Environmental Rules in Lynnwood, WA (2026)
4 verified environmental rules for Lynnwood, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Lynnwood requires a stormwater permit and site plan for projects disturbing 2,000 square feet or more of land or adding new or replaced impervious surface, under LMC Chapter 13.40. The rules implement the state's Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit issued by the Department of Ecology.
Lynnwood Stormwater Management Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsLynnwood Municipal Code §§ 13.40.010, 13.40.020
The city council finds that this chapter is necessary to: promote sound development policies and construction procedures which respect and preserve the city's watercourses; minimize water quality degradation; prevent sedimentation of creeks, streams, ponds, lakes and other water bodies ... This chapter is also necessary to control stormwater runoff generated by development, redevelopment, const...
Erosion Control
Lynnwood requires a temporary erosion and sediment control plan, plus a vegetation management and restoration plan, for development on sites with potential erosion hazard areas under LMC 17.10.103. The city can also condition approval on a geotechnical consultant's on-site presence during clearing and grading.
Lynnwood Erosion Control on Hazard Sites
Some RestrictionsLynnwood Municipal Code § 17.10.103
Alteration allowed by this chapter shall be subject to the following requirements: ... C. As a condition of any approval of development containing a geologically hazardous area or its required setbacks, the city may also require that: ... 3. All development proposals on sites containing potential erosion hazard areas shall include temporary erosion and sediment control plans consistent with ado...
Flood Zones
Lynnwood regulates all areas of special flood hazard under LMC Chapter 16.46, adopted from FEMA's Snohomish County flood insurance study. A development permit from the public works director is required before any construction, fill, or land alteration in these areas, and violations are a misdemeanor punishable by fine and jail time.
Lynnwood Flood Hazard Area Rules
Some RestrictionsLynnwood Municipal Code §§ 16.46.030(C), 16.46.040(A)(1)
No structure or land shall hereafter be constructed, located, extended, converted, or altered without full compliance with the terms of this chapter and other applicable regulations. Violation of the provisions of this chapter by failure to comply with any of its requirements (including violations of conditions and safeguards established in connection with conditions) shall constitute a misdeme...
Flood Elevation Requirements
Lynnwood requires new and substantially improved residential structures in a mapped flood hazard area to have their lowest floor, including any basement, elevated at least one foot above base flood elevation under LMC 16.46.050(B)(1)(a). A development permit is required first under LMC 16.46.040(A)(1), and violating the chapter carries a fine of up to $500 or 90 days in jail under LMC 16.46.030(C).
Lynnwood Flood Elevation and Freeboard Rules
Some RestrictionsLynnwood Municipal Code §§ 16.46.030(C), 16.46.040(A)(1), 16.46.050(B)(1)(a)
No structure or land shall hereafter be constructed, located, extended, converted, or altered without full compliance with the terms of this chapter and other applicable regulations. ... Any person who violates this chapter or fails to comply with any of its requirements shall upon conviction thereof be fined not more than $500.00 or imprisoned for not more than 90 days, or both, for each viola...
Looking for Snohomish County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Lynnwood city rules.
Environmental Rules in Snohomish County →