How Kennewick Handles Landscaping Rules: A Practical Guide

Kennewick maintains 93 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with landscaping rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Kennewick falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Tree Trimming

Kennewick requires seven feet of clear height over any sidewalk or bicycle path in the public right-of-way under KMC 13.12.050: trees, hedges, shrubbery, and other natural growth may not obstruct a walkway or bike path unless the lowest branch or growth sits at seven feet or higher above the surface. The rule sits in the traffic obstructions chapter, not the landscaping code, so code enforcement can act citywide.

Key details: Minimum clearance: 7 feet above sidewalk or bike path. Applies to: Trees, hedges, shrubbery, natural growth, signs, fences. Governing section: KMC 13.12.050 (Ord. 2756 Sec. 1, 1983). Penalty: Misdemeanor after notice, KMC 13.12.070. Hardship relief: Traffic Engineer may allow with safety findings.

KMC 13.12.070 declares every obstruction that violates this chapter, including a tree or hedge blocking a sidewalk or bike path below seven feet, a nuisance, and states that "any person violating any provision of this chapter after notice of the obstruction shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punished accordingly." The Traffic Engineer can also order correction costs charged to the property owner or occupant under KMC 13.12.060.

Weed Ordinances

Kennewick bans any Weed Hazard on premises you control. A Weed Hazard is dead or unirrigated grass, weeds or other vegetation longer than 12 inches. Violating KMC 9.48.055 is a Class 1 civil infraction with a $250.00 penalty plus all costs and assessments, and an owner or agent who knows about the hazard counts as in control.

Key details: Weed Hazard threshold: Dead or unirrigated vegetation exceeding 12 inches in length. Penalty: Class 1 civil infraction, $250.00 plus all costs and assessments. Who is liable: Anyone in control of the premises, including owners and agents with knowledge. Exempt land: Public parks, open space zones, pristine habitat, agricultural property. Payment deadline: 15 days from service of the notice and order.

A Weed Hazard violation of Section 9.48.055 is a Class 1 civil infraction with a $250.00 penalty plus all costs and assessments. A notice and order carries a separate civil penalty set in the City Council's Master Fee Schedule, with its own amounts for a second and each later violation, and paying it does not remove the duty to cut the vegetation. After three or more violations of Section 9.48.010 at the same property, the City can send the case to the City Attorney for a misdemeanor charge. Abatement costs fall on the responsible person under Section 9.48.070.

The Bottom Line

Kennewick's landscaping rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Kennewick is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Kennewick can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, which shows when its source was last checked.