Landscaping Rules in Clark County, WA (2026)
5 rules for unincorporated Clark County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Clark County lets you prune and maintain trees, but landscaping required by the Unified Development Code must be kept healthy, and pruning must not impair the survival of trees required to be retained or planted. Vegetation must also be trimmed so it does not block utilities, access, or sight distance.
Pruning allowed if it does not harm retained trees
Some RestrictionsCCC 40.320.010(G)(6)
Vegetation shall be controlled by pruning, trimming or otherwise so that it will not interfere with the maintenance or repair of any public utility, restrict pedestrian or vehicular access, or obstruct sight distance at intersections as provided in Section 40.320.020.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Clark County regulates tree removal mainly through the state Forest Practices Act (RCW 76.09) and CCC 40.260.080, plus critical-area review near wetlands, streams, and habitat. A commercial forest-practice cut approved by DNR triggers a six-year development moratorium on the parcel. Development-required trees must also be protected during construction.
Tree removal permits via forest practices and critical areas
Some RestrictionsCCC 40.320.010(G)(5)(c)
Existing trees and plant materials to be retained shall be protected during construction, such as by use of chain link or other sturdy fence placed at the dripline of trees to be retained. Grading, topsoil storage, construction material storage, vehicles and equipment shall not be allowed within the dripline of trees to be retained.
Weed Ordinances
Washington law RCW 17.10.140 requires every Clark County property owner to eradicate Class A noxious weeds and control designated Class B and C weeds. The county nuisance code also targets vegetation that harbors debris or creates hazards.
Noxious Weeds and Overgrown Vegetation Rules
Some RestrictionsRCW 17.10.140
Every owner must perform or cause to be performed those acts as may be necessary to: (a) Eradicate all class A noxious weeds; (b) Control and prevent the spread of all class B noxious weeds designated for control in that region within and from the owner's property.
Native Plants
Clark County actively encourages native landscaping. Its development code favors compatibility with existing native vegetation and drought-resistant plantings, and county programs like Naturally Beautiful Backyards, the Backyard Habitat Certification Program, and free tree/reforestation efforts promote native plants for wildlife and stormwater. There is no rule requiring native-only yards.
Native plants encouraged for stormwater and habitat
Some RestrictionsCCC 40.320.010(G)(4)
Landscape materials should be selected and sited to produce a hardy and drought-resistant landscape area. Selection should include consideration of... compatibility with existing native vegetation preserved on the site, water conservation where needed...
Artificial Turf
Clark County has no ordinance banning residential artificial turf, and homeowners may install it in their yards. In development-regulated landscaping, county code specifies that groundcover plants, grass lawn, or approved flowers must cover required landscaped areas, so synthetic turf may not satisfy required plantings without approval from the responsible official.
Artificial turf allowed; groundcover standards may apply
Some RestrictionsCCC 40.320.010(B)(1)(b)
Groundcover plants, grass lawn or approved flowers must fully cover the landscaped area not in shrubs and trees.
All Clark County ordinances
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