Pop. 65,064
Commercial vehicle parking on residential streets in Lakewood is restricted by city code. Vehicles may not obstruct traffic or create nuisances. Washington State commercial vehicle regulations also apply.
Abandoned vehicles in Lakewood are subject to code enforcement as a nuisance. Lakewood Police Department handles abandoned vehicle reports for public streets; city code enforcement for private property.
Lakewood street parking is governed by city traffic codes consistent with Washington State law. Standard rules apply regarding curb distance, fire hydrant clearance, and intersection proximity. Long-term street parking of vehicles is restricted.
Lakewood prohibits noise that disturbs the peace under LMC Chapter 8.36 (Noise Control). Residential quiet hours are 10 PM–7 AM weekdays and 10 PM–9 AM weekends. Civil penalty up to $250 for first offense; up to $500 for repeat within 2 years.
Construction noise in Lakewood is restricted to weekday hours of 7 AM–10 PM and weekend/holiday hours of 9 AM–10 PM under the LMC Chapter 8.36 noise control provisions (exemptions schedule). Sound from construction must not be audible beyond 50 feet outside of permitted hours.
Lakewood prohibits frequent, repetitive, or continuous animal sounds that disturb the peace under LMC Chapter 8.36. Excessive barking is a noise control violation. Complaints are handled by Lakewood Police and/or Pierce County Animal Control.
Lakewood has no local aircraft noise ordinance. Aircraft operations at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) adjacent to Lakewood are governed by federal law and military authority. FAA regulations apply to all civil aviation.
Amplified music in Washington is regulated under the statewide Maximum Environmental Noise Levels, which set decibel caps at the property line based on receiving zone and time of day.
Industrial sources in Washington must comply with EDNA limits set by WAC 173-60, with the receiving residential zone limited to 60 dBA daytime and 50 dBA nighttime.
Lakewood is in Pierce County, which is subject to Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) burn regulations and Washington State DNR fire safety rules. Lakewood's residential areas are primarily urban — no WUI brush clearance mandate. During Stage 2 burn bans, all outdoor burning is prohibited.
Lakewood is an urban city with limited wildfire-urban interface areas. Pierce County has some WUI zones in eastern areas. Lakewood's McChord Greenway area has some forested land. Washington DNR manages wildfire risk under RCW 76.04 (forest fire protection).
Outdoor burning of yard debris in Lakewood is prohibited within city limits. Burn permits are not issued within urban growth boundaries per Puget Sound Clean Air Agency rules. Recreational fires on private property are allowed with restrictions. Burn barrels are always illegal.
Consumer fireworks are permitted in Lakewood on July 4 only, from 11 AM to 11 PM, on private property under LMC Chapter 8.68. Dangerous fireworks are prohibited year-round. Discharge on school grounds, parks, or rights-of-way is banned. Sales are allowed June 28–July 4. Fines reach $2,650.
Recreational fire pits on private property in Lakewood are permitted consistent with Pierce County and PSCA recreational fire standards. Fires must use only charcoal or dried firewood, stay under 3 feet in diameter, and be attended at all times. Burn barrels are illegal.
Washington adopts the International Fire Code statewide under RCW 19.27.031, including NFPA 58 standards for liquefied petroleum gas (propane). These rules govern container placement, capacity, and installation regardless of city.
Residential swimming pools in Lakewood must be enclosed by a barrier meeting the 2021 International Residential Code Appendix AG (Section AG105) and the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), both adopted by reference at LMC 15.05.020 through Washington's statewide code (RCW 19.27.031, WAC 51-51). General-use and limited-use public/community pools also follow WAC 246-260-031 (Washington DOH), requiring 60 to 72-inch barriers, self-closing/self-latching gates, and restricted openings. Fences not exceeding 6 feet in height generally do not need a separate zoning permit under LMC Title 18A, but a building permit is required for the pool itself.
Washington WAC 246-260 regulates public spas and hot tubs at hotels, apartments, gyms, and HOAs, requiring permits, water testing, temperature limits, and posted bather safety warnings under RCW 70.90 statewide.
Washington RCW 70.90 and WAC 246-260 establish statewide operational safety rules for public pools including water quality, signage, lifeguard or warning sign requirements, and anti-entrapment drain compliance under federal VGB Act.
Lakewood requires dogs and other animals to be under restraint by leash or chain held by a competent person whenever they are off the owner's premises. Under LMC 6.02.010, an animal is considered "at large" if it is off the owner's property and not on a leash. LMC 6.04.010 prohibits animals at large on public property and authorizes impoundment, except in designated off-leash areas such as the Fort Steilacoom Off-Leash Dog Park. Animal control is provided by City of Lakewood Animal Services (covering Lakewood, DuPont, and Steilacoom), with shelter services contracted to the Tacoma-Pierce County Humane Society. State law (RCW 16.08.040) imposes strict liability on dog owners for bites in public places.
Beekeeping in Lakewood is permitted subject to Washington State Department of Agriculture registration requirements under RCW 15.60. No specific Lakewood beekeeping ordinance was identified beyond state requirements.
