Lakewood’s Municipal Code (LMC) includes rules for land use, site development and building in the city. When these rules are unclear or in conflict, the city can provide official interpretations to explain them. These interpretations can be requested through a permit application or may be made by staff as part of applying the rules.
Language
Interpretations
Interpretations are classified as a Type 1 decision and can be appealed to the Lakewood Hearing Examiner.
Below is a list of interpretation categories and the code titles they apply to. Use the dropdown to view interpretations by category.
The Planning & Public Works Department Director provides interpretations for:
- Title 17 – Subdivisions
- Title 18A – Land Use & Development Code
- Title 18B – Downtown and Station District Development Codes
Depending on topic area, interpretations related to environmental topics are issued by the Department Director, SEPA Official, or Shoreline Administrator for:
- Title 14 – Environmental Protection (i.e critical Areas & SEPA)
- Title 16 – Shoreline Protection
The Chief Building Official handles interpretations related to:
- Title 15 – Building & Construction relating to the International Building and Residential Codes.
The Fire Marshal (West Pierce Fire & Rescue) provides interpretations for:
- Title 15 –Building & Construction relating to the International Fire Code.
The City Engineer issues formal interpretations for topics under Title 12 (Public Works) pertaining to engineering standards, designs and exceptions. All linked documents are PDF.