Lynnwood, WA Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)

140 responds to council findings that Lynnwood, like other Washington cities, had seen a rise in aggressive solicitation of pedestrians and that the conduct threatens public health, safety and welfare in the urban core. The ordinance defines 'aggressively solicit' as intentionally engaging in conduct that would likely intimidate a reasonable person while asking for anything of value, whether the ask is for money, goods, services, a signature, or a survey response; the definition specifically lists touching the target, persistently soliciting after being refused, and using violent or threatening language or gestures.

'Solicit' is defined broadly to cover asking, begging or pleading for contributions, offering goods or services for immediate sale, distributing goods or services without pay, or requesting signatures or survey answers, whether done orally, in writing, or nonverbally. The prohibition applies anywhere within a 'public place,' a term covering alleys, bridges, publicly owned buildings, driveways, parking lots, parks, plazas, sidewalks, streets, and the doorways and grounds of buildings open to the public. 140(C)(2) and (E). 080(B) applies unless state law fixes a different penalty: up to a $1,000 fine, 90 days in jail, or both.

The ordinance is separate from and broader than the sit-lie obstruction standard in the same section, meaning a panhandler can be charged for aggressive conduct even where no pedestrian was physically blocked. Lynnwood police enforce the ban directly.