LYNNWOOD
Taking a stand against public indecency, the Lynnwood City Council moved into legislative action at the Monday, Oct. 12 meeting. In the wake of public outrage and police investigations of numerous coffee stands in south county cities, the council unanimously passed legislation updating and defining public nudity ordinances originally crafted in 1959.
“This is a moral issue,” said Councilmember Loren Simmonds. “We can’t dilly dally. We need this legislation.”
“Believe it or not, this does not fit the health code,” said Councilmember Jim Smith. “I think that possible burning from spilling hot liquid could be a Labor and Industries topic. I also want to send a message to young women that they don’t have to bare their breasts to be successful.”
The effective date, following Mayor Don Gough’s signing and publishing of the ordinance, is expected by the end of October, according to City Attorney Eric Frimodt. “I looked at existing code provisions and they are out of date,” he said. “The intent (of the new ordinance) is not to regulate anything already regulated, such as adult entertainment.
“We will look at activities and see if they fall into adult entertainment and or public indecency.”
Language, approved by council, describes nudity and details specific areas of a body that must be covered, including the cleft or cleavage of the buttocks and the breast area from just above the nipples down.
“A g-string, t-back or thong is not able to cover,” Frimodt said.
An opaque top would be the minimum standard for top wear. The ordinance also details the definition of public places where nudity would be unreasonable.
Earlier in the year, Lynnwood police conducted several investigations and worked toward voluntary compliance regarding attire. According to citizens in attendance, those efforts slipped back into “inappropriate” days after adjustments.
“Police can’t enforce laws that aren’t there. This gives the police department the ability to move forward and prosecute successfully,” Frimodt added.
The coffee stand backlash was supported in public comments by a handful of citizens from Lynnwood and adjacent cities.
“We will also have to address signage,” said Council president Ruth Ross. “The signs are not advertising coffee. We have to see what we can do about content.”
“Arguably, some of the signage falls within adult entertainment standards,” said Frimodt.
Another area council will explore includes the use of body paint. “I wasn’t aware of such creative thinking,” said Gough. “This is a moving target.”
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
