Spokane County, WA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- RCW 17.10 (State Weed Law)
- Class A weeds
- Must be eradicated
- Board established
- 1970, five volunteer members
- Notice period
- 10+ days, certified mail
- Unpaid control cost
- Becomes a property lien
Summary
State law (RCW 17.10) requires every Spokane County property owner to eradicate Class A noxious weeds and control designated Class B and C weeds on their land. The Spokane County Noxious Weed Control Board, established in 1970, enforces it through notice and, if ignored, county-performed control at the owner's cost.
If the owner does not take action to control the noxious weeds in accordance with the notice, the county board may control them, or cause their being controlled, at the expense of the owner. The amount of the expense constitutes a lien against the property and may be enforced by proceedings on the lien.
Full Breakdown
Spokane County's Noxious Weed Control Program carries out the state Weed Law, RCW 17.10. Under RCW 17.10.140, every owner must eradicate all Class A weeds and control Class B and C weeds listed as county priorities. The five-member Spokane County Noxious Weed Control Board adopts an annual county weed list (Class A, B-designate, B, C). If an owner ignores control after written certified-mail notice giving at least 10 days, the board may control the weeds at the owner's expense, which becomes a lien on the property (RCW 17.10.170). This is distinct from ordinary lawn or 'nuisance' weeds, which cities regulate separately.
Violations & Fines
After certified-mail notice and a 10-day minimum window, the board may control the weeds at the owner's expense; the amount is a lien enforceable against the property, plus recoverable costs and attorney fees (RCW 17.10.170).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which weeds must I remove?
What happens if I ignore a weed notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Spokane County
How Spokane County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Spokane County to another location·View the Washington landscaping rules overview
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