Lacey, WA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)

Item F of the nuisance list in LMC 9.52.010 has two prongs. The first is dry grass, weeds, shrubs, trees or other vegetation on property which, because of its height or density, constitutes a fire hazard. The second is the same kind of growth overhanging any sidewalk, street, or abutting property in a way that obstructs or impairs free and full passage along the sidewalk or street, or the use of the abutting property. The test is the condition of the vegetation, not a fixed setback: the section prints no distance in feet and no calendar date for mowing.

Section 9.52.020 makes it unlawful to participate in, cause or maintain, or allow to exist on property owned or occupied by the person, any listed condition. For item F, the misdemeanor attaches to allowing the condition to exist after the date set for correction by a city enforcement officer pursuant to Chapter 14.40 LMC. Under § 9.52.050 these nuisance provisions are cumulative with other city ordinances and do not revoke any power of the city to require removal of nuisances.

Chapter 14.40 shapes what the owner sees. A Notice of Civil Violation must describe the violation, cite the Lacey provision, state the required corrective action with a date and time for completion, and give a hearing date at least ten days out. It is served personally or by mail, and when the person cannot be found within Thurston County after due diligence, by conspicuous posting on the property. No extension of the correction date is available except by order of the hearings examiner (§ 14.40.040(D)). Where a condition is an immediate and emergent threat to public health, safety, or welfare, § 14.40.060(B) lets the city abate it summarily and without prior notice. Abatement costs, including personnel costs, attorney's fees, and hauling, storage and disposal expenses, are billed to the responsible person or the owner, lessor or tenant, and are due within ten calendar days (§ 14.40.060(D)).