Environmental Rules in Yakima, WA (2026)
5 verified environmental rules for Yakima, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
New development or redevelopment in Yakima that disturbs one acre or more must submit a stormwater site plan and install permanent BMPs meeting the state's Eastern Washington design manual before building.
Yakima Stormwater Site Plan Requirement
Some RestrictionsYakima Municipal Code § 7.83.030
This chapter shall be applicable to all land development or redevelopment, including, but not limited to, subdivision applications and grading applications, unless exempt pursuant to YMC § 7.83.040. These provisions apply to any new development or redevelopment site within the city that meets one or more of the following criteria: (1) New development that disturbs one acre or more. (2) Re...
Erosion Control
Yakima requires a grading permit for most excavation and fill work under its adopted building code, but exempts small jobs, cuts under three feet, fills under two feet, and other limited-impact grading, from that requirement.
Yakima Grading and Drainage Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsYakima Municipal Code § 11.04.J103.2
J103.2 Exemptions. A grading permit shall not be required for the following: 1. Grading in an isolated, self-contained area, provided there is no danger to the public, and that such grading will not adversely affect adjoining properties. 2. Excavation for construction of a structure permitted under this code. 3. Cemetery graves. 4. Refuse disposal sites controlled by other regulations. ...
Flood Zones
Yakima adopts FEMA's Flood Insurance Study and rate maps for Yakima County by reference, requiring a city-approved flood hazard permit and elevation-above-base-flood construction standards for any development in mapped special flood hazard areas.
Yakima Flood Hazard Area Development Rules
Significant RestrictionsYakima Municipal Code § 15.27.400
The special flood hazard areas identified by the Federal Insurance Administrator in a scientific and engineering report entitled "The Flood Insurance Study for Yakima County, Washington and Incorporated Areas" dated October 21, 2021, and any revisions thereto, with accompanying flood insurance rate maps (FIRMs)...are hereby adopted by reference and declared to be part of Part Four of the city o...
Boat Dock Permits
Yakima's Shoreline Master Program caps private dock length at 8 feet from the ordinary high water mark on Aspen Lake and 12 feet on Willow Lake, bans docks on free-flowing streams and rivers, and requires new multi-unit residential development to share a joint-use dock instead of building one per home.
Yakima Boat Dock and Moorage Facility Rules
Some RestrictionsYakima Municipal Code § 17.07.030(A), (C), (D), (F)(1)-(2)
A. All boating facilities and residential moorage structures shall be the minimum size necessary to meet the needs of the use... C. New residential development of two or more dwellings must provide joint-use or community dock facilities, when feasible, rather than allow individual docks for each residence. D. Docks, piers, and any other over-water structures for purposes of temporary or permane...
Flood Elevation Requirements
Yakima requires new and substantially improved residential structures in mapped special flood hazard areas to elevate the lowest floor at least one foot above the base flood elevation.
Yakima Flood Freeboard: 1 Foot Above BFE
Some RestrictionsYakima Municipal Code § 15.27.408(A)(1)
In AE and A1-30 zones or other A zones where the BFE has been determined or can be reasonably obtained, new construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated one foot or more above the BFE. Mechanical equipment and utilities shall be waterproofed or elevated at least one foot above the BFE. 2. Fully enclosed areas ...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Yakima city rules.
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