Property Maintenance in King County, WA (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 7 cities in King County, Washington.

Verified from official government sources

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

Property Blight

In unincorporated King County, any building the code official finds unsafe, unfit for occupancy, or unlawful is declared a public nuisance and must be repaired, rehabilitated, demolished, or removed.

King County Unsafe Building Abatement

Significant Restrictions

King County Code § 16.14.110

All buildings, portions thereof or premises which are determined by the code official not to be in compliance with this Code are hereby declared to be a public nuisance and shall be abated by repair, rehabilitation, demolition or removal in accordance with the procedures specified in K.C.C. Title 23. (Ord. 19485 § 125, 2022: Ord. 14914 § 347, 2004: Ord. 14111 § 132, 2001: Ord. 12560 § 110, 1...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Unincorporated King County requires owners to cut and destroy weeds once cited as a fire hazard, or face prosecution under Title 23.

King County Weed and Vegetation Fire Hazard Rule

Some Restrictions

King County Code § 16.14.460

Fire hazard (IPMC 302.4). 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 th...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