Landscaping Rules in Renton, WA (2026)
4 verified landscaping rules for Renton, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Renton treats low-hanging limbs as a public nuisance under RMC 1-3-3. Branches must clear at least 8 feet above a sidewalk or public walkway and 14 feet above a public street, and property owners who let vegetation obstruct the right-of-way or block traffic signs face code enforcement.
Renton Sidewalk and Street Tree Clearance
Some RestrictionsRMC 1-3-3.B.19.g.iv
(b) Vegetation such as overhanging limbs or branches that are less than eight feet (8') above a public walkway or sidewalk, or less than fourteen feet (14') above a public street; (c) Vegetation that obstructs or hinders the use of any public walkway, sidewalk, or street, or that obstructs or obscures the view of traffic or traffic control devices;
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Under RMC 4-4-130, Renton residents may remove up to two significant trees a year, capped at five over five years, without a permit if no development is planned. Land development sites must retain 30% of significant trees and meet a 30-tree-credit-per-acre standard, while landmark and protected trees need Community and Economic Development Department approval before removal.
Renton Tree Removal Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsRMC 4-4-130
9. Minor Tree Removal Activities: Removal of up to two (2) significant trees within a one-year period, but no more than five (5) significant trees within a five (5) year period, provided the removal is conducted in accordance with the following requirements: a. There is no active land development permit... b. The tree proposed for removal is not a protected tree or a landmark tree... F. PERMITS...
Weed Ordinances
Renton caps weeds and grass at 12 inches on developed lots and 24 inches on vacant land under the city's amended International Property Maintenance Code. Noxious weeds are banned outright regardless of height. Code compliance issues a notice of violation before pursuing enforcement under Chapter 1-10 RMC, giving owners a chance to cut growth first.
Renton Weed and Grass Height Limits
Some RestrictionsRMC 4-5-130.B.3 (IPMC § 302.4, as amended)
3. Section 302.4, Weeds, of the 2018 Edition of the IPMC, is amended to read as follows: Weeds: All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of twelve inches (12") in height on developed property or twenty-four inches (24") in height on vacant land. All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and...
Composting
Renton exempts small compost piles from its nuisance code under RMC 1-3-3. A pile stays lawful only if it is under 4 feet tall, no more than 6 feet across at ground level, at least 30 feet from any dwelling, and at least 4 feet from a neighboring property line.
Renton Backyard Compost Pile Standards
Light RestrictionsRMC 1-3-3.B.19.h.i
The following shall not constitute public nuisances: i. Compost piles less than four feet (4') in height and six feet (6') in diameter at ground level, and 30 feet (30') or more from any dwelling, and four feet (4') or more from adjoining properties;
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Renton city rules.
Landscaping Rules in King County →