Moving to Lynnwood, WA?

Lynnwood does not have a local airport. Paine Field (PAE) in Everett is approximately 5 miles northeast. Aircraft noise is regulated federally by the FAA. No local aircraft noise ordinance exists.

Lynnwood noise regulations are governed by LMC Ch. 10.12, which adopts WAC 173-60 Environmental Designation for Noise Abatement (EDNA) standards. Quiet hours apply between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., during which noise limits for residential (Class A EDNA) areas are reduced by 10 dBA. Yelling, shouting, or loud singing between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. is prohibited (LMC §10.12.300).

Barking dogs that cause a noise disturbance are subject to LMC §10.12.300 (noises prohibited). Noise audible at 50 feet from the source is prima facie evidence of a violation. Animal control handles chronic barking complaints; contact the Lynnwood Police Department animal control unit.

Construction noise in Lynnwood is limited to Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. under LMC §10.12.300. Weekend construction is prohibited unless specifically approved by the city. Construction outside permitted hours must receive special authorization from the Community Development Department.

Lynnwood does not impose an STR-specific parking standard. Off-street parking is governed by Lynnwood Municipal Code Chapter 21.18 (Off-Street Parking). Under LMC 21.18.800, each single-family dwelling unit must provide on-site parking for two motor vehicles, sized per LMC 21.18.700. STR operators must make those required spaces available to guests rather than block them off, and on-street parking is subject to the Lynnwood Police Department's standard residential parking rules. Confirm any current STR-specific parking expectations with Lynnwood Development & Business Services at 425-670-5400.

Lynnwood has no stand-alone short-term rental ordinance and no published guests-per-bedroom cap. State law (RCW 64.37) defines a short-term rental as fewer than 30 consecutive nights and sets baseline operator duties. LMC 21.02.100 defines a boarding/lodging/rooming house as serving nontransient persons, so transient STR use is not the same use category. LMC 21.42.110 governs ADUs and home occupations in single-family zones but does not address STRs. Operators must hold a Lynnwood Title 5 general business license and register with the WA Department of Revenue. Confirm zoning eligibility with Development & Business Services at 425-670-5400.

Lynnwood does not have a stand-alone short-term rental ordinance, so STR guests follow the same noise rules as any other resident under Lynnwood Municipal Code Chapter 10.12 (Noise). LMC 10.12.300 prohibits operating saws, drills, sanders, lawn or garden tools, fans, blowers, and similar outdoor devices in residential areas between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. when they cause a noise disturbance across a residential property line. LMC 10.12.500 adopts environmental noise limits and reduces the daytime cap by 10 dBA in Class A (residential) receiving zones during the same 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. window.

STR operators in Lynnwood must collect and remit Washington State retail sales tax (6.5%) and applicable lodging tax under RCW 67.28. The state rate plus Snohomish County and city lodging taxes may apply. Register with WA Dept. of Revenue.

No Lynnwood-specific STR registration ordinance was identified in the LMC. Hosts must comply with Washington State RCW 64.37 safety requirements and obtain a state business license. Local zoning (LMC Title 21) governs permitted uses.

Recreational fires in Lynnwood are allowed if small (under 3 ft diameter), 25 ft from structures, constantly attended, with water nearby, using dry wood only. Prohibited during any active burn ban.

All consumer fireworks are banned in Lynnwood under LMC Ch. 9.12 (Ord. 3066, adopted June 17, 2014). Both the sale and discharge of consumer fireworks within city limits are prohibited. In May 2024, Snohomish County also banned fireworks sales in all no-discharge cities. Violations: Class 1 civil infraction, $500 penalty.

Outdoor burning is prohibited in Lynnwood city limits. Under LMC §10.16.020, no fire may be built in any public park except on provided cooking grills. Debris burning, yard waste burning, and burn barrels are all prohibited. Recreational fire pits may be allowed under Puget Sound Clean Air Agency rules during permitted conditions. Illegal fire fines start at $2,000.

