Lacey, WA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Lacey regulates weeds through the nuisance chapter, not a mowing-height table. Section 9.52.010(D) declares a public nuisance the existence of hazardous vegetation, such as poison oak, poison ivy, deadly nightshade, tansy, ragwort or any similar noxious or toxic weed or plant that is allowed to grow on any property. Section 9.52.010(F) covers dry grass, weeds, shrubs, trees or other vegetation on property that, because of its height or density, constitutes a fire hazard, or that overhangs any sidewalk, street, or abutting property in a way that obstructs or impairs free and full passage along the sidewalk or street or the use of the abutting property. The sections read for this page print no figure in inches; the test in the City of Lacey is fire hazard because of height or density, or obstruction of a sidewalk, street or neighboring property.

Section 9.52.020 makes it unlawful to cause, maintain, or allow these conditions on property one owns or occupies. Allowing the subsection (D) or (F) condition to exist after the date set for correction by a city enforcement officer under Chapter 14.40 LMC is a misdemeanor, which under § 1.12.010 means a fine of not more than $1,000.00 or imprisonment not to exceed ninety days, or both, unless a different penalty is provided.

The Property Maintenance Code points back to the same chapter. Section 302.4 of the International Property Maintenance Code as amended in LMC 14.16.016 requires all premises and exterior property to be maintained pursuant to Chapter 9.52. If the owner or agent in charge fails to cut and destroy weeds after service of a notice of violation, they are subject to prosecution, and a city employee or contractor is authorized to enter the property, cut and destroy the weeds, and charge the costs to the owner or agent responsible.

The civil route in Chapter 14.40 runs alongside. After voluntary correction fails, a Notice of Civil Violation carries penalties of $100.00 for the first day, $200.00 for the second, $300.00 for the third, $400.00 for the fourth, and $500.00 per day beyond four days. Section 14.40.060(D) requires the person responsible to pay abatement costs within ten calendar days.