Lakewood follows Washington State exotic animal restrictions under WAC 220-450. Dangerous wild animals require WDFW permits. No additional local Lakewood exotic pet ordinance was identified beyond state law.
Washington RCW 16.52 criminalizes animal cruelty and neglect statewide, providing the legal foundation for animal hoarding prosecutions when owners fail to provide necessary food, water, shelter, and veterinary care to multiple animals.
Washington RCW 16.08 governs dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs through behavior-based standards rather than breed identity, requiring registration, secure confinement, and liability insurance for declared dangerous dogs across all jurisdictions.
Lakewood short-term rental guests must comply with Lakewood Municipal Code Chapter 8.36 (Noise Control), which incorporates Washington's Maximum Environmental Noise Levels (Chapter 173-60 WAC). For sound entering a residential receiving zone, daytime limits run to 55 dBA and drop 10 dBA between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. (effectively 45 dBA at night). LMC 18A.40.090 also requires every STR's posted Good Neighbor Policy to address noise restrictions and quiet hours, and LMC 8.36 separately caps frequent, repetitive, or continuous sounds at 75 dBA at the property line.
Lakewood Municipal Code 18A.40.090 requires that all off-street parking required for the primary residential use of an STR site be made available to guests, and STR applicants must disclose the number of off-street guest parking spaces provided. There is no STR-specific minimum on top of the residential standard in LMC Title 18A. Guests must use designated off-street spaces; on-street guest parking must follow the standard Lakewood vehicle code and Lakewood Police Department posted limits.
Lakewood Municipal Code 18A.40.090 defines a short-term rental as a dwelling rented for fewer than 30 consecutive calendar days and ties STR maximum occupancy to LMC Title 15 (Buildings and Construction), which incorporates the International Building, Residential, and Fire Codes. Each STR must be inspected by the City and Tacoma-Pierce County Fire District before licensing to confirm building and fire code compliance. STRs are prohibited in commercial zones (C1-C3), industrial zones (IBP, I1, I2), public/semi-public institutional zones, and Open Space Recreation zones (OSR1, OSR2). STR permits are non-transferable and tied to a single address.
Short-term rentals in Lakewood, WA appear to require that the listed property be a primary residence based on available information. Operators must also obtain a Washington State business license and comply with applicable Lakewood zoning and licensing requirements. Verify current requirements with the City of Lakewood.
STR hosts in Lakewood must collect and remit Washington State lodging taxes under RCW 67.28. Combined tax rate includes WA State sales tax (6.5%) plus Pierce County and Lakewood sales taxes. Remittance is to the Washington Department of Revenue.
Washington law requires short-term rental operators to maintain primary liability insurance of at least $1 million or operate through a platform that provides equivalent coverage. This statewide requirement applies regardless of local rules.
Lakewood has no native plant ordinance. Washington State has a noxious weed control program (RCW 17.10) — property owners must control noxious weeds listed by Pierce County Noxious Weed Control Board. Native plant planting is encouraged but not mandated.
Trees on private property in Lakewood generally do not require a removal permit unless in a Critical Area. Trees in flood hazard areas or steep slopes require additional review. Contact Lakewood Planning for guidance on specific properties.
Water restrictions in Lakewood are managed by Lakewood Water District and Pierce County Utilities. Washington DOE drought declarations can trigger mandatory restrictions under RCW 90.54. Lakewood Water District may impose additional seasonal restrictions.
Washington requires jurisdictions over 25,000 to provide organics collection and bans certain organic waste disposal under RCW 70A.205.545.
Washington law expressly permits rooftop rainwater collection for onsite use without a water right permit, preempting any municipal prohibition on basic harvesting.
Washington RCW 17.10 mandates statewide control of designated noxious weeds; landowners must prevent spread regardless of municipal location.
Fence height limits in Lakewood are established under LMC Title 18A zoning standards. Standard residential fences are limited to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in rear and side yards. Fences over 7 feet or masonry walls over 4 feet require a permit.
Washington's partition fence law requires adjoining landowners using a boundary fence for livestock to share construction and maintenance costs equitably under RCW 16.60.
Washington requires pool barriers for residential and public pools through state-adopted building code provisions and Department of Health rules ensuring minimum 48-inch fencing.
Lakewood allows 2 ADUs per lot consistent with HB 1337 (2023). Detached ADUs require a minimum 4-foot setback from rear and side yard boundaries. Parking is not required for ADUs within ¼ mile of a Pierce Transit bus route or ½ mile of Sound Transit Lakewood Station.
Sheds and accessory structures in Lakewood require a building permit if over 200 sq ft or if including electrical or plumbing. Structures must meet zone setback requirements from property lines.
Garage conversions to habitable space in Lakewood require a building permit and must meet residential code standards. Conversion to an ADU is permitted under LMC 18A.40.110 and HB 1337 provisions.
Washington recognizes tiny houses on foundations under IRC Appendix Q and tiny houses on wheels as recreational vehicles under RCW 35.21.686.
Washington's cottage food law allows home-based production of low-risk foods under a state permit administered by WSDA, with uniform statewide rules that municipalities cannot override.
