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Vancouver, WA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Some Restrictions

Verified 3 weeks ago|Source: VMC § 20.925.100 Water Conservation Standards (Chapter 20.925 – Landscaping) →

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Key Facts

Governing code: VMC Ch. 20.925; § 20.925.100
High-water-use plant limit: 40–50% of landscaped area
Native plant requirement: All non-high-water areas
Tree requirement: 60% conifers, native species
Enforced by: Vancouver Planning / Development Services

Summary

Vancouver's Land Use and Development Code (VMC Chapter 20.925) encourages but does not universally mandate native plants. For development projects, native and drought-adapted plants are required to make up the non-high-water-use portion of landscaped areas, and xeriscape with native species is an explicitly preferred alternative.

Full Breakdown

VMC § 20.925.100 (Water Conservation Standards) applies to commercial, office, industrial, institutional, park, and multifamily developments. It limits turf and high-water-use plantings to 40–50% of landscaped area; remaining areas must use native or climate-adapted, low-water-use plants. Xeriscape using native, noninvasive, adapted species is the city's preferred alternative. VMC § 20.925.110 requires landscape plans to clearly distinguish native from nonnative species. VMC § 20.770.070 mandates tree diversity with at least 60% conifers and inclusion of native species. VMC § 20.925.030 requires an irrigation source within 50 feet of all plantings. Enforcement is by Vancouver Planning/Development Services.

Violations & Fines

Non-compliant landscaping can block certificate of occupancy under VMC § 20.925.030. Civil penalties and stop-work orders apply under VMC Title 20 enforcement provisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to use native plants for a single-family home garden?

VMC § 20.925.100 water conservation standards do not apply to private areas of single-family projects, so residential gardens are not required to use native plants. However, native, low-water-use plants are strongly encouraged.

What happens if my development landscape plan doesn't include enough native plants?

A certificate of occupancy will not be issued until landscaping complies with VMC Ch. 20.925, including native-plant and water-conservation requirements. Plans must be approved before construction.

Are invasive species prohibited?

VMC § 20.925.100 requires plants to be noninvasive and well-suited to local conditions. Invasive species are not permitted in required landscaped areas. Washington State also maintains a noxious weed list enforced separately.

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Vancouver, WA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

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