Adopted Codes, City Design Guidelines & Plans

Lynnwood Unified Development Code is effective starting July 1st. The adoption of Title 8 implements Middle Housing as well as Regional Growth Center planning.

Title 8 PDF

Administrator Clarifications:

The following memos are clarifications issued by the DBS Director as Administrator of Title 8.

1. Units Per Lot in Residential Neighborhood Zone, July 2, 2025
2. Ground Floor Commercial Requirements in Planned Commercial Development (PCD) Zone, July 10, 2025
3. Accessory Dwelling Unit Limitations, July 11, 2025

What’s Next?

On September 22nd, Lynnwood City Council will consider an ordinance to permit retail cannabis.

Prior to December 31st, Lynnwood will be revising Chapter 17.10 Environmentally Critical Areas. This update will include best available science, site potential tree height, among other revisions required.

Also, prior to December 31st, DBS anticipates making minor revisions to the UDC addressing clarifications identified above.

Comprehensive Plan

The Comprehensive Plan is the guiding document for future change throughout Lynnwood. It describes the long-term direction and vision for the growth and development of the community. The Plan assesses the issues and opportunities that Lynnwood will face over the next 20 years.

• Lynnwood Comprehensive Plan 2024
• Lynnwood Comprehensive Plan 2024 Appendix
• Ordinance 3476
  
  • Current - Future Land Use Map
  • Current - Official Zoning Map
  • *Effective July 1, 2025 Attachment B - Future Land Use Map
  • *Effective July 1, 2025 Attachment C - Zoning Map
• SEPA Determination 

Housing Action Plan

The Housing Action Plan is a policy document and implementation guide to address current and future housing needs of the Lynnwood community.  A Housing Action Plan (HAP) uses an equity lens to develop clear, actionable strategies to meet current and projected housing needs.

• Housing Action Plan

Subarea Plans

Subarea plans are detailed plans prepared for a smaller geographic area within a community.  The areas can encompass neighborhoods, corridors, downtowns, or other types of special districts that show cohesive characteristics.

• City Center Subarea Plan

• Highway 99 Subarea Plan

• College District Subarea Plan

• South Lynnwood Neighborhood Plan

Development in Lynnwood is regulated by the Lynnwood Municipal Code (LMC), and by many other State and Federal Regulations. The LMC provides regulatory requirements for development including setbacks, height, and minimum lot size.

• Lynnwood Municipal Code
• Revised Code of Washington
• Washington Administrative Code

Building Code

• LMC Title 16 Building
• 2021 Washington State Building Code
• 2021 Washington State Existing Building Code
• 2021 Washington State Residential Code
• 2024 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC)
• Swimming Pool and Spa Code 2024 of Washington
• 2017 ICC/ANSI A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities design standard

Energy Code - Washington State Energy Code (WSEC)

• 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with state amendments
• Chapter 51-11C WAC Commercial Provisions (Note:  Use for non-residential building and 4-story and higher multi-family buildings)
• Chapter 51-11R WAC Residential Provisions (Note:  Use for single-family homes, duplexes, and townhouses and for 1, 2, and 3-story buildings)

Plumbing & Mechanical

• LMC Title 15 Plumbing
• 2021 Washington State Mechanical Code
• Fuel Gas Code 2021 of Washington
• 2021 Washington State Plumbing Code

Electrical

• 2023 National Electric Code (NEC / NFPA 70)

Fire

• LMC Title 9 Fire
• 2021 International Fire Code (IFC)

The purpose of the design guidelines is to produce high-quality development that reflects our Community Vision for Lynnwood's future. The City's design guidelines are a method of guiding development and enhancing the quality of buildings, sites and the public realm. 

Citywide

Applies to Commercial, Industrial, Multi-Family and Public Zones

• Citywide Design Guidelines

Alderwood City Center Transition Area

Applies to Alderwood City Center Transition Area Zones only.

• Alderwood City Center Transition Area Design Guidelines

City Center

Applies to City Center Zones only.

• City Center Design Guidelines

Highway 99 

Applies to Highway 99 Mixed-Used Zone only

• Highway 99 Design Guidelines