P-Patch Program Rules

Code of Conduct

Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Director’s Rule #1-2023 

P-Patch Program Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy 

The following behaviors are prohibited in all P-Patches when interacting with fellow gardeners, community members or City staff:

  • Content or behavior that promotes, fosters, or perpetuates discrimination based on a person’s race, color, religion, creed, caste, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, disability, marital status, veteran or military status, status with regard to public assistance, or political ideology.
  • Obscene or racist comments
  • Personal attacks, harassment, insults or threatening language
  • Profane language or content 
  • Engaging in disruptive/unsafe behavior that disturbs others in the garden 
  • Sexual misconduct 

Prohibited Activities

While on the premises of a P-Patch community garden, the following activities are prohibited:   

  • Destruction of property 
  • Spitting, urinating or defecating (except in designated restrooms) 
  • Unleashed dogs (please pick up after your dog) 
  • Theft of plants or property 
  • Possession, sale or use of illegal drugs 
  • Disposing of unwanted items anywhere but in a designated trash or recycling receptacle 
  • Possession of firearms or other weapons 
  • Any conduct that unreasonably interferes with other people’s use of the P-Patch 
  • Drinking of alcoholic beverages without a permit 
  • Smoking or vaping (Washington State Code RCW 70.160.030) 
  • Camping or setting up structures 
  • Improper use of water fixtures (no bathing, shampooing or washing clothes)
  • Campfires, bonfires, burn barrels, fire pits, weed torches and/or any other form of open flame or burning activity other than covered pizza ovens and lidded barbeques    
  • Enforcement

Failure to comply with the P-Patch Code of Conduct may result in: 

  • Disqualification from further participation in the P-Patch Program 
  • Withdrawal of permission to access the property for a specified period of time 
  • Citation or arrest for criminal trespass if individual enters or remains on P-Patch property after having been notified that their permission to be on the property has been withdrawn (SMC Section 12A.08.040)

Administrative Review of Enforcement Decisions

Individuals subject to an enforcement action that disqualifies them from participating in the P-Patch Program or accessing a P-Patch property may, within 14 calendar days of issuance of the enforcement action, submit a written request for administrative review to the Department of Neighborhoods. The individual seeking the review shall include in their request any written information or documentation they seek to have considered in the review process. The original enforcement action shall remain in effect pending administrative review. 

If an individual timely requests administrative review of an enforcement action, the Director of the Department of Neighborhoods shall designate a Review Officer to conduct the administrative review.  Administrative review is an informal process designed to give the individual the chance to explain his or her side of the events surrounding the alleged violation. Administrative reviews are also, typically, confined to the written record and generally do not include witnesses or sworn testimony. The Review Officer may, at their discretion, allow the individual requesting the review the opportunity to orally present their story. 

Within ten days of receiving a timely request for administrative review, the Review Officer shall provide a written recommendation to the Director. In making the recommendation, the Review Officer shall review the original enforcement action, the written record, the written request for administrative review, and other information gathered in the course of the review. The Review Officer may, at their discretion, conduct meetings or interviews with the individual requesting administrative review and/or other individuals who may have information relevant to the enforcement action. 

The Director shall consider the Review Officer's recommendation and may affirm, modify, terminate or reverse the enforcement decision. The Director's decision is final. 

Please contact the main office with questions or concerns: (206) 684-0264 / p-patch.don@seattle.gov

Rules for Participants

Reasonable Accommodations

  • Gardeners may make a request for a reasonable accommodation to the P-Patch program based on a disability. For more information, please contact P-Patch staff.

Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy

The following will not be tolerated when interacting with fellow gardeners, community members or City Staff: 

  • Content that promotes, fosters or perpetuates discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, age, religion, gender, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, national origin, physical or mental disability or sexual orientation
  • Obscene or racist comments
  • Personal attacks, harassment, insults or threatening language
  • Profane language or content 
  • Engaging in disruptive/unsafe behavior that disturbs others in the garden 
  • Sexual misconduct 

1. Being a Considerate Community Gardener

    1. P-Patches are public spaces. Respectfully welcome visitors to the garden.
    2. Refer to the P-Patch Program Code of Conduct for a list of prohibited behaviors.
    3. Do not take produce from other garden spaces without permission.
    4. Smoking and vaping is prohibited in P-Patch gardens.
    5. Follow City of Seattle Noise Rules and WA State Noise Ordinance (Chapter 70.107 RCW)
    6. No privately owned and/or operated surveillance cameras may be installed in P-Patch Community Gardens.
    7. Well-mannered, leashed dogs are allowed within your own garden space, unless complaints are received.
      • Please scoop and remove feces. Follow WA rules on scooping animal feces and managing your pets (WAC 332-52-140).
    8. Closely supervise your children; help them learn to be safe and respectful in the garden.
      • Children using tools in the garden must be under direct and constant supervision of a responsible adult. "Direct" means to be within sight and voice distance.
    9. Use common courtesy and direct communication to resolve differences in a timely and neighborly way.
      • To resolve problems with fellow gardeners, please speak directly with each other before contacting P-Patch staff. Be polite and listen carefully, usually a solution is within reach. Refer to the P-Patch Program Conflict Resolution and Grievance Procedure if you are unable to resolve differences.
    10. Campfires, bonfires, burn barrels, fire pits, weed torches and/or any other form of open flame or burning activity is prohibited.
    11. Covered pizza ovens and lidded barbeques are permitted and must be under direct and constant supervision of responsible adult(s).

2. P-Patch Community Service Hours

    1. P-Patch gardeners are required to complete a minimum of 8 hours of community service per year (counted November 1-October 31); not related to the date of plot assignment.
      1. The work must happen in the collective areas of the garden (not inside an individual garden space).
      2. A minimum of 4 of the 8 hours must be completed at the garden where the plot holder gardens. Community hours can also be done outside the garden if the work supports the P-Patch Program.
      3. Yearly community hours accrue beginning November 1 and are due by October 31. For new gardeners, hours may be pro-rated for those who are assigned space later in the year. This amount needs to be established with P-Patch staff.
      4. It is the plot holder’s responsibility to complete and record community service hours.
      5. P-Patch does not accept other forms of payment in lieu of community service hours.
      6. P-Patch may grant exceptions based on personal hardship and circumstances. Make arrangements with P-Patch staff.
    2. All gardeners are responsible for maintenance and upkeep of the communal tool shed and tools.
    3. Do not make structural changes to common areas without collaborative decision-making and communicating with a majority of gardeners and P-Patch staff. Refer to Decision Making Tip Sheet.

3. Use of Individual Plot Space, Gardening and Maintenance

    1. Use organic gardening inputs and methods only. 
      • No synthetic chemicals including pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, weed killers, and fertilizers.
      • Organic fertilizers are allowed (compost, fish meal, composted manure, lime, etc.).
      • Human remains in any form are not allowed in P-Patch plots or community gardens. This includes human compost and ashes.
    2. Year-round gardening and maintenance of the assigned garden space is the plot holder’s responsibility. Garden space is defined as a garden plot and the pathway that surrounds that plot.
      1. Garden space must be weeded and planted within 2 weeks of plot assignment if assigned between April 1 – October 31.
      2. Active gardening reflects seasonality (i.e. winterization by October 31, spring weeding and planting, fall cleanup, summer maintenance, harvesting, etc.).
      3. No composting of food scraps (food waste from your home or from outside of garden).
      4. If vacations or other circumstances prevent the plot holder from caring for the plot space, they must arrange for someone else to care for it in a way consistent with P-Patch standards.
      5. Monitoring plot use: P-Patch staff and volunteer site leaders monitor plots throughout the year. When a garden space is untended, the plot holder will be contacted and asked to take care of the space by a certain date.  If P-Patch staff and or volunteer site leaders contact a plot holder about an untended garden space twice in one year and it becomes untended a third time, staff will reassign the garden space. Refer to Plot Monitoring Guidelines.
    3. Do not expand your garden space beyond its designated area.
    4. There is no garbage or yard waste service.
    5. Pack it in; pack it out. Do not pile debris in any garden space; it can create habitat for rodents and be unsafe.
    6. Plot holder must process plant material within their own plot (compost, bury or remove plant waste). Follow your garden’s composting instructions.
    7. Plot holders may not utilize paid labor to perform plot maintenance on an ongoing basis.
    8. The P-Patch garden cannot be used to conduct personal commerce. The sale of produce, flowers, or honey is only permitted through the P-Patch Market Garden Program or for a fundraiser that benefits a whole P-Patch garden.

