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Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Lynnwood, WA (2026)

3 verified sidewalk & pedestrian rules for Lynnwood, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Sidewalk Repair

Lynnwood assigns day-to-day sidewalk maintenance to the abutting property owner, and it phases in who pays for reconstruction based on the sidewalk's age: free within five years of city construction, split 50/50 between five and ten years, and fully owner-funded after ten years.

Lynnwood Sidewalk Repair Cost-Sharing Rule

Some Restrictions

Lynnwood Municipal Code §§ 12.12.040, 12.12.060

Sidewalks and/or walkways shall be maintained by the abutting property owner, free and clear of ice and snow, all vegetation, and free of all materials which are not a part of surfacing material fixed by the construction design standards of the department of public works. ... Sidewalks requiring reconstruction within five years from the date of acceptance of completion of the construction work ...

Obstruction Rules

Lynnwood Municipal Code § 10.08.200 declares two kinds of sidewalk and right-of-way encroachment a public nuisance: unauthorized obstructions or excavations in streets and rights-of-way, and vegetation overhanging a sidewalk, street or alley in a way that creates a sight-distance hazard or impairs its full use. The city can order abatement and, on a property owner's failure to comply, remove the obstruction and bill the cost.

Lynnwood's Sidewalk and Right-of-Way Obstruction Rule

Some Restrictions

Lynnwood Municipal Code § 10.08.200(B)(7), (B)(12)(a)

All obstructions to streets, rights-of-way, or other public ways in the city, and all excavations in or under the same, which are by ordinance prohibited, or which may be made without lawful permission, or which, having been made by lawful permission, are kept and maintained after the purpose thereof has been accomplished, or for an unreasonable length of time; ... Trees, plants, bushes, shrubs...

Encroachment Permits

Lynnwood requires a right-of-way invasion permit before anyone excavates, builds in, or otherwise disturbs city right-of-way, including sidewalks and planting strips. The public works department issues permits, sets a 90-day validity window, and can require a security deposit before work begins.

Lynnwood Right-of-Way Invasion Permit

Some Restrictions

Lynnwood Municipal Code §§ 12.04.010, 12.04.040, 12.04.280

A right-of-way invasion permit is required by the city for any excavation, construction, or other invasion of city right-of-way by private individuals, contractors, corporation, municipal corporations, special districts and any and all other persons or organizations. ... Permits are valid for 90 days from date of issuance and may be extended upon receipt of a request in writing and approval by ...

Looking for Snohomish County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Lynnwood city rules.

Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Snohomish County