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Landscaping Rules in Skagit County, WA (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Skagit County, Washington.

Verified from official government sources

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

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

In a critical area or its buffer in unincorporated Skagit County, a landowner must get prior written approval from Planning and Development Services before removing a hazardous, diseased or dead tree, under SCC 14.24.130, except in a declared emergency.

Hazard Tree Removal Permit in Skagit County

Significant Restrictions

Skagit County Code § 14.24.130(1)(a), (2)(a)

(1) In a critical area or critical area buffer, removal of hazardous, diseased, or dead trees and vegetation by the landowner may be permitted in the following circumstances: (a) To control fire; or ... (2) Before hazardous, diseased or dead trees and vegetation may be removed by the landowner pursuant to Subsection (1) of this Section: (a) Unless there is an emergency pursuant to...

Water Restrictions

New land divisions inside one of ten named surface water source limited watersheds in unincorporated Skagit County must accept lawn watering restrictions or other water conservation measures under SCC 14.24.340(3)(a)(iii), unless the property connects to public water or meets a qualifying aquifer standard.

Lawn Watering Restrictions in Skagit County Land Divisions

Some Restrictions

Skagit County Code § 14.24.340(3)(a)(iii)

(iii) Lawn Watering. Lawn water restrictions or other water use conservation measures will be required for properties included in land divisions approved after the date of adoption of the ordinance codified in this Chapter. Lawn watering restrictions for interim groundwater withdrawals will not apply under the following conditions: (A) The proposed development connects to an existing pub...

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