Landscaping Rules in Grays Harbor County, WA (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Grays Harbor County, Washington.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Grays Harbor County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Grays Harbor County requires trees within two hundred feet of Lake Quinault's ordinary high water mark to be retained rather than cut; limbs may be trimmed to open a view but the tree itself must stay standing. Any removal, clearing or shoreline work in that two-hundred-foot band needs a critical protection area special study and Quinault Indian Nation sign-off under Grays Harbor County Code § 18.06.650.

Grays Harbor County Lake Quinault Tree Retention Rule

Heavy Restrictions

Grays Harbor County Code § 18.06.650(A)(4)-(7)

4.Applications for uses and activities within two hundred feet of the Lake Quinault OHWM shall include a critical protection area special study prepared by a qualified professional that evaluates the potential impacts of the proposed use or activity on the applicable habitat and/or species. ... 5.Trees within two hundred feet of Lake Quinault shall be retained. Limbs may be removed to maintain ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Composting

Grays Harbor County allows a home compost pile or bin under Section 8.12.050 as an exception to its litter-accumulation ban, but only if it is kept in a way that does not attract, breed or harbor insects and rodents. A compost pile that becomes a public nuisance loses the exemption and can draw a litter citation.

Grays Harbor County Compost Pile Standards

Light Restrictions

Grays Harbor County Code § 8.12.050

It is unlawful for the owners or occupants of any property, public or private, to deposit or accumulate, or to knowingly or intentionally permit the deposit or accumulation of, litter upon such property; provided, however, ... provided, further, that the use of a compost pile or bin, shall not be prohibited if the use and maintenance thereof is in such a manner as to prevent the attraction, bre...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Grays Harbor County ordinances

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