Lynnwood's Water Use Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles water use rules a little differently. In Lynnwood, 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.

Turf Replacement Rebates

New landscaping in Lynnwood cannot rely mainly on a thirsty lawn: the Unified Development Code's xeriscaping standard caps high water use turf at 25 percent of the landscaped area, requiring the rest to be planted in low water or drought resistant turf, groundcover, native grasses, shrubs or trees.

Key details: High water use turf cap: 25% of landscaped area. Remaining area: low water/drought-resistant plantings. Irrigation control: automatic + rain sensor required. Preferred watering window: midnight to 6:00 a.m.. Mulch allowance: up to 6 inches for young plants.

A landscape plan proposing more than 25 percent high water use turf, or omitting the required automatic controller and rain sensor for its irrigation system, fails review under LMC 8.40.0220(J) and (C)(1); the development and business services department will not approve occupancy until the required xeriscape-compliant landscaping is installed or financially guaranteed under LMC 8.40.0220(A)(2).

Leak Reporting Duty

Lynnwood property owners who discover a plumbing leak must report it and apply for a billing adjustment within 60 days of discovery, with proof of repair, under LMC 13.34.090. Irrigation-system leaks are excluded from adjustment, and a property may receive only one credit every 24 months.

Key details: Reporting deadline: 60 days from actual discovery of leak. Proof required: Documentation of repair. Frequency limit: One adjustment per 24 months. Excluded: Irrigation system leaks. Multi-unit cap: One credit per city-owned meter.

LMC 13.34.090 does not itself carry a fine; the consequence of missing the 60-day window or the once-per-24-months limit is simply that the adjustment is denied and the customer remains responsible for the full metered charge. Related sections of Chapter 13.34 allow the city to place a lien on the property or discontinue water service for unpaid delinquent charges, including charges left unadjusted after a missed leak-reporting deadline.

The Bottom Line

Lynnwood's water use 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 Lynnwood is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Lynnwood 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.