Washington's general adverse possession period is 10 years under RCW 4.16.020, requiring possession that is actual, open and notorious, exclusive, hostile, and continuous. A shorter 7-year period applies under RCW 7.28.070 when the occupant holds under good-faith color of title and pays all taxes legally assessed on the land for those seven years.
RCW 4.16.020 bars an action to recover real property 'unless it appears that the plaintiff, his or her ancestor, predecessor or grantor was seized or possessed of the premises in question within ten years before the commencement of the action,' establishing the 10-year adverse-possession baseline (possession must be actual, open, notorious, exclusive, hostile, and continuous). RCW 7.28.070 provides a shorter route: anyone who, 'under claim and color of title, made in good faith,' shall 'for seven successive years continue in possession' and 'pay all taxes legally assessed' shall be 'adjudged to be the legal owner.' Successors who continue both possession and tax payment may complete the seven years. A squatter lacking these elements remains a removable trespasser.
No specific statutory penalty. An occupant who fails to satisfy every element of RCW 4.16.020 or RCW 7.28.070 acquires no title and may be removed through ejectment or unlawful detainer (RCW 59.12.030 covers entry without permission or color of title); willful trespass may also carry criminal liability.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Everett, WA
Everett prohibits storing abandoned, inoperable, or unregistered vehicles on public streets or visible on private property. Vehicles may be tagged and towed ...
Everett, WA
Everett regulates electric vehicle charging infrastructure for residential and commercial properties. Building codes may require EV-ready parking in new cons...
Everett, WA
Everett regulates overnight parking on public streets. Many areas restrict parking between certain hours or require permits for overnight street parking.
Everett, WA
Everett requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Everett, WA
Everett requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
Everett, WA
Everett restricts or prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, coyotes, and bears. Feeding wildlife creates public safety hazards and nuisanc...
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