Landscaping Rules in Edmonds, WA (2026)
6 verified landscaping rules for Edmonds, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Edmonds property owners along any street must prune private trees and other vegetation on their land so it does not block streetlights, obstruct sidewalk passage, hide traffic signs, or obscure the view at intersections and alley intersections. The public works director can order corrective pruning within 14 days, and noncompliance escalates to misdemeanor prosecution or civil fines under ECDC 18.85.060.
Edmonds Tree Pruning for Street Visibility
Some RestrictionsEdmonds Community Development Code § 18.85.060
A. Pruning Required. Any property owner who owns property on any street shall prune or otherwise prohibit private trees or other vegetation growing on his property in such manner that they will not block or shade the light from the street lights, obstruct the passage of persons on the sidewalks, obstruct vision of traffic signs, or obstruct the view of any intersection or alley intersection. .....
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
No one may remove, excessively prune, or top a significant tree, one at least six inches in diameter, anywhere in Edmonds without a Type I permit under ECDC 17.130.030, unless the tree qualifies for one of the exemptions listed in ECDC 17.130.040, such as removal from an improved single-family lot outside a critical area.
Edmonds Tree Removal Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsEdmonds Community Development Code §§ 17.130.030, 17.130.040(A)
A. Applicability. ... No person shall remove, excessively prune, or top any significant tree except as provided by this chapter. B. Tree removal not specifically exempted in ECDC 17.130.040 will be processed as a Type I permit. C. Procedural Exemption. Tree removal associated with building permit, subdivision, or other land use approval will be reviewed with the associated project and will not ...
Weed Ordinances
Edmonds makes it a public nuisance to let uncultivated berry vines or state-classified Class B or C noxious weeds exceed an average height of three feet within five feet of a neighboring property line, under ECC 6.20.042(A)(2). Separately, Chapter 6.30 bans noxious weeds, thistles and nettles citywide.
Edmonds Noxious Weed Height Limit
Some RestrictionsEdmonds City Code § 6.20.042(A)(2)
A. Vegetation. The following actions and/or conditions shall be public nuisances: ... ... 2. Any violation of the noxious weed provisions of Chapter 6.30 ECC and/or any uncultivated berry vines and Class B or Class C noxious weeds (as classified by the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board) which exceed an average of three feet in height and any portion of which are located within five fe...
Water Restrictions
Edmonds restricts lawn and garden irrigation only when the public works director declares a water shortage emergency under Edmonds City Code Chapter 7.10. Once declared, the city can forbid or ration sprinkling, irrigation and other outdoor water use citywide or for specific customer classes, and violators face surcharges, a restricting device, or shutoff.
Edmonds Water Use Restrictions in Shortage
Some RestrictionsEdmonds City Code §§ 7.10.060, 7.10.062
The use of water in the city, or in any portion thereof, for irrigation, cooling, sprinkling or other uses may be forbidden, restricted, or regulated and such regulations may be made effective as to all customers or as to particular classes of customers. Rationing may be imposed during any shortage of water, either in lieu of or in addition to other measures hereby authorized. ... It is unlawfu...
Native Plants
Development within Edmonds's Firdale Village mixed-use zone must use native and drought-tolerant plants in at least 20 percent of all landscaped areas. The Community Development Code sets this as part of the site design standards that guide project review by the architectural design board and city planning staff for that neighborhood along Firdale Avenue.
Edmonds Firdale Village Native Plant Rule
Some RestrictionsEdmonds Community Development Code § 22.100.050(A)(5)
Native and drought-tolerant plants shall be used where possible. A minimum of 20 percent of all landscaped areas should include native drought-tolerant plants.
Composting
Edmonds does not ban home composting. Under ECC 6.20.042(C)(1), a pile of perishable matter that could otherwise be a vermin-breeding nuisance is exempt as long as it is a compost heap or facility maintained to standards recommended by the U.S. Composting Council.
Edmonds Backyard Compost Nuisance Exemption
Few RestrictionsEdmonds City Code § 6.20.042(C)(1)
C. Breeding Grounds for Vermin or Insects. The following actions and/or conditions are public nuisances: 1. Any accumulations of perishable matter, including but not limited to foodstuffs, that may harbor or attract the infestation of mold, insects and/or vermin; provided, however, that this provision shall not apply to compost heaps or facilities which are maintained in accordance with standar...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Edmonds city rules.
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