Everett's Public Conduct: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles public conduct a little differently. In Everett, Washington, there are 6 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Public Urination

Everett makes it a misdemeanor to intentionally urinate or defecate anywhere in public other than a washroom or toilet room, under EMC 10.24.200. The offense carries a fine of up to $1,000, and a separate, park-specific version of the same ban applies inside city parks under EMC 9.06.146.

Key details: Maximum fine: $1,000 (EMC 10.24.200(B)). Maximum jail: 90 days, general misdemeanor. Applies to: Any "public place," broadly defined. Exception: Inside a washroom or toilet room. Park version: EMC 9.06.146, enforced by park rangers.

Urinating or defecating in public outside a washroom or toilet room is a misdemeanor under EMC 10.24.200(B), punishable by a fine of up to $1,000. Because it is a misdemeanor rather than a civil infraction, a conviction can also include up to 90 days in jail under the general misdemeanor penalty in EMC 10.04.080(B), and a court may order restitution in lieu of a straight fine under EMC 10.04.090 where appropriate.

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

Public Marijuana Use

Opening a package of marijuana or consuming it anywhere in view of the general public is a civil infraction in Everett under EMC 10.35.110(A), penalized under the state's class 3 civil infraction schedule. A parallel, park-specific version applies inside city parks under EMC 9.06.203, and ignoring the citation escalates the charge to a misdemeanor.

Key details: First offense: Class 3 civil infraction (RCW 7.80). Ignoring the citation: Becomes a misdemeanor. Nonpayment: Possible contempt of court (RCW 7.21). Covers: Opening the package or consuming. Park version: EMC 9.06.203, same penalty structure.

A first violation of EMC 10.35.110(A) is a class 3 civil infraction under RCW ch. 7.80, not a crime, and does not on its own create a criminal record. But failing to respond to the infraction notice within the deadline converts the matter into a misdemeanor under EMC 10.35.110(B), and refusing to pay a resulting fine or complete community restitution can bring a contempt-of-court finding under EMC 10.35.110(C). This rule governs only marijuana used or opened in public view; private possession and use is governed separately by the state limits adopted at EMC 10.35.060.

Aggressive Panhandling

Everett makes it a misdemeanor to beg in a way that intentionally blocks someone's path, or to beg using words or actions meant to intimidate a person into giving money or goods, under EMC 9.52.010. The law is enforced citywide as a misdemeanor under EMC 9.52.030, though officers and prosecutors are directed to consider diversion first.

Key details: Covers: Begging plus obstruction or intimidation. Not covered: Ordinary panhandling alone. Penalty: Up to $1,000 fine, 90 days jail. Enforcement directive: Consider diversion before prosecution. Adopted / amended: Ord. 1353-87 (1987); Ord. 3462-15 (2015).

Aggressive begging is a misdemeanor under EMC 9.52.030, exposing a person to the general misdemeanor penalty in EMC 10.04.080(B): a fine of up to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both. The ordinance itself directs police and prosecutors to weigh diversion programs and other alternatives to arrest or jail before pursuing the maximum penalty, so first-time or low-level violations are less likely to draw full prosecution than the statutory maximum suggests.

Compared to other cities, Everett takes a harder line on aggressive panhandling. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Public Alcohol Use

Everett Municipal Code § 10.42.020 makes it an infraction, fine of $50 plus statutory assessments, to open a package containing liquor or consume liquor in a public place anywhere in the city, except as permitted by state law (RCW Title 66) or city ordinance, including permitted events on city property.

Key details: Base penalty: $50 infraction plus statutory assessments. Public conveyance drinking: misdemeanor under EMC 10.42.030. Intoxicated purchase/consumption: up to $500 civil infraction, 10.42.045. City event exception: banquet/rental permit, up to 3 days, 10.42.070. Governing law: RCW Title 66 sets the state baseline.

Opening a liquor package or drinking in a public place violates EMC 10.42.020, an infraction carrying a $50 fine plus statutory assessments, enforced by the Everett Police Department. Drinking liquor in a public conveyance outside a licensed compartment is instead a misdemeanor under 10.42.030. An apparently intoxicated person who buys or drinks on a state-licensed premises faces a separate civil infraction up to $500 under 10.42.045, and intoxication itself is not a defense. Unless a specific section says otherwise, any other violation of Chapter 10.42 is a misdemeanor under 10.42.110.

Skateboarding Rules

Everett bans skateboards, roller skates, in-line skates and coasters entirely from sidewalks and roadways in the central business and other business districts, with escalating fines for repeat riders.

Key details: First offense: $50 infraction. Second offense (5 yrs): $100-$500, misdemeanor. Third+ offense (5 yrs): $200-$1,000, up to 90 days jail. Covered zones: UM + B-1, B-2, C-1, C-2.

Riding a skateboard, in-line skates, roller skates or a coaster on a sidewalk or roadway in Everett's central business or listed business districts violates EMC § 46.72.010/.040 and escalates from a $50 infraction to misdemeanor fines and possible jail on repeat offenses within five years.

Compared to other cities, Everett takes a harder line on skateboarding rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Loud Party Ordinance

Under Everett's noise ordinance, whoever is in possession of a property is liable for allowing a public nuisance noise, including a loud party, to originate there, whether or not they personally made the noise.

Key details: Standard: Plainly audible across property line or 50 ft. First offense: Misdemeanor. Repeat offense: Gross misdemeanor after 3 in 365 days. Who's liable: Person in possession of the property. Citation: EMC § 20.08.090(A)(3).

Violating the nuisance noise standard is a misdemeanor; each 24-hour period of continued violation is a separate offense, and three or more violations in a year make the next one a gross misdemeanor.

The Bottom Line

Everett is tougher than many cities when it comes to public conduct. Out of the 6 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Everett, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

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