Everett, WA Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- General rule
- Durable, city-approved surface materials
- Small residential exception
- Grass pavers allowed outside front setback
- Front-yard rule
- Must still be a paved surface
- Governing section
- EMC 19.34.120(B)
Summary
Everett requires off-street parking areas to use durable, city-approved surface materials, and any parking between a home's street-facing front and the street must be fully paved.
All parking areas shall consist of durable surface materials approved by the planning director and city engineer. Depending upon site and soil conditions, low impact development (LID) stormwater management facilities are encouraged, and may be required by the city’s stormwater management manual.
2. Residential Exception. For residential uses with six or fewer dwellings on a property, nonrequired vehicle parking that is located outside of the front and street side setbacks areas may use surface materials in accordance with city design standards including grass block pavers and reinforced grass paving systems; provided, however, that parking in the area between a street-facing facade and the street must be on a paved surface as allowed by EMC 19.34.110(C).
3. Residential Exception. Existing, legally established vehicle parking spaces for residential development established prior to June 6, 2024, are not required to be resized or modified to meet current parking requirements, except for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
C. Landscaping and Screening. Landscaping and screening for parking lots shall be in accordance with the standards of Chapter 19.35. Parking of trucks or fleet vehicles is considered off-street parking for the purposes of calculating the parking lot interior landscaping required by Chapter 19.35 EMC.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4194-26, passed July 29, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under EMC 19.34.120, all parking areas in Everett must consist of durable surface materials approved by the planning director and city engineer, with low-impact stormwater facilities encouraged. Homes with six or fewer dwelling units get a limited exception: nonrequired parking outside the front and street-side setbacks may use grass block pavers or reinforced grass paving systems instead of asphalt or concrete. But any parking located between the street-facing building facade and the street itself must still be a paved surface, as allowed under the driveway standards of EMC 19.34.110(C).
Violations & Fines
Parking on bare gravel or lawn between a house's front facade and the street, or installing unapproved surfacing anywhere required parking is provided, violates EMC 19.34.120(B) and can trigger code enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park on gravel or grass in my Everett driveway?
What surfacing does Everett require for parking areas?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Everett
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Driveway Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Snohomish County handle driveway rules.