HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 4446
ORDINANCE NO. 4446
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS, WASHINGTON,
AMENDING CHAPTER 8.10 ECC (AUTOMATED TRAFFIC SAFETY
CAMERAS) TO PROVIDE FOR TWENTY-FOUR HOUR OPERATION
OF SCHOOL SPEED ZONE AND SCHOOL WALK ZONE CAMERAS, TO
REVISE THE FINE STRUCTURE FOR SCHOOL ZONE AND SCHOOL
WALK ZONE INFRACTIONS, TO UPDATE DEFINITIONS AND
STATUTORY REFERENCES TO CONFORM TO CHAPTER 307, LAWS
OF 2024, AND CHAPTER 123, LAWS OF 2026; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; AND SETTING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, in February 2023, the City Council passed Ordinance No. 4292, which adopted
a new Chapter 8.10 (Automated Traffic Safety Cameras) of the Edmonds City Code authorizing
the use of automated traffic safety cameras in school speed zones and school walk areas pursuant
to former RCW 46.63.170; and
WHEREAS, in June 2024, the City Council passed Ordinance No. 4361 to amend Section
8.10.010 of the Edmonds City Code to authorize automated traffic safety cameras at certain
stoplight intersections; and
WHEREAS, in the 2024 Regular Session, the Washington State Legislature enacted
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2384 (Chapter 307, Laws of 2024), which took effect on June 6,
2024, and which repealed former RCW 46.63.170 and re-enacted the statutory framework
governing automated traffic safety cameras as new sections of chapter 46.63 RCW, now codified
at RCW 46.63.210 through 46.63.260; and
WHEREAS, in December 2024, the City Council passed Ordinance No. 4374 to amend ECC
8.10.050 to increase the base fine for automated traffic safety camera violations and to revise
the fine structure to conform to state law as it then existed; and
WHEREAS, in the 2026 Regular Session, the Washington State Legislature enacted
Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 6066 (Chapter 123, Laws of 2026), which took effect on
June 11, 2026, and which further amended RCW 46.63.210 and 46.63.220 to, among other things,
provide that the maximum fine for an infraction generated through the use of an aut omated
traffic safety camera may not exceed $145.00 (subject to periodic inflation adjustment by the
Office of Financial Management beginning January 1, 2029), but may be doubled for a school
speed zone infraction; and
WHEREAS, portions of chapter 8.10 ECC continue to reference former RCW 46.63.170 and
use the term "school walk area," which have been superseded by RCW 46.63.210 through
46.63.260, and by the defined term "school walk zone" set forth in RCW 46.63.210, respectively,
and it is in the interest of the public to update chapter 8.10 ECC accordingly; and
WHEREAS, scientific evidence demonstrates that reducing or eliminating speeding
improves road safety by reducing both the likelihood of crashes and the severity of resulting
injuries, and evidence indicates that driver behavior and recidivism are influenced both by a high
perceived probability of enforcement and by graduated penalties tied to the severity of the
violation; and
WHEREAS, the City has data demonstrating that excess speeding is occurring in the City's
school speed zones and on roadways within the City's school walk zones outside of school arrival
and dismissal times, and the City Council has determined that it is in the best interests of the
public to authorize twenty-four hour per day, seven day per week operation of the automated
traffic safety cameras deployed in school speed zones and school walk zones; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has further determined that it is in the best interests of the
public to establish a graduated fine schedule that (a) imposes higher penalties on infractions
occurring during school zone infraction hours, when reduced school-zone speed limits are in
effect and children are most likely to be present, and (b) imposes penalties within statutory limits
on school walk zone infractions occurring at all other times;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS, WASHINGTON, DO
ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. ECC 8.10.010 is amended to read as follows (new text is shown in underline;
deleted text is shown in strike through):
8.10.010 Automated traffic safety cameras – Detection of violations – Restrictions.
A. City law enforcement officers and persons commissioned by the Edmonds police chief are
authorized to use automated traffic safety cameras and related automated systems to detect
and record the image of: (1) traffic control device violations as defined by RCW 46.61.050(1)
at the stoplight intersections described in subsection (E) of this section; (2) school speed zone
violations; and (3) speed zone violations on any roadway identified in a school walk area zone
as defined by RCW 28A.160.160 as defined in RCW 46.63.210; provided, however, pictures of
the vehicle and the vehicle license plate may be taken only while an infraction is occurring,
and the picture shall not reveal the face of the driver or of any passengers in the vehicle.
B. Before adding additional cameras or relocating any existing camera to a new location, an
analysis of the locations where automatic traffic safety cameras are proposed must be
presented to the city council for approval.
C. Each location where an automated safety camera is used shall be clearly marked by signs
and/or flashing beacons placed in locations that clearly indicate to a driver that the dri ver is
entering a zone where traffic laws are enforced by an automated traffic safety camera.
