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 treats any dead, dried-out, or unirrigated grass, weeds, or vegetation over 12 inches as a legal 'Weed Hazard' and public nuisance, punishable by a $250 civil infraction under KMC 9.48.055.

Key details: Height limit: 12 inches, dead or unirrigated. Penalty: $250 Class 1 civil infraction. City backstop: City may abate and bill owner. Exempt land: Parks, open space, farmed agricultural land. Repeat offenses: 3+ violations may become misdemeanor.

A Weed Hazard violation is a Class 1 civil infraction: a $250.00 penalty plus all City costs and assessments under KMC 9.48.055; the City may also abate the hazard and bill the owner, with repeat violations referred for misdemeanor prosecution.

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, where we track updates as they happen.