Environmental Rules in Lakewood, WA (2026)
5 verified environmental rules for Lakewood, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Lakewood requires every new development and redevelopment project to install an approved stormwater management system before construction proceeds. Chapter 12.11 LMC adopts the Washington Department of Ecology's Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington as the design standard, and no site work, including clearing or grading, may start without a permit issued by the Planning and Public Works Department.
Lakewood, WA Stormwater Management Rules
Some RestrictionsLMC 12.11.010, 12.11.020
12.11.010 Purpose. ... The purpose of this chapter is to describe requirements for new development and redevelopment to: A. Reduce flooding, erosion, and sedimentation; B. Prevent and mitigate habitat loss; C. Enhance ground water recharge; and D. Prevent surface and subsurface water pollution through the implementation of comprehensive and thorough permit review and construction inspection. .....
Erosion Control
Every Lakewood project that clears, grades or otherwise disturbs a site must use erosion and sediment control best management practices to keep sediment from reaching downstream drainage, water resources and neighboring properties, under LMC 12.10.040. Larger projects must also prepare a construction stormwater pollution prevention plan and, above one acre with discharge potential, a state DOE permit.
Lakewood, WA Erosion and Sediment Control
Some RestrictionsLMC 12.10.040, 12.11.040(B)
12.10.040 Erosion control. ... All proposed projects that will clear, grade, or otherwise disturb a site shall provide erosion and sediment control best management practices (BMPs) to prevent, to the maximum extent possible, the transport of sediment from the project site to downstream drainage facilities, water resources, and adjacent properties. ... 12.11.040 Minimum surface water and storm ...
Flood Zones
Lakewood, Washington requires a floodplain development agreement before any construction, fill, or land alteration begins within the Regulatory Floodplain shown on FEMA's Flood Insurance Rate Maps for Pierce County. New homes and additions must elevate their lowest floor at least one foot above the base flood elevation, and the floodway itself is closed to nearly all new fill or building under LMC 18A.50.070.
Lakewood, WA Floodplain Development Rules
Some RestrictionsLMC 18A.50.070
18A.50.070 Provisions for flood hazard reduction. ... A. General Standards. In all areas of special flood hazards, the following standards shall apply for all new construction and substantial improvements or other development: 1. Anchoring. a. All new construction and substantial improvements shall be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, or lateral movement of the structure. ... B. Specific...
Boat Dock Permits
Waterfront owners on American Lake, Gravelly Lake, Lake Louise and Lake Steilacoom can build or replace a private dock without a shoreline substantial development permit only while its fair market value stays under set dollar caps; anything larger, or any dock that misses the code's size and setback standards, needs City review.
Lakewood, WA Boat Dock Permit Exemption Thresholds
Some RestrictionsLMC 16.10.050(C)(5)(b)(i)
b. Exemptions. ... Construction of a dock, including a community dock, designed for pleasure craft only, for the private noncommercial use of the owner, lessee, or contract purchaser of single-family and multiple-family residences. ... i. ... The City will review all development proposals for overwater structures to determine if the proposal is or is not exempt from the requirement for a substa...
Flood Elevation Requirements
In Lakewood's Flood Hazard Overlay, new construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure must elevate the lowest floor, including the basement, at least one foot above the base flood elevation. LMC 18A.50.070(B)(1) sets this FEMA-linked freeboard standard for lots along American Lake, Gravelly Lake, and other mapped floodplains.
Lakewood, WA Flood Elevation Rule
Some RestrictionsLMC 18A.50.070(A)(6), (B)(1)
6. Review of Building Permits. Where elevation data is not available either through a Flood Insurance Study or from another authoritative source, applications for building and land use permits shall be reviewed to assure that proposed construction will be reasonably safe from flooding. ... Failure to elevate at least two (2) feet above grade in these zones may result in higher insurance rates. ...
Looking for Pierce County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Lakewood city rules.
Environmental Rules in Pierce County →