D. The following definitions apply throughout this chapter:
1. "Automated traffic safety camera" means a device that uses a vehicle sensor, installed
to work in conjunction with an intersection traffic control system or a speed measuring
device, and a camera synchronized to automatically record one or more sequenced
photographs, microphotographs, or electronic images of the rear of a motor vehicle
whenever a vehicle fails to stop at a stoplight intersection as defined in RCW
46.61.055(3)(a) or exceeds a speed limit in a school speed zone or school walk area zone
as detected by a speed measuring device.
2. "School speed zone" has the same meaning as described in RCW 46.61.440(1) and (2),
and refers to the marked school speed zones in the City of Edmonds where a reduced
speed limit is in effect when children are present or when otherwise indicated by posted
signs or activated flashing beacons.
3. "School walk zone" has the same meaning as set forth in RCW 46.63.210, and means a
roadway identified under RCW 28A.160.160 or a roadway within a one-mile radius of a
school that students use to travel to school by foot, bicycle, or other means of active
transportation.
4. "School zone infraction hours" means the times during a school day when the reduced
school speed zone speed limit under RCW 46.61.440 is in effect, as indicated by posted
signs, activated flashing beacons, or the presence of children as applicable to the
particular location. "Non-school-zone-infraction hours" means all other times.
E. Automated traffic safety cameras are approved at the following stoplight intersections:
1. 220th Street SW and SR 99;
2. 100th Avenue W and SR 104.
F. The itemization of intersections in subsection (E) of this section is solely for the purpose of
approving the locations of automated traffic safety cameras at stoplight intersections.
Subsection (E) of this section shall not be construed to limit the enforcement of violations
pertaining to school speed zone violations or speed zone violations on any roadway identified
in a school walk area as defined by RCW 28A.160.160 zone.
G. Automated traffic safety cameras located in school speed zones and on roadways within
school walk zones are authorized to operate twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days
per week. Infractions detected by such cameras during school zone infraction hours shall be
issued as school speed zone infractions. Infractions detected by such cameras during non-
school-zone-infraction hours at locations within a school walk zone shall be issued as school
walk zone infractions.
Section 2. ECC 8.10.020 is amended to read as follows (new text is shown in underline;
deleted text is shown in strike through):
8.10.020 Notice of infraction.
A. A notice of infraction must be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle within 14 days
of the violation, or to the renter of a vehicle within 14 days of establishing the renter's name
and address. A person receiving a notice of infraction based on evidence detected by an
automated traffic safety camera may respond to the notice by mail.
B. If the registered owner of the vehicle is a rental car business, the law enforcement agency
shall, before a notice of infraction is issued, provide a written notice to the rental car business
that a notice of infraction may be issued to the rental car business if the rental car business
does not, within 18 days of receiving the written notice, provide to the agency by return mail:
(1) a statement under oath stating the name and known mailing address of the individual
driving or renting the vehicle when the infraction occurred; or (2) a statement under oath
that the business is unable to determine who was driving or renting the vehicle w hen the
infraction occurred; or (3) in lieu of identifying the vehicle operator, the rental car business
may pay the applicable penalty. Timely mailing of this statement to the agency shall relieve
the rental car business of any liability under this chapter for the infraction.
C. The law enforcement officer issuing a notice of infraction shall include with it a certificate
or facsimile thereof, based upon the inspection of photographs, microphotographs or
electronic images produced by an automated traffic safety camera, citing the infraction and
stating the facts supporting the notice of infraction. This certificate or facsimile shall be prima
facie evidence of the facts contained in it and shall be admissible in a proceeding charging a
violation under this chapter. The photographs, microphotographs or electronic images
evidencing the violation must be available for inspection and admission into evidence in a
proceeding to adjudicate the liability for the infraction.
D. The registered owner of a vehicle is responsible for an infraction detected through the use
of an automated traffic safety camera unless the registered owner overcomes the
presumption set forth in ECC 8.10.030, or, in the case of a rental car business, satisfies the
conditions under subsection (B) of this section. If appropriate under the circumstances, a
renter identified under subsection (B) of this section is responsible for an infraction.
E. All photographs, microphotographs or electronic images prepared under this chapter are
for the exclusive use of law enforcement in the discharge of duties under this chapter and, as
provided in RCW 46.63.170(1)(i) RCW 46.63.220(11), they are not open to the public and may
not be used in a court in a pending action or proceeding unless the action or proceeding
relates to a violation under this chapter. No photograph, microphotograph or electronic
image may be used for any purpose other than enforcement of violations under this chapter
nor retained longer than necessary to enforce this chapter.
Section 3. ECC 8.10.050 is amended to read as follows (new text is shown in underline;
deleted text is shown in strike through):
8.10.050 Fine.
A. The fine for a traffic control signal violation detected through the use of an automated
traffic safety camera shall be equal to the monetary penalty for a violation of RCW 46.61.050
as provided under RCW 46.63.110, including all applicable statutory assessments. Whenever
the state of Washington increases the fine imposed for a violation of RCW 46.61.050, by
legislation or court rule, the city's fine shall be increased to an amount equal to the increase
imposed by legislation or court rule upon the effective date of such legislation or court rule.
