Yakima County, WA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- RCW 17.10 (mandatory control)
- Authority
- Yakima County Weed Board
- Region
- Washington Region 5
- Common targets
- Scotch thistle, knapweed, puncturevine
- Non-compliance
- Abatement plus property lien
Summary
Yakima County makes noxious-weed control mandatory. Under state law and the county Noxious Weed Control Board, owners must eradicate Class A weeds and control listed Class B and C species. This is a real, enforceable duty backed by abatement and liens.
LANDOWNERS are responsible for the control of noxious weeds on their property as per RCW 17.10.140 prior to blooming stage, seed maturity and the development of a root system that would enable said weeds to propagate and spread.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Overgrown grass is a nuisance, but noxious weeds are a legal obligation. Yakima County sits in Region 5 of Washington's noxious weed program, and the Yakima County Noxious Weed Control Board enforces RCW 17.10: owners must eradicate all Class A weeds and control designated Class B and C species before they bloom, seed, or spread. Arid rangeland targets include Scotch thistle, knapweeds, whitetop, and puncturevine. If an owner fails to act, the Board can control the weeds at the owner's expense and lien the property. The City of Yakima separately abates rank vegetation through its nuisance and property maintenance codes.
Violations & Fines
The Weed Board issues notice to control listed weeds. If ignored, it abates at the owner's expense, including labor, materials, and administrative and legal fees, and records the charge as a lien after a hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I required to remove weeds on my Yakima property?
What happens if I don't control noxious weeds?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yakima County
How Yakima County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Yakima County to another location·View the Washington landscaping rules overview
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