Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Lakewood, WA

Every city handles sidewalk & pedestrian rules a little differently. In Lakewood, Washington, there are 2 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.

Obstruction Rules

Lakewood, Washington makes it unlawful to place vehicles, goods, merchandise, food products, or similar items on a city street, sidewalk, crosswalk, or public right-of-way for display, sale, or presentation under LMC 10.16.020. The same section bars using the sidewalk or right-of-way to measure, package, weigh, or store items for sale, and a violation is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000.

Key details: Prohibited use: Displaying/selling goods on sidewalk or ROW. Max penalty: $1,000.00 misdemeanor fine. Exception: Actual receipt or delivery of goods. Governing section: LMC 10.16.020. Adopted: Ordinance 35, 1996.

Placing merchandise, goods, or a vehicle on a Lakewood sidewalk, crosswalk, or right-of-way to display or sell it is charged as a misdemeanor under LMC 10.16.020, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000.00, well above the $145.00 infraction cap that applies to the chapter's parking violations, plus any additional costs and assessments the court imposes.

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

Encroachment Permits

Lakewood requires a right-of-way permit before anyone blocks, occupies, privately improves or otherwise uses City right-of-way, and any object placed there without the City Engineer's written permission is declared an illegal public nuisance. Unpermitted encroachments left in place after notice are a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Key details: Permit required for: Any private use/obstruction of right-of-way. Issuing office: City Engineer, Public Works Department. Misdemeanor penalty: Up to 90 days jail, $1,000 fine. Non-obstructing violation: $500 Class 2 civil infraction. Removal deadline: 48 hours after written notice.

Placing an object or obstruction in the right-of-way, or failing to remove one after notice, is a misdemeanor crime under LMC 12.06.030(D) when it hampers or prevents the right-of-way's proper use, punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. An encroachment that does not interfere with proper use is instead a Class 2 civil infraction under LMC 1.48.010, fined up to $500.00, with each day, location, violator and incident a separate infraction.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Lakewood actively enforces its encroachment permits requirements.

The Bottom Line

Lakewood is tougher than many cities when it comes to sidewalk & pedestrian rules. Out of the 2 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Lakewood, 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 Lakewood's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.