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

Section 8.24.010(B) covers property zoned in any urban classification under Title 17, meaning every zoning district other than the rural or agricultural lots over one acre addressed in subsection A. Subsection (B)(5)(a) declares it a nuisance to let grasses or weeds go unmowed past an average height of twelve inches on any property that is developed. A companion clause, (B)(5)(c), separately bans uncontrolled and uncultivated weeds or brush within the road right-of-way that create a sight hazard to vehicles, or that a county fire marshal or fire district chief declares a fire hazard.

Subsection (B)(5)(d) exempts vegetation grown for agricultural purposes from the whole weed and brush clause, so working farm and vineyard ground is not covered. Enforcement runs through Section 8.24.020: routine violations are civil infractions carrying $75.00 for a first offense and $250.00 for each later offense, with notices issued by the Walla Walla County Sheriff, the public health administrator, the Community Development director, or the county prosecuting attorney, and each day of noncompliance treated as a separate violation. If the overgrowth is declared a fire hazard or is injurious to public health, Section 8.24.020(A) instead makes it a misdemeanor punishable under RCW 9A.20.021.

Section 8.24.020(C) allows the Community Development Department to pursue the Chapter 14.13 enforcement track against repeat or large-scale violators, where ignoring a notice of violation and order becomes a gross misdemeanor under Section 14.13.100.