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.
Lynnwood, WA
Lynnwood does not have a local airport. Paine Field (PAE) in Everett is approximately 5 miles northeast. Aircraft noise is regulated federally by the FAA. No...
Lynnwood, WA
Barking dogs that cause a noise disturbance are subject to LMC §10.12.300 (noises prohibited). Noise audible at 50 feet from the source is prima facie eviden...
Lynnwood, WA
Construction noise in Lynnwood is limited to Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. under LMC §10.12.300. Weekend construction is prohibited unless ...
Lynnwood, WA
Lynnwood noise regulations are governed by LMC Ch. 10.12, which adopts WAC 173-60 Environmental Designation for Noise Abatement (EDNA) standards. Quiet hours...
Lynnwood, WA
Abandoned vehicles on public streets are reported to the Lynnwood Police Department or Snohomish County Sheriff. Inoperable vehicles on private property are ...
Lynnwood, WA
Street parking in Lynnwood is regulated under LMC Title 10 (traffic/vehicles) and adopts applicable Washington State vehicle codes (RCW 46). Contact the Lynn...
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