Pollinators & Pints recap: Understanding Washington HOA Laws and Pollinator-Friendly Landscaping

In January 2026, the Vancouver Bee Project hosted a Pollinators & Pints community discussion focused on new Washington State laws affecting homeowners associations (HOAs), particularly around pollinator habitat, drought-resistant landscaping, and wildfire-resilient design. The event was intentionally structured as a group conversation, creating space for attendees to share experiences, ask questions, and learn from one another.

Why These Laws Exist

Recent changes to Washington law reflect growing concerns around pollinator declines, water conservation, wildfire risk, and long-term community resiliency. These priorities were identified through statewide efforts such as the Pollinator Health Task Force and are increasingly being addressed across the country. Many states—including California, Oregon, Colorado, New York, and Massachusetts—have enacted similar protections for climate-adaptive and pollinator-friendly landscaping.

What Washington Law Says About HOAs

In 2024, Washington passed SSB 5934, now codified as RCW 64.38.057, which applies to common interest ownership communities such as HOAs.

Under this law:

• HOA governing documents may not prohibit drought-resistant landscaping, pollinator habitat, or wildfire ignition-resistant landscaping.

• “Pollinator habitat” is defined as land managed to support the feeding, nesting, and reproduction of pollinators. Mason bee houses are included in this definition; honey bee hives are regulated separately and may still be subject to local rules.

• HOAs may adopt reasonable rules related to placement and appearance, but those rules cannot make pollinator habitat or drought-resistant landscaping unreasonably expensive or effectively infeasible.

A key theme of the discussion was that state law supersedes HOA rules when conflicts arise. Attendees emphasized the importance of understanding the law and approaching HOA boards with accurate information when concerns come up.

Drought Conditions and Watering

The law also includes protections during officially declared drought conditions. If the Washington Department of Ecology issues a drought order, HOAs may not fine or assess residents for reducing or eliminating watering of lawns or vegetation for the duration of that order. As drought conditions become more common in the region, this provision is increasingly relevant for homeowners.

Wildfire-Ignition-Resistant Landscaping

RCW 64.38.057 also protects wildfire-ignition-resistant landscaping practices. These include non-invasive plants and Firewise approaches designed to reduce ignition risk near structures. Plants with open branching structures and higher moisture content—such as serviceberry, vine maple, Oregon grape, yarrow, penstemon, and aster—were highlighted as examples that can support both fire resilience and pollinator habitat.

Community Discussion and Shared Experiences

Much of the evening centered on attendees asking each other about their real-world experiences working with HOAs. Many shared examples of successful conversations with HOA boards, emphasizing that proactive, respectful dialogue is often more effective than confrontation. Participants repeatedly noted that knowing the law helps residents feel more confident when advocating for pollinator-friendly landscapes.

Practical Strategies for HOA Landscapes

Several practical approaches were discussed for balancing ecological goals with neighborhood expectations:

• 70/30 rule: Aim for roughly 70% native plants and 30% ornamental plants within a landscape. This supports pollinators while maintaining a familiar look.

• 30/70 rule: For those just starting out, incorporating 30% native plants is a realistic and effective first step.

• Talk with neighbors: Learning which plants neighbors already like can help guide plant placement. Putting visually popular plants where they’re most visible can go a long way toward building support.

• Intentional design: Including maintained lawn areas or defined edges can help pollinator gardens read as intentional and cared-for spaces.

Looking Ahead

Pollinators & Pints is designed to build community, share knowledge, and help people navigate real-world challenges around habitat and land use. The Vancouver Bee Project will host the next Pollinators & Pints event in April, continuing these conversations and creating space for more shared learning.