Washington State Noxious Weed Control Law

The Washington State Noxious Weed Control Law (chapter 17.10 RCW) requires every landowner to prevent and control state-listed noxious weeds on their property. The State Noxious Weed Control Board adopts an annual noxious weed list classifying species as Class A (mandatory eradication), Class B, or Class C. County weed boards enforce the law and may issue notices and impose costs of abatement. Local jurisdictions cannot exempt property owners from state-listed weed control duties.

Failure to control may result in county-imposed abatement costs assessed as a lien plus civil penalties up to $1,000 per day under RCW 17.10.350.