Lynnwood, WA Parking Rules: EV Charging (2026)

Chapter 8.40's parking article treats electric vehicles as ordinary parking users first: Section 8.40.0760(C)(1) says an electric vehicle may park in any space designated for public parking regardless of whether that space has charging capability, so a gas-powered car cannot be excluded from a charging-equipped stall on that basis alone. The section is explicit that Lynnwood sets no minimum number of charging spaces a development must provide; installing them is optional for a property owner.

Where a site does install charging infrastructure, Section 8.40.0760(C)(3) imposes real conditions. Every charging space must carry signage stating it is for electric vehicle charging, including posted days and hours of operation if the owner wants to enforce time limits or tow-away rules, and that signage has to be consistent with the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The equipment itself must stay in working order, and the code requires a phone number or other contact posted on the unit so a driver can report a malfunction; if a space stops being used for charging, the owner has to remove the EV infrastructure rather than leave dead equipment in place. Charging equipment cannot block accessibility clearances required by WAC 51-50-005, and any charging space provided must be a standard, not compact, stall.

The city also removes a cost barrier: Section 8.40.0760(C)(4) waives electrical permit fees for Level 1 and Level 2 charging installations, though it does not mention Level 3 or DC fast-charging equipment, which stays subject to the normal electrical permit fee schedule.