Landscaping Rules in Billings, MT: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Billings or are thinking about moving there, landscaping rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Billings has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Weed Ordinances

Billings bans weeds, grass, and untended vegetation over 12 inches tall on any lot. Owners must cut nuisance growth to 4 inches or less, or the city does it and bills them.

Key details: Max height allowed: 12 inches. Required cut-down height: 4 inches or less. Compliance season: April 30 – Sept 30. First penalty: $25 plus 25% admin fee. Enforcement: Municipal infraction, § 18-1304.

First city-performed cut costs the owner $25 plus a 25% admin fee; repeat cuts run $50 then $75 each, and unpaid charges become a lien on the property assessed as a special tax.

Tree Trimming

Billings property owners must keep tree limbs at least 11 feet above sidewalks and 14 feet above streets and alleys.

Key details: Sidewalk clearance: 11 feet minimum. Street clearance: 14 feet minimum. Alley overhang limit: 1 foot past property line. Max fine: $500 per day.

Misdemeanor under Sec. 1-110: up to a $500 fine and/or 6 months jail, with each day of non-compliance a separate offense.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Billings has no general permit for removing trees on private property, but the city can declare a tree a public nuisance if it's dangerous or unsafe and order the owner to remove it at their expense plus a 25 percent administrative fee.

Key details: Private tree removal: No permit required. Hazardous trees: City can order removal. If city removes it: Cost + 25% admin fee. Public trees: Removal without authorization banned. Citation: Sec. 25-209 / 25-211.

Ignoring a city abatement order lets the city remove the hazardous tree itself and bill the owner the full removal cost plus a 25 percent administrative charge; violating the article generally is punishable under Sec. 1-110.

The Bottom Line

Billings's landscaping rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Billings is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Billings's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.