4. Pathways

Please keep garden pathways inside and adjacent to garden plots safe, level, clear of weeds and obstacles.      

    1. In P-Patch gardens there are two types of pathways:
      1. Structural pathways used by all gardeners are common space and need to be maintained for safe public access. This includes:
        • Accessible pathways and gathering spaces (48”+ wide).
        • Main pathways (3’ wide) or secondary pathways (1.5 to 2’ wide). 
        • Pathways may be surfaced according to their use and access needs.
      2. Internal pathways or boundaries established between two plot holders based on a common agreement. Plot holders are responsible for working with their fellow gardeners to maintain internal pathways. 

5. Plot Turnover

    1. One plot (or maximum allowable square footage for your garden) per household. Exceptions include temporary plot stewardship or when transitioning from one plot to another.
    2. Garden space is allowed in only one P-Patch. 
    3. Annual renewal: Plot holders in good standing* can renew their garden space annually.
    4. A plot holder cannot give garden space to others.
      1. Co-Gardeners are allowed. However, they can only become the primary plot holder if they have been co-gardening long enough to be assigned a plot from the interest list.
    5. When the plot holder no longer wants the plot:
      1. They must notify and establish a timeline for turnover with a P-Patch staff person.
      2. They need to leave the garden space in reasonable condition. They must remove all structures and other non-plant materials unless arrangements are made with garden leadership.
    6. Plot holders are not allowed to permanently work other peoples’ plots.

6. Structures (fences, raised beds, trellises, etc.) 

    1. You build it, you remove it. Prior to designing, purchasing and implementing an individual plot construction, please check with staff and garden leadership to ensure your project is feasible.
    2. The P-Patch Program discourages individual plot structures. If the plot holder feels there are conditions that warrant an individual fence, raised bed, trellises, etc., the plot holder must adhere to the following criteria:
      1. The height limit for perimeter plot fencing is 3’; exceptions allowed only with P-Patch staff approval.
      2. For the safety of gardeners, visitors, and wildlife the structure must be:
        • placed within the perimeter of the plot.
        • securely and safely built, without infringing upon any pathway or neighboring plot.
        • be safely secured and must not shade neighboring plots.
        • must not pose potential harm to others.
      3. Temporary plant supports and trellises must be taken down for the winter by October 31st.
    3. Locks: Anything that gives the visual impression of a lock on your fence or in your plot is not allowed.
    4. Treated or painted lumber is not allowed in P-Patch plots or in any areas used for growing food. Tires and railroad ties are also not allowed. 

7. Plants 

    1. Tall plants and trellises that support them must not shade neighboring plots.
    2. No trees (including fruit) or large shrubs are allowed in plots.
    3. Keep invasive, vining and spreading plants confined to pots or your assigned garden plot. Refer to Invasive Plant Guidelines.

8. Water

Service is turned off and drained by November 11th. It remains off for the winter months and is turned back on in the spring after March 11th.

    1. Water responsibly (contact the P-Patch office for resources).
    2. Treat hoses carefully.
    3. Report water leaks to garden leadership and P-Patch staff.
    4. Sprinklers & drip systems:
      • The gardener must be present while water is running.
      • The system must not affect other gardening space or a gardener's access to water.
    5. Never water others’ garden spaces without permission.

9. Signage

Political signage is not allowed in individual or communal areas of any P-Patch Community Gardening Program managed space.

*A Plot holder in good standing is a gardener who has completed community hours and has had no outstanding plot compliance issues during the previous year.

Download a copy of the P-Patch Rules, updated 12/2025.

Please contact the main office with questions or concerns: (206) 684-0264 / p-patch.don@seattle.gov

Rules for Participants

Reasonable Accommodations

  • Gardeners may make a request for a reasonable accommodation to the P-Patch program based on a disability. For more information, please contact P-Patch staff.

Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy

The following will not be tolerated when interacting with fellow gardeners, community members or City Staff: 

  • Content that promotes, fosters or perpetuates discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, age, religion, gender, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, national origin, physical or mental disability or sexual orientation
  • Obscene or racist comments
  • Personal attacks, harassment, insults or threatening language
  • Profane language or content 
  • Engaging in disruptive/unsafe behavior that disturbs others in the garden 
  • Sexual misconduct 

1. Being a Considerate Community Gardener

    1. P-Patches are public spaces. Respectfully welcome visitors to the garden.
    2. Refer to the P-Patch Program Code of Conduct for a list of prohibited behaviors.
    3. Do not take produce from other garden spaces without permission.
    4. Smoking and vaping is prohibited in P-Patch gardens.
    5. Follow City of Seattle Noise Rules and WA State Noise Ordinance (Chapter 70.107 RCW)
    6. No privately owned and/or operated surveillance cameras may be installed in P-Patch Community Gardens.
    7. Well-mannered, leashed dogs are allowed within your own garden space, unless complaints are received.
      • Please scoop and remove feces. Follow WA rules on scooping animal feces and managing your pets (WAC 332-52-140).
    8. Closely supervise your children; help them learn to be safe and respectful in the garden.
      • Children using tools in the garden must be under direct and constant supervision of a responsible adult. "Direct" means to be within sight and voice distance.
    9. Use common courtesy and direct communication to resolve differences in a timely and neighborly way.
      • To resolve problems with fellow gardeners, please speak directly with each other before contacting P-Patch staff. Be polite and listen carefully, usually a solution is within reach. Refer to the P-Patch Program Conflict Resolution and Grievance Procedure if you are unable to resolve differences.
    10. Campfires, bonfires, burn barrels, fire pits, weed torches and/or any other form of open flame or burning activity is prohibited.
    11. Covered pizza ovens and lidded barbeques are permitted and must be under direct and constant supervision of responsible adult(s).

2. P-Patch Community Service Hours

    1. P-Patch gardeners are required to complete a minimum of 8 hours of community service per year (counted November 1-October 31); not related to the date of plot assignment.
      1. The work must happen in the collective areas of the garden (not inside an individual garden space).
      2. A minimum of 4 of the 8 hours must be completed at the garden where the plot holder gardens. Community hours can also be done outside the garden if the work supports the P-Patch Program.
      3. Yearly community hours accrue beginning November 1 and are due by October 31. For new gardeners, hours may be pro-rated for those who are assigned space later in the year. This amount needs to be established with P-Patch staff.
      4. It is the plot holder’s responsibility to complete and record community service hours.
      5. P-Patch does not accept other forms of payment in lieu of community service hours.
      6. P-Patch may grant exceptions based on personal hardship and circumstances. Make arrangements with P-Patch staff.
    2. All gardeners are responsible for maintenance and upkeep of the communal tool shed and tools.
    3. Do not make structural changes to common areas without collaborative decision-making and communicating with a majority of gardeners and P-Patch staff. Refer to Decision Making Tip Sheet.

