Erik Robins of Lynnwood writes: I am concerned about cars parked along 153rd Place SW near the intersection with 44th Avenue W. 153rd Place SW is a narrow residential street and many homeowners routinely park their cars on the sidewalk.
Also, 153rd Place SW is used by PAWS volunteers who park their cars along both sides of the street. Many of my neighbors have put “No Parking” signs in front of their houses.
I do not have a problem with PAWS volunteers parking along the street; after all, it is a public street. My concern is that cars are regularly parked right up to the intersection with 44th Avenue W. This practice makes it difficult for other cars to turn onto and off of 153rd Place SW.
It is my understanding that state law (RCW 46.61.570) prohibits parking within 30 feet of a stop sign but I don’t know if this covers both sides of the street. Cars are routinely parked on both sides of 153rd Place SW well within the 30-foot area.
It is potentially dangerous for drivers to turn onto or off of 153rd Place SW to and from 44th Avenue W., with cars parked so close to the intersection, especially when meeting another car traveling in the opposite direction.
Snohomish County engineer Owen Carter responds: 153rd Place SW between 44th Avenue W and 48th Avenue W. is a standard 28-foot wide, residential road. Parking is allowed along entire length except expressly prohibited by state law (RCW 46.61.560 through RCW 46.61.590).
In general, as Mr. Robins stated, state law prohibits parking within 30 feet of a stop sign. This prohibition covers only the side of the street where the stop sign is located. State law also prohibits parking on a sidewalk or on a planter strip within 20 feet of a crosswalk, within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, in front of a driveway or within 5 feet of the end of the curb leading to the driveway.
In addition, Snohomish County code prohibits parking within 10 feet of a mailbox. Cars parked in these restricted areas may be ticketed and the neighborhood is encouraged to report violations to the sheriffs’ office.
The practice of putting up “No Parking” signs is prohibited by RCW 46.61.075. If neighbors are interested in having official signs installed they may call 425-388-6420 and we can discuss the process.
Marcia Ray of Silver Lake writes: Are there any plans to add a turn lane on 116th Street SE in Silver Lake between Highway 527 and 31st Avenue SE?
This is a busy road and it gets backed up when cars are heading east trying to take a left turn, particularly near the Highway 527 light where the daycare center is located. When this happens, traffic is stopped at the light trying to make a left turn onto 116th.
Corey Hert, associate traffic engineer for Everett, responds: Improvements to 116th Street SE between Highway 527 and 31st Drive SE are in the city of Everett’s transportation improvement program. The project is not currently funded, but it is near the top of the list of priorities for minor arterials in the city.
The Everett city limits are at 25th Avenue SE, and between 25th and 31st is unincorporated Snohomish County. The city will work with the county to extend the widening to 31st Drive SE. The city often pursues grant funding for these projects. Though no start date is set, when funding becomes available the city will begin design and move toward construction.
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