Whatcom County, WA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- RCW 17.10 (mandatory control)
- Authority
- Whatcom County Weed Board
- County code
- WCC Chapter 2.27
- Common targets
- Tansy ragwort, knotweed, hemlock
- Non-compliance
- Abatement plus property lien
Summary
Whatcom County makes noxious-weed control mandatory. Under state law and the county Noxious Weed Control Board, owners must eradicate Class A weeds and control listed Class B and C species. This is a real, enforceable duty backed by abatement and liens.
Every owner must perform or cause to be performed those acts as may be necessary to: (a) Eradicate all class A noxious weeds; (b) Control and prevent the spread of all class B noxious weeds designated for control in that region within and from the owner's property; and (c) Control and prevent the spread of all class B and class C noxious weeds listed on the county weed list as locally mandated control priorities within and from the owner's property.
Full Breakdown
Overgrown grass is a nuisance, but noxious weeds are a legal obligation. The Whatcom County Noxious Weed Control Board, established under WCC Chapter 2.27 and active since 1981, enforces RCW 17.10 across five weed districts covering the county from the Canadian border south. Owners must eradicate all Class A weeds and control designated Class B and C species before they bloom or seed. Wet-side targets include tansy ragwort, knotweed, poison-hemlock, and purple loosestrife. If an owner fails to act, the Board can control the weeds at the owner's expense and lien the property.
Violations & Fines
The Weed Board issues a notice to control listed weeds. If ignored, it abates at the owner's expense, including labor, materials, and administrative fees, and records the charge as a lien after a hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I required to remove weeds on my Whatcom property?
What happens if I ignore a weed notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Whatcom County
How Whatcom County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Whatcom County to another location·View the Washington landscaping rules overview
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