Clark County, WA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Code guidance
- CCC 40.320.010 (native compatibility)
- Habitat program
- Backyard Habitat Certification ($35)
- Workshop
- Naturally Beautiful Backyards
- Free trees
- Up to 200 native stems
- Requirement
- Encouraged, not mandatory
Summary
Clark County actively encourages native landscaping. Its development code favors compatibility with existing native vegetation and drought-resistant plantings, and county programs like Naturally Beautiful Backyards, the Backyard Habitat Certification Program, and free tree/reforestation efforts promote native plants for wildlife and stormwater. There is no rule requiring native-only yards.
Landscape materials should be selected and sited to produce a hardy and drought-resistant landscape area. Selection should include consideration of... compatibility with existing native vegetation preserved on the site, water conservation where needed...
Full Breakdown
CCC 40.320.010 directs that landscape material selection consider compatibility with existing native vegetation and water conservation. Beyond code, Clark County Clean Water, WSU Extension, and partners run the Naturally Beautiful Backyards workshop and the Backyard Habitat Certification Program ($35 site visit), while Clark Conservation District offers a Free Tree Program with up to 200 native stems for riparian buffers. These are voluntary incentives, not mandates.
Violations & Fines
No penalties: native-plant use is encouraged, not required. Noxious weeds identified during a habitat visit remain subject to the RCW 17.10 control duty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I required to plant native species?
Can I get help choosing natives?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clark County
Compare Clark County to another location·View the Washington landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.