Kent, WA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit
- 6 inches for grass and weeds
- Exempt zoning
- Agricultural-zoned property
- Sidewalk clearance
- Trim overhang within 8 feet vertical
- Street/alley clearance
- Trim overhang within 16.5 feet vertical
- Enforcer
- Director of public works, KCC 8.07.060
- Penalty types
- Civil violation, criminal charge, or civil infraction
Summary
Kent caps grass and weeds at six inches on every property except land zoned agricultural: KCC 8.07.050(B)(4) requires owners and occupants to remove grass and weeds once they reach that height, along with dead or hazard-creating vegetation. The rule applies citywide, on vacant and improved lots alike, and enforcement runs through the director of public works.
8.07.030 Nuisances designated. The following conditions are hereby declared nuisances within the city of Kent:
1. Vegetation constituting a fire hazard;
2. Vegetation constituting a health hazard;
3. Vegetation constituting a safety hazard.
...
8.07.050 Duties of owners and occupants. ...B. In addition to the duties the owner or occupant may have to abate nuisances, subject to subsection (C) below, the owner or occupant of property shall:
...
4. Remove all grass and weeds attaining a height of six (6) inches, except on property zoned agricultural, and all shrubs, bushes, trees or vegetation growing or which have grown and died which are a fire hazard or are infested with caterpillars or other horticultural pests, or which otherwise constitute a menace to the public health, safety or welfare.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4542, passed June 16, 2026).
Full Breakdown
030. 050(B)(4) sets the specific numeric trigger for the most common violation: grass and weeds may not exceed six inches in height on any property except land zoned agricultural, and dead or pest-infested shrubs, bushes, and trees that create a fire or health hazard must also be removed. 5 feet of vertical clearance. 10, and wetlands, critical areas, and natural resource lands protected under the Growth Management Act. 070 to inspect for violations.
Violations & Fines
A violation of the six-inch weed and grass limit is a civil violation under Chapter 1.04 KCC, carrying a monetary penalty and mandatory abatement under KCC 8.07.080(A). The city can also pursue it as a criminal offense under KCC 1.04.030(B) or issue a class 1 civil infraction under RCW 7.80.120 and KCC 1.04.225, and these remedies are available in addition to, or instead of, one another.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can I let my grass grow in Kent before it's a violation?
Does the weed ordinance apply to vacant lots too?
What can the city do if I don't cut my weeds?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kent
How Kent compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Kent to another location·View the Washington landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Weed Ordinances in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle weed ordinances.