Washington § 35A.21.010 - Validity of ordinances and resolutions — Deficiencies of form.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 35A.21.010 — Validity of ordinances and resolutions — Deficiencies of form., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 35A.21.010. Validity of ordinances and resolutions — Deficiencies of form.

Deficiencies in the form of an ordinance or resolution shall not affect the validity thereof if the following requirements are met:
(1) The purpose and intent of the ordinance or resolution are clear.
(2) Any regulatory or procedural provisions thereof are expressed in clear and unambiguous terms, or the legislative intent can be determined by usual methods of judicial construction.
(3) The legislative action was taken at an authorized public meeting held within the code city limits at a time and place made known to residents of the city, as provided by law.
(4) The legislative body of the code city followed the prescribed procedures, if any, for passage of such an ordinance or resolution, as provided in the law or charter provision delegating to the legislative body the authority to so legislate; or, if prescribed procedures were not strictly complied with, no substantial detriment was incurred by any affected person, by reason of such irregularity.
If the foregoing requirements have been met, brevity or awkwardness of language, or defects of form not going to the substance, or inadvertent use of an incorrect or inaccurate proper name or term shall not render an ordinance or resolution invalid, if otherwise in compliance with law.
[ 1967 ex.s. c 119 s 35A.21.010.]

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 35A.21.010

What does Revised Code of Washington § 35A.21.010 cover?

Section 35A.21.010 ("Validity of ordinances and resolutions — Deficiencies of form.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 35A.21.010?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 35A.21.010" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 35A.21.010 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

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