3. Use of Individual Plot Space, Gardening and Maintenance

    1. Use organic gardening inputs and methods only. 
      • No synthetic chemicals including pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, weed killers, and fertilizers.
      • Organic fertilizers are allowed (compost, fish meal, composted manure, lime, etc.).
      • Human remains in any form are not allowed in P-Patch plots or community gardens. This includes human compost and ashes.
    2. Year-round gardening and maintenance of the assigned garden space is the plot holder’s responsibility. Garden space is defined as a garden plot and the pathway that surrounds that plot.
      1. Garden space must be weeded and planted within 2 weeks of plot assignment if assigned between April 1 – October 31.
      2. Active gardening reflects seasonality (i.e. winterization by October 31, spring weeding and planting, fall cleanup, summer maintenance, harvesting, etc.).
      3. No composting of food scraps (food waste from your home or from outside of garden).
      4. If vacations or other circumstances prevent the plot holder from caring for the plot space, they must arrange for someone else to care for it in a way consistent with P-Patch standards.
      5. Monitoring plot use: P-Patch staff and volunteer site leaders monitor plots throughout the year. When a garden space is untended, the plot holder will be contacted and asked to take care of the space by a certain date.  If P-Patch staff and or volunteer site leaders contact a plot holder about an untended garden space twice in one year and it becomes untended a third time, staff will reassign the garden space. Refer to Plot Monitoring Guidelines.
    3. Do not expand your garden space beyond its designated area.
    4. There is no garbage or yard waste service.
    5. Pack it in; pack it out. Do not pile debris in any garden space; it can create habitat for rodents and be unsafe.
    6. Plot holder must process plant material within their own plot (compost, bury or remove plant waste). Follow your garden’s composting instructions.
    7. Plot holders may not utilize paid labor to perform plot maintenance on an ongoing basis.
    8. The P-Patch garden cannot be used to conduct personal commerce. The sale of produce, flowers, or honey is only permitted through the P-Patch Market Garden Program or for a fundraiser that benefits a whole P-Patch garden.

4. Pathways

Please keep garden pathways inside and adjacent to garden plots safe, level, clear of weeds and obstacles.      

    1. In P-Patch gardens there are two types of pathways:
      1. Structural pathways used by all gardeners are common space and need to be maintained for safe public access. This includes:
        • Accessible pathways and gathering spaces (48”+ wide).
        • Main pathways (3’ wide) or secondary pathways (1.5 to 2’ wide). 
        • Pathways may be surfaced according to their use and access needs.
      2. Internal pathways or boundaries established between two plot holders based on a common agreement. Plot holders are responsible for working with their fellow gardeners to maintain internal pathways. 

5. Plot Turnover

    1. One plot (or maximum allowable square footage for your garden) per household. Exceptions include temporary plot stewardship or when transitioning from one plot to another.
    2. Garden space is allowed in only one P-Patch. 
    3. Annual renewal: Plot holders in good standing* can renew their garden space annually.
    4. A plot holder cannot give garden space to others.
      1. Co-Gardeners are allowed. However, they can only become the primary plot holder if they have been co-gardening long enough to be assigned a plot from the interest list.
    5. When the plot holder no longer wants the plot:
      1. They must notify and establish a timeline for turnover with a P-Patch staff person.
      2. They need to leave the garden space in reasonable condition. They must remove all structures and other non-plant materials unless arrangements are made with garden leadership.
    6. Plot holders are not allowed to permanently work other peoples’ plots.

6. Structures (fences, raised beds, trellises, etc.) 

    1. You build it, you remove it. Prior to designing, purchasing and implementing an individual plot construction, please check with staff and garden leadership to ensure your project is feasible.
    2. The P-Patch Program discourages individual plot structures. If the plot holder feels there are conditions that warrant an individual fence, raised bed, trellises, etc., the plot holder must adhere to the following criteria:
      1. The height limit for perimeter plot fencing is 3’; exceptions allowed only with P-Patch staff approval.
      2. For the safety of gardeners, visitors, and wildlife the structure must be:
        • placed within the perimeter of the plot.
        • securely and safely built, without infringing upon any pathway or neighboring plot.
        • be safely secured and must not shade neighboring plots.
        • must not pose potential harm to others.
      3. Temporary plant supports and trellises must be taken down for the winter by October 31st.
    3. Locks: Anything that gives the visual impression of a lock on your fence or in your plot is not allowed.
    4. Treated or painted lumber is not allowed in P-Patch plots or in any areas used for growing food. Tires and railroad ties are also not allowed. 

7. Plants 

    1. Tall plants and trellises that support them must not shade neighboring plots.
    2. No trees (including fruit) or large shrubs are allowed in plots.
    3. Keep invasive, vining and spreading plants confined to pots or your assigned garden plot. Refer to Invasive Plant Guidelines.

8. Water

Service is turned off and drained by November 11th. It remains off for the winter months and is turned back on in the spring after March 11th.

    1. Water responsibly (contact the P-Patch office for resources).
    2. Treat hoses carefully.
    3. Report water leaks to garden leadership and P-Patch staff.
    4. Sprinklers & drip systems:
      • The gardener must be present while water is running.
      • The system must not affect other gardening space or a gardener's access to water.
    5. Never water others’ garden spaces without permission.

