Landscaping Rules in Shoreline, WA (2026)
5 verified landscaping rules for Shoreline, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Shoreline's Development Code defines trees, shrubs, or vegetation that overhang and obstruct a sidewalk or street, or block clear sightlines, as 'nuisance vegetation' under SMC § 20.20.036. SMC § 20.30.740 declares nuisance vegetation a public nuisance and code violation, enforceable through the city's notice-and-order process with civil penalties and misdemeanor charges.
Shoreline Nuisance Vegetation and Sidewalk Clearance Rules
Some RestrictionsShoreline Municipal Code §§ 20.20.036, 20.30.740, 20.30.770
Nuisance Vegetation Includes the following: A. Any trees, plants, shrubs, vegetation or parts thereof, which overhang any sidewalk or street or which are situated on the property or on the portion of the street or sidewalk abutting thereon, in such a manner as to obstruct or impair the free and full use of the sidewalk or street, including the interruption or interference with the clear vision ...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
In the City of Shoreline, cutting or removing any tree counts as clearing under SMC § 20.50.300 and needs a permit from the Planning and Community Development Director before work starts, unless the tree qualifies for an exemption under SMC § 20.50.310. Projects in the NR1, NR2, NR3, TC-4, MUR-35' and MUR-45' zones face added penalties for unpermitted removal of significant or protected trees.
Shoreline tree removal permit rule
Significant RestrictionsShoreline Municipal Code § 20.50.300
A. Tree cutting or removal by any means is considered a type of clearing and is regulated subject to the limitations and provisions of this subchapter. ... ... C. Permit Required. No person shall conduct clearing or grading activities on a site without first obtaining the appropriate permit approved by the Director, unless specifically exempted by SMC § 20.50.310. ... ... H. In addition to subs...
Rainwater Harvesting
In the City of Shoreline, rain barrels, cisterns and other rainwater catchment systems may encroach into a required yard setback under SMC § 20.50.040(I)(1)(e). Small systems up to 600 gallons are allowed close to the property line if compact; larger systems face coverage and clearance limits, and commercial buildings can earn a utility fee discount for harvesting roof runoff.
Shoreline Rain Barrel & Cistern Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsShoreline Municipal Code § 20.50.040(I)(1)(e)
e. Rain barrels, cisterns and other rainwater catchment systems may extend into a required yard setback according to the following: i. Cisterns, rain barrels or other rainwater catchment systems no greater than 600 gallons shall be allowed to encroach into a required yard setback if each cistern is less than four feet wide and less than four and one-half feet tall excluding piping. ii. Cisterns...
Artificial Turf
Shoreline's development code treats artificial turf as landscaping subject to its hardscape rules: turf with a subsurface drain field, or that drains to soil, counts as only 50 percent hardscape under SMC § 20.20.024. Inside the city's designated special drainage areas, though, SMC § 13.10.230 bans crumb-rubber infill turf outright.
Shoreline Artificial Turf Hardscape and Drainage Rules
Light RestrictionsShoreline Municipal Code §§ 20.20.024, 13.10.230
§ 20.20.024. H definitions. ... Hardscape Any structure or other covering on or above the ground that includes materials commonly used in building construction such as wood, asphalt and concrete, and also includes, but is not limited to, all structures, decks and patios, paving including gravel, pervious or impervious concrete and asphalt. Retaining walls, gravel, or paver paths less than four ...
Composting
Backyard composting is allowed in the City of Shoreline: Shoreline Municipal Code § 13.14.050 protects a compost pile or bin from the general ban on accumulating garbage on private property, as long as it is maintained so it does not attract or harbor insects and rodents. Section 13.14.180 also lets food scraps and compostable paper go out curbside in the city's yard debris cart.
Shoreline Backyard Compost Pile Rules
Light RestrictionsShoreline Municipal Code §§ 13.14.050, 13.14.180
It is unlawful for the owners or occupants of private property to deposit or accumulate, or to permit the deposit or accumulation of, garbage upon such private property; provided, however, that this shall not prohibit the storage of garbage in private garbage receptacle(s), in accordance with health and safety regulations; provided, that all garbage and refuse shall be removed at least every tw...
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Shoreline city rules.
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