Landscaping Rules in King County, WA (2026)

King County Code § 14.52.080

Street trees planted within the public right-of-way along roads under the jurisdiction of King County shall not be removed or cut back so as to generally damage the aesthetic quality of the tree... The same provisions shall be applicable to others in that trees, shrubs and other plantings shall not be removed or otherwise trimmed so as to damage the general appearance of the planting areas.

King County Code § 16.82.050(B)

Unless specifically excepted under K.C.C. 16.82.051, a person shall not do any clearing or grading without first having obtained a clearing and grading permit issued by the department or having all clearing and grading reviewed and approved by the department as part of another development proposal. A separate permit shall be required for each site unless the activity is approved to occur on mu...

King County Code § 16.14.460

Any building or portion thereof, device, apparatus, equipment, combustible waste, or vegetation that, in the opinion [of the] Fire Marshal or the Code Official, is in such a condition as to cause a fire or explosion or provide a ready fuel to augment the spread and intensity of fire or explosion arising from any cause shall be considered substandard. Upon failure of the owner or agent having c...

King County Code § 21A.16.330.C

All irrigation water outlets, except those using alternative water sources, shall be downstream of the meter used to measure irrigation water use. D. Irrigation systems shall be subject to the following additional provisions: 1. Systems shall not be located on any: a. turfgrass slopes exceeding a slope of three horizontal feet to one vertical foot (3:1); and b. turfgrass porti...

King County Code § 21A.16.085(F)

Plants selected shall be natives, or other plants adapted to the climatic, geologic and topographical conditions of the site. Preservation of existing noninvasive vegetation is encouraged. G. Landscape areas shall incorporate low-impact development best management practices to the maximum extent practical, consistent with the bioretention design standards of the Surface Water Design Manual, ...

King County Code § 10.04.080(B)(1)

It is unlawful for the owners or occupants of private property to deposit or accumulate, or to permit the deposit or accumulation of solid waste upon the private property. However, this shall not prohibit the storage of solid waste or recyclable materials in public or private receptacles, in solid waste containers or other approved receptacle or in securely tied bundles when the receptacles or ...