Whatcom County, WA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Dumping
- Barred, WCC 8.28.080
- Noxious Weeds
- RCW 17.10 board
- Grass Height
- No rural county limit
- Cost Recovery
- Lien on parcel
Summary
Vacant-lot owners in unincorporated Whatcom County must keep the parcel clear of dumped garbage and control state-listed noxious weeds. Illegal dumping is barred by county litter control (WCC 8.28.080), and the Whatcom County Noxious Weed Control Board enforces weed duties under RCW 17.10.
It shall be unlawful for any person to dump or deposit or permit the dumping or depositing of any solid waste or dangerous waste onto or under the surface of the ground or into the waters of this county except at a solid waste or dangerous waste disposal site for which there is a valid permit.
Full Breakdown
There is no countywide grass-height limit on rural parcels: much of Whatcom County is farmland and open land. The enforceable duties are narrower: county code makes it unlawful to dump or deposit solid waste on the ground (WCC 8.28.080), and litter is defined as garbage, refuse, and rubbish. Separately, the Whatcom County Noxious Weed Control Board requires owners to control state-listed noxious weeds such as tansy ragwort and knotweed under RCW 17.10. Uncorrected conditions can be abated under the county health code with costs liened against the parcel.
Violations & Fines
Dumping on a vacant lot is a civil infraction with a $25-per-cubic-foot cleanup fee. Failure to control listed noxious weeds draws county weed-board enforcement, and abatement costs can be liened against the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a weed-height limit on my lot?
Who makes me control weeds?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Whatcom County
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