Snohomish County, WA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Grass-height limit
- None set by county
- Class A weeds
- Must be eradicated
- Class B/C weeds
- Must be controlled if listed
- Authority
- RCW 17.10; county weed board
- Non-compliance
- Board controls, bills owner
Summary
Snohomish County has no set grass-height limit for residential yards, but every property owner must eradicate Class A noxious weeds and control designated Class B and C noxious weeds under state law, enforced by the county Noxious Weed Control Board.
In each county of the state there is created a noxious weed control board, bearing the name of the county within which it is located. The jurisdictional boundaries of each board are the boundaries of the county within which it is located.
Full Breakdown
Unlike many cities, unincorporated Snohomish County does not cap lawn height by ordinance. Weed regulation instead flows from state law: RCW 17.10.140 requires every owner to eradicate Class A noxious weeds and control listed Class B and C weeds within and from their property. RCW 17.10.020 creates a noxious weed control board in each county; the Snohomish County Noxious Weed Control Board publishes the local weed list and, when owners fail to comply, may control the weeds and charge the cost back to the owner. Ordinary overgrown grass alone is generally not a code violation unless it harbors listed noxious weeds or creates a nuisance.
Violations & Fines
If an owner fails to comply, the county weed board may control noxious weeds or contract for control at the owner's expense (RCW 17.10).
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the county fine me for a tall lawn?
What are noxious weeds?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Snohomish County
How Snohomish County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Snohomish County to another location·View the Washington landscaping rules overview
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