A. The fine for a traffic control signal violation detected through the use of an automated
traffic safety camera shall be $145.00.
B. The amount of the fine issued for an infraction generated through the use of an automated
traffic safety camera may not exceed $145.00, as adjusted for inflation by the office of
financial management every five years, beginning January 1, 2030, based upon changes in the
consumer price index during that time period.
B. Fines for school speed zone and school walk zone infractions.
1. School speed zone infractions. The fine for a school speed zone infraction detected
through the use of an automated traffic safety camera during school zone infraction hours
shall be:
a. Zero (0) to five (5) miles per hour over the posted school speed zone speed limit:
no infraction issued.
b. Six (6) to ten (10) miles per hour over the posted school speed zone speed limit:
$200.00.
c. Greater than ten (10) miles per hour over the posted school speed zone speed
limit: $290.00.
2. School walk zone infractions. The fine for a school walk zone infraction detected
through the use of an automated traffic safety camera during non-school-zone-infraction
hours shall be:
a. Zero (0) to six (6) miles per hour over the posted speed limit: no infraction
issued.
b. Greater than six (6) miles per hour over the posted speed limit: $144.00.
C. Statutory cap and future adjustments. No fine imposed under this section shall exceed the
maximum fine permitted under RCW 46.63.220(16), as it may be amended from time to time.
Whenever the state of Washington, by legislation or court rule, changes the maximum fine
that may be imposed for an infraction detected by an automated traffic safety camera, the
fines set forth in this section shall be automatically adjusted as necessary to remain within
the maximum permitted under state law upon the effective date of such legislation or court
rule; provided, however, that no fine set forth in this section shall be increased solely by
operation of this paragraph without further action by the City Council.
DC. Registered owners of vehicles who receive notices of infraction for automated traffic
safety camera-enforced infractions and are recipients of public assistance under RCW Title
74 or participants in the Washington Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program,
and who request reduced penalties for infractions detected through the use of automated
traffic safety camera violations, must be granted reduced penalty amounts of fifty percent
(50%) of what would otherwise be assessed for a first automated traffic safety camera
violation and for subsequent automated traffic safety camera violations issued within twenty-
one (21) days of issuance of the first automated traffic safety camera violation. Eligibility for
Medicaid under RCW 74.09.510 is not a qualifying criterion under this subsection. Registered
owners of vehicles who receive notices of infraction must be provided with information on
their eligibility and the opportunity to apply for a reduction in penalty amounts through the
mail or internet.
Section 4. Severability. If any section, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance should
be held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or
unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of any other section, sentence,
clause or phrase of this ordinance.
Section 5. Effective Date. This ordinance, being an exercise of a power specifically
delegated to the City legislative body, is not subject to referendum, and shall take effect five (5)
days after passage and publication of an approved summary thereof consisting of the title.
APPROVED:
MAYOR, MIKE ROSEN
ATTEST/AUTHENTICATE:
CITY CLERK, LUKE LONIE
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY:
BY
JEFF TARADAY
FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK: AUGUST 11, 2026
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: AUGUST 18, 2026
PUBLISHED: AUGUST 21, 2026
EFFECTIVE DATE: AUGUST 26, 2026
ORDINANCE NO: 4446
Jeff Taraday (Aug 19, 2026 14:15:25 PDT)
Jeff Taraday
JefT ardTy (Aug 19, 2026 14:21:00 5PD )
SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 4446
of the City of Edmonds, Washington
On the 18th day of August, 2026, the City Council of the City of Edmonds, passed
Ordinance No. 4446 A summary of the content of said ordinance, consisting of the title, provides
as follows:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS, WASHINGTON, AMENDING
CHAPTER 8.10 ECC (AUTOMATED TRAFFIC SAFETY CAMERAS) TO PROVIDE FOR
TWENTY-FOUR HOUR OPERATION OF SCHOOL SPEED ZONE AND SCHOOL WALK
ZONE CAMERAS, TO REVISE THE FINE STRUCTURE FOR SCHOOL ZONE AND
SCHOOL WALK ZONE INFRACTIONS, TO UPDATE DEFINITIONS AND STATUTORY
REFERENCES TO CONFORM TO CHAPTER 307, LAWS OF 2024, AND CHAPTER 123,
LAWS OF 2026; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND SETTING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
The full text of this Ordinance will be mailed upon request.
DATED this 19th day of August, 2026.
CITY CLERK, LUKE LONIE
Ordinance 4446
Final Audit Report 2026-08-19
Created:2026-08-19
By:Luke Lonie (Luke.Lonie@EdmondsWa.Gov)
Status:Signed
Transaction ID:CBJCHBCAABAApEIz-PT51xji_cteJ5B5fZvmVQekH28j
"Ordinance 4446" History
Document created by Luke Lonie (Luke.Lonie@EdmondsWa.Gov)
2026-08-19 - 6:32:58 PM GMT
Document emailed to Jeff Taraday (jeff@lighthouselawgroup.com) for signature
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Agreement completed.
2026-08-19 - 10:56:51 PM GMT