Planting in the City Right-of-Way Has Gotten Easier

Gardening is a very popular activity in Shoreline and one that the city supports.

Over the years, more and more residents have expressed their strong desire to plant flowers, vegetable gardens or other small plants in the city right-of-way that borders their property. Until now, residents had to pay a fee and obtain a permit to do so.

Often such plantings can be accomplished without impacting the safety of our residents or the environment. However, the City needs to ensure that anything in the City’s right-of-way does not impact a driver’s vision, water drainage or pedestrian access.

In response to residents’ requests to make planting in the right-of-way easier the City has streamlined the procedures, eliminating the fee and permit requirements. Now residents can follow the criteria outlined in a handout titled Planting in the Right-of-Way and fill out and submit a simple Notice of Planting form. The handout and form can be found on the City’s website on the Planning Department’s Development Handouts page or by the Permitting Desk at City Hall.

Residents may plant vegetables or small plants in the right-of-way as long as they meet setback and height guidelines and do not impede pedestrian traffic or impact drainage. Please note that this does not include planter boxes, trees of any kind, or other structures or hardscapes. To plant trees or construct in the right-of-way, residents must still obtain a permit.

To learn more about planting in the right-of-way, visit the City’s website or contact Construction Inspection Services Supervisor Paul Laine at (206) 801-2470, plaine@shorelinewa.gov.