Environmental Rules in Pasco, WA (2026)
5 verified environmental rules for Pasco, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Pasco runs a storm water management utility under Chapter 13.80 PMC that charges monthly fees by parcel type, from $6.85 for a single-family home to $34.25 for large commercial parking lots. Illicit discharges and illicit connections to the storm drain system are prohibited outright.
Pasco Storm Water Management Utility Rules
Some RestrictionsPasco Municipal Code § 13.80.140
(1) The construction, use, maintenance, or continued existence of illicit connections to the stormwater drainage system is prohibited. (2) This prohibition expressly includes, without limitation, illicit connections made in the past, regardless of whether the connection was permissible under law or practice applicable or prevailing at the time of connection. (3) A person is considered to be in ...
Erosion Control
Pasco requires every portion of a lot not landscaped or covered by improvements to be maintained so it controls erosion and dust under PMC 25.180.050(5). Front yard areas that lack the required 50 percent live vegetation must be covered with mulch or decorative rock instead of bare soil, though established garden beds in residential yards are exempt.
Pasco Lot Erosion and Dust Control
Light RestrictionsPasco Municipal Code § 25.180.050(5)
(5) All areas of a lot or parcel not landscaped or covered with improvements shall be maintained in such a manner as to control erosion and dust. Gardens within established landscapes are excluded from this provision in residential districts. Front yard areas not covered by the required 50 percent live vegetation must be covered by mulches or decorative rock.
Flood Zones
Pasco requires a development permit before any construction, fill, or manufactured home placement begins in a mapped area of special flood hazard. The Director of Community and Economic Development, acting through the Building Inspector, reviews every application under PMC Title 24 before other city or state permits can be finalized.
Pasco Floodplain Development Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsPasco Municipal Code § 24.16.010
A development permit shall be obtained before construction or development begins within any area of special flood hazard established in PMC 24.12.020. The permit shall be for all structures including manufactured homes, as set forth in PMC 24.08.020, Definitions, and for all development, including fill and other activities, also as set forth in PMC 24.08.020, Definitions.
Boat Dock Permits
Pasco regulates every dock, pier, or mooring buoy on the Columbia and Snake rivers under its Shoreline Master Program. A shoreline substantial development permit is required unless the project qualifies for a narrow exemption, and single-family docks must meet strict size, setback, and material limits.
Pasco Boat Dock and Pier Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsPasco Municipal Code § 29.20.100(10)(a), (12)
(10) A dock or pier serving a single-family residence shall meet the following standards: (a) Piers and Ramps. (i) To prevent damage to shallow-water habitat, piers and ramps shall extend at least 40 feet perpendicular from the OHWM... (ii) Piers and ramps shall be no more than four feet in width... (12) Docks and piers shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from side property lines, except tha...
Flood Elevation Requirements
New and substantially improved homes in Pasco's mapped flood hazard areas must have their lowest floor, including any basement, built at least one foot above base flood elevation. Manufactured homes and nonresidential buildings face the same one-foot freeboard standard under PMC 24.20.080-.100.
Pasco Base Flood Elevation Freeboard Rule
Some RestrictionsPasco Municipal Code § 24.20.080(1)-(2)
New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to one foot or more above base flood elevation. Fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor that are subject to flooding are prohibited, or shall be designed to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing for the entry and exit of ...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Pasco city rules.
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