Unincorporated Yakima County bans all cannabis businesses, including retail stores, under a 2014 ordinance. Voters backed keeping the ban in a 2025 advisory vote. The City of Yakima, by contrast, lifted its ban and allows a limited number of licensed retailers.
In 2014 Yakima County adopted a zoning ordinance prohibiting cannabis production, processing, and retail in all unincorporated areas, so no dispensary may open there. A November 2025 nonbinding advisory vote showed about 55% of county voters favored keeping the complete ban. Washington law allows local governments to ban cannabis businesses even though the state licenses them through the Liquor and Cannabis Board. The picture differs by city: the City of Yakima repealed its own ban and adopted retail zoning with a 1,000-foot buffer from schools and youth facilities, allowing up to five licensed stores. Check the specific jurisdiction before assuming.
In unincorporated Yakima County no cannabis retail license can be issued, so any dispensary there is operating unlawfully. Within cities that allow retail, operating without an LCB license or outside the zoning buffers brings state and city enforcement.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Yakima County, WA
Yakima County may require hosts to carry liability insurance for short-term rental properties. Minimum coverage amounts vary by jurisdiction.
Yakima County, WA
Yakima County limits the number of guests allowed in short-term rental properties. Occupancy caps are typically based on bedroom count or square footage to p...
Yakima County, WA
Yakima County requires replacement planting when permitted trees are removed. Replacement ratios and species specifications ensure canopy preservation.
Yakima County, WA
Yakima County designates heritage or landmark trees based on size, age, or species. Removal or damage to heritage trees carries significant penalties.
Yakima County, WA
Yakima County requires permits to remove trees above a certain size on private property. Protected species and street trees have additional restrictions.
Yakima County, WA
Yakima County places few limits on residential holiday decorations. No permit is required to light up your own home. Displays should not block sidewalks or i...
See how Yakima County's dispensary zoning rules stack up against other locations.
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