RV parking in Lynnwood is subject to city parking and zoning regulations. Motor homes may park on residential streets for limited periods. Occupied RVs on private property may be subject to zoning enforcement.

Commercial vehicle parking in residential zones is regulated by Lynnwood's zoning code (LMC Title 21). Large commercial vehicles may not be stored long-term in residential zones. Contact the Planning Division for LMC Title 21 specifics.

Abandoned vehicles on public streets are reported to the Lynnwood Police Department or Snohomish County Sheriff. Inoperable vehicles on private property are a code enforcement matter. Washington State RCW 46.55 governs vehicle impoundment and removal.

Street parking in Lynnwood is regulated under LMC Title 10 (traffic/vehicles) and adopts applicable Washington State vehicle codes (RCW 46). Contact the Lynnwood Police Department parking enforcement division for time limits in specific areas, permit parking zones, and street sweeping restrictions.

Fence height is regulated by LMC §21.10.100. In residential zones, fences up to 6 ft are generally allowed in side and rear yards. Fences over 3 ft are considered vision-obscuring and may not be placed within intersection sight-distance triangles (two sides of 30 ft at corners) or driveway sight-distance triangles (two sides of 15 ft). A decorative trellis or adornment may add up to 2 ft (maximum 8 ft total).

Dogs in Lynnwood must be on a leash, cord, or chain no longer than eight (8) feet whenever off the owner's property. Lynnwood Municipal Code (LMC) 6.02.015(H) defines 'at large' as being off the premises of the owner and not under the immediate control of the owner, an immediate family member, or an authorized person by means of a leash, cord, or chain not longer than eight feet. LMC 6.02.070 prohibits domestic animals from running at large within the city, with an exception for designated dog training/off-leash areas. Lynndale Park (18927 72nd Ave W) hosts the city's only fenced off-leash dog area, open dawn to dusk seven days a week. Voice control alone does not satisfy the leash requirement; the animal must be physically tethered by a leash of 8 feet or less.

Washington State RCW 16.30 prohibits keeping certain dangerous wild animals as pets. LMC §21.42.400 restricts livestock in residential zones (no mink, goats except miniature breeds, foxes, or hogs). Snohomish County animal control handles exotic animal concerns.

Beekeeping is regulated at the state level under RCW 15.60 (Washington State Department of Agriculture). Hive registration with WSDA is required. Lynnwood has no specific beekeeping ordinance; consult the Planning Division for any applicable setback or zoning requirements in residential zones.

Tree removal in Lynnwood is regulated under the Community Development Code, including critical area provisions. Significant trees in critical areas or during development require permits. Street trees require Public Works authorization. Contact Development & Business Services for specific requirements.

Lynnwood adopts the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) by reference under Lynnwood Municipal Code 16.24.010, as amended by the Washington State Building Code Council. Residential pools and spas more than 24 inches deep require a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates, openings that will not pass a 4-inch sphere, and maximum 4-inch ground clearance. A building permit is required.

Sheds and accessory structures in Lynnwood must comply with LMC zoning setback requirements and the Washington State Building Code (WAC 51-50). Small sheds under 200 sq ft may be exempt from a full building permit but must still meet setback requirements. Contact the building division to confirm.

Garage conversions to habitable space or ADUs require a building permit under WAC 51-50. Conversions must meet habitability, energy code, and zoning requirements. HB 1337 (2023) facilitates ADU conversions with reduced design and impact fee restrictions.

Washington State HB 1337 (2023) requires Lynnwood to allow up to 2 ADUs per single-family lot. Detached ADUs in Lynnwood can be up to 1,200 sq ft and 16 ft tall; above-garage ADUs may reach 18–20 ft. No owner-occupancy requirement under HB 1337 (effective for Snohomish County cities ~May 31, 2025). Building permit required.

Lynnwood has FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (Zone AE) along Hall Creek and tributaries. The city's floodplain management program requires a floodplain development permit for all development in Zone A/AE areas. FEMA maps for Lynnwood are in Snohomish County panel series (FIRM Panel 53061C). Contact the city for current FEMA map effective dates.