of up to $250.00 per offense.

Key details: Duty holder: abutting property owner. Governing section: LMC 12.12.040. Cure period after notice: 45 days. Maximum fine: $250.00 per offense. City remedy: city clears it and liens property.

Failing to keep the abutting sidewalk clear of ice and snow is a declared public nuisance under LMC 12.12.090. An owner who does not abate it within 45 days of written notice faces a fine up to $250.00 per offense, and each additional day of noncompliance can be charged as a separate violation. The city may also do the clearing itself and lien the property for its costs plus attorneys' fees under LMC 12.12.080.

Property Blight

Lynnwood's building official and hearing examiner may declare a structure unfit for habitation or substandard under LMC 16.08.230 and 16.08.240, based on dilapidation, structural defects, fire hazards, and defective wiring or plumbing. The city can order repair, vacation, boarding-up, or demolition, record the case with the Snohomish County auditor as a lis pendens, and bill abatement costs against the owner and property.

Key details: Unfit-building standard: LMC 16.08.230. Substandard-building standard: LMC 16.08.240. Demolition threshold: Repair cost over 60% of value. Violation penalty: Gross misdemeanor, LMC 16.08.330. Case recorded as: Lis pendens with Snohomish County auditor.

Occupying a building ordered vacated, failing to comply with a director's or hearing examiner's order, or obstructing a city officer enforcing Chapter 16.08 LMC is a gross misdemeanor under LMC 16.08.330. The city can also recover its abatement, demolition, and administrative costs, including salaries and hearing expenses, by assessing them directly against the property and certifying them to the Snohomish County treasurer for collection with the property taxes.

This is one of the stricter rules in Lynnwood's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Lynnwood'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 Lynnwood is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Lynnwood's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.