Yakima, WA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Yakima's vacant-lot weed and maintenance rules are concentrated in YMC Chapter 11.40 (Property Maintenance Code), which adopts the 2018 International Property Maintenance Code as amended (YMC 11.40.010). Key sections as amended: (1) YMC 11.40.302.4 (Weeds) — '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.' (2) YMC 11.40.302.1 (Sanitation) — exterior property 'shall be maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary condition and shall not constitute a nuisance.' (3) YMC 11.40.302.7 (Accessory structures) — detached garages, fences and walls must be structurally sound. (4) YMC 4.16.020 — refuse accumulation on premises that becomes 'offensive, unsanitary, unsightly, unsafe to public health, or hazardous to fire' is unlawful, and YMC 4.16.030–.050 authorize the city to issue notice and abate at owner cost. (5) Notice procedure — YMC 11.40.107 / .110 / .111 (as amended in this chapter) govern notice of violation, order, and right to a hearing before the Yakima Hearing Examiner under YMC 11.40.111. (6) Penalty schedule — YMC 11.40.106.4: $250 (no abatement after notice and order deadline); $500 (1st repeat); $750 (2nd repeat); $1,000 (3rd repeat). State authority — RCW 35.80 (Unfit Dwellings, Buildings, and Structures) and RCW 35A.21.160 (code authority for code cities like Yakima). The 12-inch height standard is uniform — it applies to vacant lots, undeveloped parcels, and occupied residences alike. Enforcement contact: Yakima Office of Code Administration, 129 N. 2nd Street, (509-575-6126).