Washington licenses family home child care providers through DCYF and preempts local zoning that would treat licensed home daycares as commercial uses requiring special permits.
Lakewood's Urban Forest Management Plan recognizes significant trees. The city has Heritage Tree designations for notable trees on public property. For private property, check with the Lakewood Community Development Department regarding tree protection requirements.
Tree removal in Lakewood is governed by the Lakewood Municipal Code (LMC) tree regulations. A tree removal permit is required for significant trees. Lakewood has an Urban Forest Management Plan. Street trees require City of Lakewood Public Works approval.
Lakewood operates a stormwater utility and must comply with the Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit under Washington DOE. Stormwater management regulated under LMC and Pierce County stormwater requirements. Development must comply with Pierce County Stormwater Management and Site Development Manual.
Lakewood participates in FEMA's NFIP. Properties in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (Zone A/AE) require elevation certificates for new construction and substantial improvements. Pierce County Chapter 18E.70 flood standards apply. The 50% rule triggers full code compliance for substantial improvements.
Washington's Shoreline Management Act (RCW 90.58) requires Shoreline Substantial Development Permits for most construction within 200 feet of marine and freshwater shorelines statewide.
Home cannabis cultivation is NOT legal for recreational users in Washington State. Washington's cannabis law (RCW 69.50 — I-502) does not permit home cultivation for recreational use. Medical cannabis patients with a healthcare provider's authorization may grow up to 6 plants (or 15 if authorized as a designated provider) under RCW 69.51A.
Washington's Liquor and Cannabis Board licenses cannabis retailers and imposes statewide 1,000-foot buffers from schools and other sensitive uses, which local governments may reduce but not eliminate.
Rent control is PREEMPTED by Washington State law. RCW 35.21.830 prohibits cities and counties from enacting rent control ordinances. Lakewood may not impose rent control on private residential rental properties.
Washington RCW 59.18.650 requires landlords to have one of 16 enumerated lawful causes to terminate most residential tenancies statewide.
Commercial drone operations in Washington are governed by FAA Part 107, with state law adding criminal liability for invasive uses and limited authority over state-owned land.
Washington combines federal FAA airspace preemption with state criminal statutes prohibiting drone voyeurism, harassment, and interference with first responders that apply uniformly statewide.
Washington RCW 49.46 establishes a state minimum wage with annual CPI adjustments and permits cities to set higher local minimum wages, unlike many preemption states.
Washington RCW 49.46.200 mandates paid sick leave for nearly all employees, and RCW 50A.04 provides paid family and medical leave funded by payroll premiums.
Washington has no statewide predictable scheduling law and does not preempt local rules, allowing cities like Seattle to enforce secure scheduling ordinances.
Washington issues concealed pistol licenses under RCW 9.41.070 on a shall-issue basis to qualified applicants, with statewide preemption preventing local concealed carry rules.
Washington RCW 9.41.290 broadly preempts local firearm regulation, reserving authority over firearm laws to the state legislature with very limited exceptions.
Washington allows open carry of firearms by qualified adults without a permit, with limited statutory restrictions and broad preemption barring most local open carry rules.
Washington RCW 9.41.050 governs carrying firearms in vehicles statewide, requiring a concealed pistol license to carry a loaded handgun in a motor vehicle.
Washington has no state E-Verify mandate, and RCW 49.60 prohibits employment discrimination based on national origin or immigration-related characteristics statewide.
Washington's Keep Washington Working Act under RCW 10.93.160 limits state and local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, establishing statewide sanctuary protections.
Washington's Growth Management Act under RCW 36.70A.170 requires counties and cities to designate and protect agricultural lands of long-term commercial significance through zoning.
Washington RCW 7.48.305 protects established agricultural activities from nuisance lawsuits when operations existed before nearby nonagricultural land uses changed the area.
Washington RCW 70A.530 bans single-use plastic carryout bags statewide and requires retailers to charge a pass-through fee for compliant paper or reusable bags.
Washington RCW 70A.245 bans expanded polystyrene foam food service containers, packing peanuts, and coolers in phases starting June 2024 to combat plastic pollution.
Washington RCW 70A.550 limits single-use food service ware including plastic straws and utensils to upon-request distribution at restaurants and food service businesses.
Washington RCW 64.38.055 voids homeowner association covenants prohibiting solar panel installation on owner property statewide, while permitting only reasonable placement rules that do not significantly impair efficiency or increase cost.
Washington RCW 64.38.055 and RCW 64.90.510 prevent HOAs and condominium associations from prohibiting solar panels, while RCW 35.21.700 limits local government ability to ban solar collectors on residential property.
Washington RCW 26.28.080 sets the minimum age for purchasing tobacco and vapor products at 21, aligning with federal Tobacco 21 standards statewide.
Washington has not enacted a statewide flavored tobacco ban, leaving flavor restrictions to limited Department of Health authority and federal FDA enforcement on flavored vapor cartridges.
Washington RCW 70.345 requires licensing for vapor product retailers, distributors, and delivery sellers, with state Department of Revenue oversight and tax collection.