Washington § 17.10.140 - Owner's duty to control spread of noxious weeds.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 17.10.140 — Owner's duty to control spread of noxious weeds., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 17.10.140. Owner's duty to control spread of noxious weeds.

(1) Except as is provided under subsection (2) of this section, every owner must perform or cause to be performed those acts as may be necessary to:
(a) Eradicate all class A noxious weeds;
(b) Control and prevent the spread of all class B noxious weeds designated for control in that region within and from the owner's property; and
(c) Control and prevent the spread of all class B and class C noxious weeds listed on the county weed list as locally mandated control priorities within and from the owner's property.
(2) Every owner of forestlands classified under RCW 17.10.240(2), or meeting the definition of forestlands contained in RCW 17.10.240, must perform or cause to be performed those acts as may be necessary to:
(a) Eradicate all class A noxious weeds;
(b) Control and prevent the spread of all class B noxious weeds designated for control in that region within and from the owner's property; and
(c) Control and prevent the spread of all class B and class C noxious weeds listed on the county weed list as locally mandated control priorities within and from the owner's property only when encountered in any of the following enumerated circumstances:
(i) Within 1,000 feet of adjacent land uses;
(ii) Within 25 feet of all privately owned roads unless properly abandoned as defined under WAC 222-24-052 as that section existed as of January 1, 2020;
(iii) Within 200 feet of navigable rivers, gravel pits, log yards, and staging areas, except when not allowed under other state or federal laws or regulations; and
(iv) For a single five-year period within harvested areas following the harvesting of trees for products.
[ 2021 c 217 s 8; 1997 c 353 s 17; 1969 ex.s. c 113 s 14.]

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Related Washington Legal Topics

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 17.10.140

What does Revised Code of Washington § 17.10.140 cover?

Section 17.10.140 ("Owner's duty to control spread of noxious weeds.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 17.10.140?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 17.10.140" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 17.10.140 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.