Landscaping Rules in Kennewick, WA (2026)
7 verified landscaping rules for Kennewick, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Kennewick Municipal Code 9.48.010(4) defines a Weed Hazard as grasses, weeds, or other vegetation that have grown and died or that are not irrigated and exceed twelve inches in length. Maintaining a Weed Hazard is declared a public nuisance.
Kennewick Grass Height Limit (KMC 9.48.010(4))
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Kennewick requires adjacent property owners to trim vegetation that obstructs traffic signs, signals, intersections, or the public right-of-way. The city's sight-obstruction guidance places the duty on the abutting owner, backed by KMC 9.48 nuisance authority and RCW 7.48 public-nuisance law.
Kennewick Tree Trimming & Sight Obstructions
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Kennewick does not require a city permit to remove a tree on private property, with three exceptions: trees in the public right-of-way, trees inside an approved KMC 18.21 landscape plan for development, and trees inside a critical area under KMC 18.58.
Kennewick Tree Removal (Private Property)
Few RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Inside the city, weed control sits in KMC 9.48 with the 12-inch Weed Hazard rule. Layered on top, RCW 17.10 (the Washington State Noxious Weed Law) gives the Benton County Noxious Weed Control Board authority to order eradication of state-listed Class A, B, and C weeds.
Kennewick Weeds (KMC 9.48 + RCW 17.10)
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Most outdoor irrigation in Kennewick runs on Kennewick Irrigation District water, not city potable water. KID activates a mandatory address-based watering schedule during declared droughts under its junior Yakima River water rights, which are governed by RCW 90.03.
Kennewick Watering Schedule (KID + RCW 90.03)
Some RestrictionsNative Plants
Kennewick has no native-plant mandate or No Mow May exemption. The KMC 9.48.010(4) twelve-inch Weed Hazard rule still applies, but irrigated, living natives generally fall outside the rule because the trigger covers dead or unirrigated vegetation.
Kennewick Native & Drought-Tolerant Plants
Few RestrictionsComposting
Backyard composting for household use is allowed in Kennewick and is not separately permitted in the municipal code. Larger composting facilities are regulated by WAC 173-350 (state solid waste) and WAC 296-301 (workplace safety). Open burning of yard waste is permanently banned citywide.
Kennewick Composting & Yard Waste
Some RestrictionsLooking for Benton County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Kennewick city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Benton County →