Landscaping Rules in Issaquah, WA (2026)
6 verified landscaping rules for Issaquah, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
A tree permit is required in Issaquah for all actions under Land Use Code Chapter 18.812 unless 18.812.030 exempts the work. Permits are granted on listed grounds such as nuisance, dying, diseased or hazardous trees, with replacement of at least one tree per tree removed, two per landmark tree, and permits expire 180 calendar days after issuance.
Issaquah Tree Removal Permit Rules and Replacement Ratios
Significant RestrictionsIssaquah Land Use Code § 18.812.050
A tree permit is required for all actions under this chapter unless explicitly exempt in IMC 18.812.030 , Exemptions. ... 1. A tree permit may be granted when one or more of the following criteria are met: a. Removal of tree(s) meeting the definition of a nuisance tree. ... c. Removal of dying or diseased trees. Written recommendations from a qualified professional arborist are required. ... 2....
Weed Ordinances
Issaquah prints no inch limit for weeds on a lot with a house. Its fire code amendment requires the owner or occupant of any open lot or lot with an occupied or vacant structure to cut down and remove weeds, grass, vines or other growth that can ignite and endanger property. Vacant commercial land has a 24-inch cap.
Issaquah Weeds and Overgrown Vegetation Rules
Light RestrictionsIssaquah Municipal Code § 16.06.045
Section 304.1.2 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows: ... Weeds, grass, vines or other growth that is capable of being ignited and endangering property, shall be cut down and removed by the owner or occupant on building lots that are either open or contain an occupied or vacant structure.
Water Restrictions
Issaquah's Land Use Code requires a permanent, efficient irrigation system in all landscapes unless exempted, with a rain and soil moisture sensor that shuts off watering during rainfall. Projects needing a site development permit must use at least three listed water-saving techniques. The section sets design standards, not a day-of-week schedule.
Issaquah Landscape Irrigation Requirements
Some RestrictionsIssaquah Land Use Code § 18.606.060
A. The intent of this section is to protect and enhance environmental functions and integrity, while also protecting and promoting efficient use of water. A permanent, efficient irrigation system must be installed in all landscapes unless exempted pursuant to this section. B. For projects that require a site development permit (see Chapter 18.208 IMC, Site Development Permits), irrigation syste...
Rainwater Harvesting
In Issaquah, rain barrels and other residential rainwater catchment elements cannot extend into the front setback. An element under 54 inches above finished grade that holds up to 600 gallons can project into a side or rear setback by up to 20 percent of the required distance, but no closer than three feet to the property line. A taller or larger system must meet every required setback.
Issaquah Residential Rainwater Catchment System Setback Rules
Light RestrictionsIssaquah Land Use Code § 18.516.040
A. Applicability. This section applies to the structural elements of rainwater catchment systems and other forms of micro-scale stormwater management accessory to a residential use. B. The following additional standards apply to rainwater catchment systems and associated elements: 1. A rainwater catchment system element may not extend into the front setback. 2. A rainwater catchment system ...
Native Plants
In Issaquah, new landscaping covered by the Land Use Code must use native or drought-tolerant plants, or nonnative species adapted to the King County lowland climate. Site plantings must contain 50 percent native trees and 30 percent native shrubs and groundcovers, with no more than 50 percent of any one species.
Issaquah Native Plant Requirements for Landscaping
Some RestrictionsIssaquah Land Use Code § 18.606.040(E)
1. New plant materials must consist of native or drought-tolerant varieties or nonnative species that have adapted to the climate conditions of the King County lowland environment. Appropriate locations and species must be selected to ensure plants will thrive, considering how the impacts of climate change can add undue stress to native plants in an urban environment. In some cases, native plan...
Artificial Turf
Issaquah's landscape standards in § 18.606.040(I) require artificial or synthetic turf to comply with the best available science so that it causes no toxic run-offs or adverse environmental impacts. The code names 6PPD quinone and microplastics as examples of harmful turf ingredients.
Issaquah Artificial Turf Standard for Landscaping
Light RestrictionsIssaquah Land Use Code § 18.606.040(I)
I. Artificial or synthetic turfs must comply with the best available science to ensure no toxic run-offs or adverse environmental impacts. For example, some turfs use 6PPD quinone or microplastics that have harmful effects to aquatic ecosystems.
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Issaquah city rules.
Landscaping Rules in King County →