Yakima, WA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit
- 12 inches maximum
- Applies to
- All premises, exterior property
- Enforcement
- Notice, then prosecution or abatement
- Cost
- Billed to owner if city cuts
Summary
Yakima caps hazardous vegetation on any premises at 12 inches; owners who don't cut it after a notice of violation face prosecution, and the city can send a crew to cut the weeds and bill the owner.
Premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from hazardous vegetation in excess of 12 inches in height. Upon failure of the owner or agent having charge of a property to cut and destroy such vegetation after service of a notice of violation, they shall be subject to prosecution in accordance with section 106.3 and as prescribed by the authority having jurisdiction. Upon failure to comply with the notice of violation, and after proper notification has been given to the owners (unless the conditions constitute an imminent danger), any duly authorized employee of the jurisdiction or contractor hired by the jurisdiction shall be authorized to enter upon the property in violation and cut and destroy the weeds growing thereon, and the costs of such removal shall be paid by the owner or agent responsible for the property.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4980636; v1 updated 2026-08-03; through 08-03-2026).
Full Breakdown
Yakima Municipal Code § 11.40.302 amends IPMC Section 302.4 (Weeds) to require that premises and exterior property stay free of hazardous vegetation over 12 inches tall. If the owner or agent doesn't cut and destroy the vegetation after a notice of violation, the city can prosecute under YMC § 11.40.106.3. If the notice still isn't complied with, and absent imminent danger, after proper notification, a city employee or hired contractor can enter the property, cut the weeds, and bill the owner or agent for the cost of removal.
Violations & Fines
Failure to cut hazardous vegetation over 12 inches after a notice of violation can lead to prosecution and city-ordered abatement, with removal costs billed to the property owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can grass or weeds be on a Yakima property?
What happens if I don't cut overgrown weeds in Yakima?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yakima
How Yakima compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Yakima to another location·View the Washington landscaping rules overview
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