Pasco, WA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Pasco's zoning landscape standards in PMC 25.180.080 actively support native and drought-tolerant landscaping appropriate for the semi-arid Tri-Cities climate. The code recognizes xeriscape areas, which may use alternate forms of irrigation if part of an approved xeriscape plan; in approving a xeriscape area the city considers factors such as slope, drainage, wind, soil improvement techniques, use of low water-demand or drought-resistant turf grasses and plant materials, and use of mulches and ground covers that conserve moisture and protect against erosion. Where required landscape materials depend on regular watering, the code requires a water-conserving, automatic or drip irrigation system. At the same time, the code maintains minimum greenery: at least 50 percent of the required front-yard area for residential property (including right-of-way but excluding driveways) must be treated with live vegetation, and for commercial/industrial frontage along an arterial, at least 65 percent of the first 10 feet of landscaped area must be live vegetation at planting. These rules let residents choose native and drought-tolerant species and reduce turf, as long as the live-vegetation minimums are met. Pasco does not mandate native-only plant palettes for private yards, so homeowners have flexibility to plant regionally adapted, water-wise species.