Landscaping Rules in Yakima, WA (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Yakima, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
The City of Yakima adopted the 2018 International Property Maintenance Code under YMC Chapter 11.40, which requires premises and exterior property to be maintained free from hazardous vegetation in excess of 12 inches in height. The rule is enforced by the City's Office of Code Administration.
Yakima 12-Inch Hazardous Vegetation Limit (YMC 11.40 / IPMC)
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Every owner of a tree overhanging a Yakima street or right-of-way must prune branches to maintain at least 8 feet of clearance over the sidewalk or street under YMC Chapter 6.56 (Nuisances) and YMC Chapter 8.77 (Public Tree Ordinance). Commercial tree work on street or park trees requires a Washington state license and a City of Yakima business license.
Yakima Tree Trimming — 8-Foot Sidewalk Clearance (YMC 6.56 & 8.77)
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
The Yakima Public Tree Ordinance (YMC Chapter 8.77) regulates trees on public property and in the public right-of-way; removal of trees on purely private property is generally not permit-required. However, the City may compel removal of any dead or diseased tree on private property that constitutes a hazard or harbors insects or disease threatening other trees in the city.
Yakima Tree Removal on Private Property — Public Authority Limited (YMC 8.77)
Few RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Weed control in Yakima is enforced through YMC Chapter 11.40 (Property Maintenance Code adopting the 2018 IPMC) which prohibits hazardous vegetation over 12 inches. The Yakima County Noxious Weed Control Board enforces the Washington State Noxious Weed List under RCW 17.10 across the entire county, including the City.
Yakima Weed Control — IPMC 12-Inch Rule + Yakima County Noxious Weed Board
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
City of Yakima irrigation service operates April 1 through October 15 under city water rights, with the season subject to shortening during drought. The Yakima River Basin is regulated under RCW 90.03 (Washington State Water Code) and the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan; in October 2025 the WA Department of Ecology ordered the first-ever basin-wide surface water curtailment, and the basin enters water year 2026 in a fourth consecutive drought.
Yakima Outdoor Watering — Irrigation Season Apr 1 to Oct 15 & Basin Curtailment
Heavy RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Washington State allows rooftop-collected rainwater to be used on the property where it is collected without a water-right permit under RCW 90.03 (per Department of Ecology policy POL-1017). The City of Yakima provides a 10% stormwater fee credit for new commercial/industrial buildings that install and maintain rainwater-harvesting systems.
Yakima Rainwater Harvesting — Allowed Under Ecology Policy; City Stormwater Credit
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Yakima Municipal Code does not require or restrict native-plant landscaping on private residential property. Commercial sitescreening under YMC Chapter 15.07 requires a living evergreen screen at least 6 feet high within three years where Standard B applies, but does not specify native species; the Yakima Tree Board maintains a separate approved street-tree species list under YMC 8.77.
Yakima Native Plant Landscaping — No Mandate; Sitescreening Permits Living Screens
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Yakima Municipal Code does not contain a specific provision allowing or prohibiting artificial turf on private residential property. Commercial sitescreening under YMC Chapter 15.07 requires living plantings (not synthetic turf) where landscape screening is required, and Washington State has no statewide HOA xeriscape protection statute.
Yakima Artificial Turf — Not Specifically Regulated by City Code
Few RestrictionsLooking for Yakima County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Yakima city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Yakima County →