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Property Maintenance in Seattle, WA (2026)

5 verified property maintenance rules for Seattle, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Trash Bin Storage

Seattle regulates trash and recycling container storage and placement under SMC Title 21 Subtitle III and the Housing and Building Maintenance Code, requiring bins to be stored out of public view except on collection days.

Seattle Trash Bin Storage & Placement

Some Restrictions

Property Blight

Seattle enforces property maintenance standards through the Housing and Building Maintenance Code (SMC 22.206) and the Chronic Nuisance Properties ordinance (SMC 10.09), requiring owners to maintain properties free of blight and nuisance conditions.

Seattle Property Blight & Nuisance Ordinance

Heavy Restrictions

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Seattle requires owners of vacant lots to maintain them free of debris, overgrowth, and nuisance conditions under the Housing and Building Maintenance Code and general nuisance provisions.

Seattle Vacant Lot Maintenance Requirements

Some Restrictions

Snow & Sidewalk Clearing

Seattle requires property owners and occupants to clear snow and ice from adjacent sidewalks under SMC 15.48, though enforcement is relatively rare given the city's infrequent snowfall events.

Seattle Snow & Sidewalk Clearing Rules

Some Restrictions

Garage Sale Rules

Seattle does not require permits for residential garage sales and imposes minimal regulations, though general sign code and noise ordinance provisions apply.

Seattle Garage Sale Property Maintenance

Few Restrictions

Looking for King County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Seattle city rules.

Property Maintenance in King County