9. Signage

Political signage is not allowed in individual or communal areas of any P-Patch Community Gardening Program managed space.

*A Plot holder in good standing is a gardener who has completed community hours and has had no outstanding plot compliance issues during the previous year.

Download a copy of the P-Patch Rules, updated 12/2025.

Please contact the main office with questions or concerns: (206) 684-0264 / p-patch.don@seattle.gov

Code of Conduct

Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Director’s Rule #1-2023 

P-Patch Program Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy 

The following behaviors are prohibited in all P-Patches when interacting with fellow gardeners, community members or City staff:

  • Content or behavior that promotes, fosters, or perpetuates discrimination based on a person’s race, color, religion, creed, caste, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, disability, marital status, veteran or military status, status with regard to public assistance, or political ideology.
  • Obscene or racist comments
  • Personal attacks, harassment, insults or threatening language
  • Profane language or content 
  • Engaging in disruptive/unsafe behavior that disturbs others in the garden 
  • Sexual misconduct 

Prohibited Activities

While on the premises of a P-Patch community garden, the following activities are prohibited:   

  • Destruction of property 
  • Spitting, urinating or defecating (except in designated restrooms) 
  • Unleashed dogs (please pick up after your dog) 
  • Theft of plants or property 
  • Possession, sale or use of illegal drugs 
  • Disposing of unwanted items anywhere but in a designated trash or recycling receptacle 
  • Possession of firearms or other weapons 
  • Any conduct that unreasonably interferes with other people’s use of the P-Patch 
  • Drinking of alcoholic beverages without a permit 
  • Smoking or vaping (Washington State Code RCW 70.160.030) 
  • Camping or setting up structures 
  • Improper use of water fixtures (no bathing, shampooing or washing clothes)
  • Campfires, bonfires, burn barrels, fire pits, weed torches and/or any other form of open flame or burning activity other than covered pizza ovens and lidded barbeques    
  • Enforcement

Failure to comply with the P-Patch Code of Conduct may result in: 

  • Disqualification from further participation in the P-Patch Program 
  • Withdrawal of permission to access the property for a specified period of time 
  • Citation or arrest for criminal trespass if individual enters or remains on P-Patch property after having been notified that their permission to be on the property has been withdrawn (SMC Section 12A.08.040)

Administrative Review of Enforcement Decisions

Individuals subject to an enforcement action that disqualifies them from participating in the P-Patch Program or accessing a P-Patch property may, within 14 calendar days of issuance of the enforcement action, submit a written request for administrative review to the Department of Neighborhoods. The individual seeking the review shall include in their request any written information or documentation they seek to have considered in the review process. The original enforcement action shall remain in effect pending administrative review. 

If an individual timely requests administrative review of an enforcement action, the Director of the Department of Neighborhoods shall designate a Review Officer to conduct the administrative review.  Administrative review is an informal process designed to give the individual the chance to explain his or her side of the events surrounding the alleged violation. Administrative reviews are also, typically, confined to the written record and generally do not include witnesses or sworn testimony. The Review Officer may, at their discretion, allow the individual requesting the review the opportunity to orally present their story. 

Within ten days of receiving a timely request for administrative review, the Review Officer shall provide a written recommendation to the Director. In making the recommendation, the Review Officer shall review the original enforcement action, the written record, the written request for administrative review, and other information gathered in the course of the review. The Review Officer may, at their discretion, conduct meetings or interviews with the individual requesting administrative review and/or other individuals who may have information relevant to the enforcement action. 

The Director shall consider the Review Officer's recommendation and may affirm, modify, terminate or reverse the enforcement decision. The Director's decision is final. 

Please contact the main office with questions or concerns: (206) 684-0264 / p-patch.don@seattle.gov

Neighborhoods

Jenifer Chao, Director
Address: 600 4th Avenue, 4th Floor, Seattle, WA , 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 94649, Seattle, WA, 98124-4649
Phone: (206) 684-0464
Fax: (206) 233-5142
seattleneighborhoods@seattle.gov

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