Lynnwood, WA Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)
FEMA flood zone rules in Lynnwood, WA, also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules, determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- LMC 16.46
- Permit authority
- Public works director
- Elevation standard
- 1 ft above base flood elevation
- Max fine
- $500.00 per violation
- Max jail
- 90 days
- Appeal body
- 3-member mayor-appointed appeal board
Summary
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.
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 misdemeanor. 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 violation, and in addition shall pay all costs and expenses involved in the case. ... A development permit shall be obtained before construction or development begins within any area of special flood hazard established in LMC 16.46.030(B).
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 3512, passed May 26, 2026).
Full Breakdown
030(B). 040(A)(1)). 050(C)(1). 050(A)(1), (B)(1)). A three-member appeal board, appointed by the mayor, hears variance requests and appeals from the director's decisions, with further appeal to Snohomish County superior court. 00 of coverage.
Violations & Fines
Building or altering a structure in a mapped flood hazard area without a development permit, or failing to meet the chapter's requirements, is a misdemeanor under LMC 16.46.030(C). Conviction carries a fine of not more than $500.00, imprisonment of not more than 90 days, or both, per violation, plus all costs and expenses of the case; the city may also pursue other lawful action to prevent or remedy the violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build in a Lynnwood flood zone?
How high must a new house be built in a Lynnwood flood hazard area?
What happens if I build in a Lynnwood flood zone without a permit?
Can I get a variance from Lynnwood's flood elevation requirement?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lynnwood
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Flood Zones in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Snohomish County handle flood zones.