Olympia, WA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

OMC 16.06.010 adopts the International Property Maintenance Code as the Property Maintenance Code of the City of Olympia, and OMC 16.06.020 amends it. Section 302.4 sets the weed rule: premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of 12 inches, and noxious weeds are prohibited. Weeds are defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation other than trees or shrubs, and the definition does not include cultivated flowers and gardens. Agricultural areas within the City of Olympia (crops, livestock, farming, etc.) are exempt.

Enforcement runs through a notice of violation. If the owner or agent having charge of a property fails to cut and destroy the weeds after service of that notice, the owner or agent is subject to prosecution in accordance with Section 108.3. Any duly authorized employee of the jurisdiction or contractor hired by the jurisdiction is also authorized to enter the property and cut and destroy the weeds, and the costs of removal are paid by the owner or agent responsible for the property. Under Section 109.3, the costs of action taken by the City on the premises, including attorney's fees, contractors, engineers and all other costs of any kind, are charged against the real property and are a lien under Section 113.3.

Appeals of a code official's order or determination go to the hearing examiner pursuant to OMC 18.70.170, on a written application filed within fourteen (14) days after the day the decision and notice or order was served (Section 107.1). The examiner does not have authority to waive requirements of the code (Section 107.2). Service fees are set in OMC 4.36.010. Vacant land has its own overlay: Section 301.3 requires vacant structures and land to be kept in a clean, safe, secure and sanitary condition and registered under OMC 16.06.030, and OMC Chapter 16.18 carries the City's noxious weed purpose and notice sections.