Vacant lot owners in Yakima County must control noxious weeds and clear debris. State law (RCW 17.10) makes every owner responsible for eradicating and controlling listed weeds, enforced by the Yakima County Noxious Weed Control Board.
An empty parcel is not exempt from maintenance. Under Washington's noxious weed law, RCW 17.10, every landowner, including vacant-lot owners, must control and prevent the spread of state- and county-listed noxious weeds; the Yakima County Noxious Weed Control Board enforces this. Arid-country problem weeds here include puncturevine (goathead), Russian and diffuse knapweed, and whitetop, rather than the blackberry and Scotch broom common west of the Cascades. Local nuisance codes separately require removing trash, dry vegetation, and fire fuels and securing hazards. Uncontrolled weeds or dumping can trigger a weed board notice or a code-compliance abatement billed to the owner.
The weed board can order control and, if ignored, perform it and bill the owner. Local code-compliance can abate trash and fire-fuel accumulations on a vacant lot at the owner's expense.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Yakima County, WA
Yakima County may require hosts to carry liability insurance for short-term rental properties. Minimum coverage amounts vary by jurisdiction.
Yakima County, WA
Yakima County limits the number of guests allowed in short-term rental properties. Occupancy caps are typically based on bedroom count or square footage to p...
Yakima County, WA
Yakima County requires replacement planting when permitted trees are removed. Replacement ratios and species specifications ensure canopy preservation.
Yakima County, WA
Yakima County designates heritage or landmark trees based on size, age, or species. Removal or damage to heritage trees carries significant penalties.
Yakima County, WA
Yakima County requires permits to remove trees above a certain size on private property. Protected species and street trees have additional restrictions.
Yakima County, WA
Yakima County places few limits on residential holiday decorations. No permit is required to light up your own home. Displays should not block sidewalks or i...
See how Yakima County's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
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