Lakewood, WA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

010(A) makes it unlawful to allow weeds or vegetation to become 'uncontrolled' on property you own, occupy or control, and defines uncontrolled vegetation four ways: undesired plants crowding out a lawn; growth that obstructs the vision of drivers or pedestrians on streets, sidewalks or rights-of-way; growth creating a fire or safety hazard; and any accumulation of weeds, brambles, berry vines or other vegetation that is over-growing a structure or exceeds an average height of 15 inches. A property owner can seek a variance from the 15-inch limit from the City Manager or a designee where the overgrowth does not create a fire, safety or pest-harborage hazard and, because of the property's topography, agricultural use or rural character, the vegetation actually enhances the property or is not visible from any other lot.

A denied variance can be appealed to the City Council by the property owner within 14 days; a granted variance can be appealed by neighbors who can see the vegetation from their own property. Any variance granted still requires the vegetation not to become a fire, safety or pest hazard afterward. 010(N), which treats blackberry vines or grass over two feet as a public health nuisance inviting rodents.