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Pierce County, WA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Class A weeds
Must eradicate
Class B & C listed
Must control
Board notice
10+ day control order
Noncompliance
County abates, liens cost
Authority
RCW 17.10; PCC 8.24

Summary

Every Pierce County landowner has an enforceable duty under RCW 17.10.140 to eradicate class A noxious weeds and control listed class B and C weeds. The Pierce County Noxious Weed Control Board (PCC Chapter 8.24) inspects, orders control, and can abate at the owner's cost.

City-specific rules exist: Lakewood, and Tacoma have their own weed ordinances rules that differ from Pierce County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Except as is provided under subsection (2) of this section, every owner must perform or cause to be performed those acts as may be necessary to: (a) Eradicate all class A noxious weeds; (b) Control and prevent the spread of all class B noxious weeds designated for control in that region within and from the owner's property.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Washington's noxious-weed law imposes a direct legal duty on landowners. RCW 17.10.140 requires every owner to eradicate all class A noxious weeds, control class B weeds designated for control in the region, and control class B and C weeds on the county weed list. Pierce County activates its Noxious Weed Control Board under PCC Chapter 8.24 (Weed Control), cross-referencing RCW Chapters 17.10 and 84.64. Licensed inspectors survey lands during weed season; when weeds are found, the Board orders control by certified mail within at least ten days. If the owner fails to act, the Board may control the weeds at the owner's expense as a lien on the property (PCC 8.24.070). This is separate from grass overgrowth under PCC 8.08.

Violations & Fines

Noncompliance with a Weed Board control order lets the Board enter and control the weeds at the owner's expense under RCW 17.10, with the cost placed as a lien on the property and recoverable under state law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I legally required to control weeds on my land?
Yes. RCW 17.10.140 requires every Pierce County landowner to eradicate class A noxious weeds and control listed class B and C weeds within and from their property.
What happens if I ignore a weed control order?
The Pierce County Noxious Weed Control Board can control the weeds itself at your expense, and the cost becomes a lien against your property under RCW 17.10 and PCC 8.24.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Pierce County

Tree TrimmingSome RestrictionsNative PlantsFew RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage TreesSome RestrictionsRainwater HarvestingLight RestrictionsCompostingFew RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Store RulesHeavy RestrictionsBuilding Safety: Fire Sprinkler RequirementsHeavy Restrictions

All Pierce County rules

How Pierce County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Pierce County to another location·View the Washington landscaping rules overview

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Weed Ordinances in Cities Across Pierce County

Tacoma, WALakewood, WA