Skagit County, WA Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- IPMC 2021 Edition, SCC 15.04.020(10)
- Sections excluded
- IPMC §§ 302 and 303, except 302.4
- Weed height limit
- 18 inches (parcels 1 acre or less)
- Administering agency
- Planning and Development Services
- Enforcement track
- SCC Chapter 14.44
Summary
Skagit County enforces the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code on structures in the unincorporated area under SCC 15.04.020(10), but has not adopted the code's general exterior-condition sections 302 and 303, keeping only Section 302.4's weed-height standard for parcels of one acre or less.
International Property Maintenance Code, 2021 Edition, published by the International Code Council. ... (4) Amendments to International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC). (a) Sections 302 and 303 are not adopted, except that Section 302.4 is adopted. ... (iii) Section 302.4 Insert: 18”. This section shall not apply to parcels greater than one acre.
Full Breakdown
040). 030(4): Sections 302 and 303 of the IPMC, which in the model code cover general exterior property maintenance and swimming pools and spas, are not adopted in Skagit County, with one carve-out. 4, the weed and plant-growth height standard, is adopted and locally amended to insert an 18-inch height limit, and that limit does not apply to parcels larger than one acre. 18 RCW. 220, which sets specific landlord duties for rental units on an individual water system, including a 24-hour deadline to restore potable water. 060 provision were repealed by Ordinance O20140004 in favor of that Title 14 enforcement track.
Violations & Fines
A property found out of compliance with the adopted portions of the International Property Maintenance Code, including the Section 302.4 weed-height limit, is enforced through SCC Chapter 14.44's code enforcement process rather than the repealed 15.04.060 civil penalty; PDS issues a notice of violation and a compliance schedule before assessing a penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Skagit County adopted a full property maintenance code for rentals?
What is the one IPMC exterior standard the county still enforces?
Where do landlord water-supply duties come from if not the property maintenance code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Skagit County
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