Native Plants: Puyallup vs Tacoma
How do native plants rules compare between Puyallup, WA and Tacoma, WA?
Puyallup and Tacoma have similar restriction levels.
Puyallup, WA
Pierce County
Puyallup has no native plant ordinance. Washington State requires control of noxious weeds listed by Pierce County Noxious Weed Control Board (RCW 17.10). Native plantings are encouraged as part of Puyallup's stormwater management programs but are not mandated.
View full Puyallup rules →Tacoma, WA
Pierce County
Pierce County encourages native and drought-tolerant plantings and requires native-vegetation retention on many development sites, but homeowners are free to choose their own yard plants; the mandates apply to development landscape and clearing plans, not existing private landscaping.
View full Tacoma rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Puyallup | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Local Mandate | None — no native plant requirement | - |
| Noxious Weeds | Must control listed weeds (RCW 17.10) | - |
| Pierce County | Pierce County Noxious Weed Control Board | - |
| Contact | Pierce County Weed Control: 253-798-6262 | - |
| Homeowner native mandate | - | None |
| Development retention | - | 15%–65% by zone |
| Native/drought-tolerant | - | Encouraged in design |
| Priority retention | - | Critical areas/buffers |
| Code sections | - | 18J.15.020 / .070 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Puyallup FAQ
Can I replace my lawn with native plants in Puyallup?
Yes, and Washington state law may protect your right to do so even if your HOA objects. Native gardens must still meet height limits and weed control standards.
Are there rebates for removing my lawn in Puyallup?
Some local water utilities offer turf replacement rebates of $1–$3 per square foot for installing drought-tolerant or native landscaping.
Tacoma FAQ
Do I have to plant native species in my yard?
No. Pierce County does not require homeowners to use native plants in existing private yards. Native and drought-tolerant plantings are encouraged, and native-vegetation retention is only mandated on certain development sites.
When are native plants required?
On regulated development within open-space corridors, PCC 18J.15.020 requires retaining 15% to 65% of existing native vegetation depending on the zone, with priority given to critical areas and buffers.
Compare other topics
See how Puyallup and Tacoma compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool