Bellingham, WA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Max height
- 6 inches
- Applies to
- All premises & exterior property
- Noxious weeds
- Fully prohibited
- Citation
- BMC 17.10.020, IPMC §302.4
- Penalty
- Civil infraction, $100–$2,050
Summary
Bellingham caps weeds and plant growth on any premises at six inches under its amended Property Maintenance Code, with noxious weeds banned outright and cultivated gardens exempt.
302.4 Weeds. All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of six inches. All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs; provided however, this term shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens. [Ord. 2024-03-009 § 3; Ord. 2022-02-004 § 3; Ord. 2021-01-003 § 2; Ord. 2017-06-016 §§ 2, 3; Ord. 2016-07-019 § 1; Ord. 2014-06-029 §§ 2 – 8; Ord. 2013-06-039 § 1; Ord. 2013-02-006 § 17; Ord. 2010-06-036].
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-06-015, passed June 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
BMC 17.10.020 SECTION 120 amends International Property Maintenance Code §302.4: all premises and exterior property must be kept free of weeds or plant growth over six inches, and all noxious weeds are prohibited outright. Weeds are defined as grasses, annual plants and vegetation other than trees or shrubs; cultivated flowers and gardens are excluded from the rule. The Building Official enforces the standard citywide as part of the adopted Property Maintenance Code.
Violations & Fines
Letting weeds or grass exceed six inches is a civil infraction of $100 to $2,050 under BMC 17.10.020 §114.4; each day the violation continues is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can grass or weeds get on a Bellingham property before it's a violation?
What happens if I don't mow?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellingham
How Bellingham compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Bellingham to another location·View the Washington landscaping rules overview
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