Landscaping Rules in Bethlehem, PA (2026)
7 verified landscaping rules for Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Bethlehem caps grass and noxious-weed growth at one (1) foot under Article 1161.07(b) of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Bethlehem (https://www.bethlehem-pa.gov/CityOfBethlehem/media/Ordinance-PDFs/ARTICLE1161.pdf). The limit applies on any lot within the corporate limits when weeds are within 200 feet of any building or public right-of-way. Article 1161 defines 'Noxious Weeds' as all grasses, annual plants, and vegetation, excluding cultivated flowers, gardens, trees, and shrubs.
Bethlehem PA Grass and Noxious Weed Height Limit
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Trimming any tree on a public area in Bethlehem requires a permit from the Director of Public Works under Article 910.04 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Bethlehem (https://www.bethlehem-pa.gov/CityOfBethlehem/media/Ordinance-PDFs/ARTICLE0910.pdf), with a $25 application fee under 910.05(b) and an arborist license under 910.10. Trees wholly on private property and outside the public right-of-way are not subject to Article 910's permit requirement. Pennsylvania common-law self-help allows trimming a neighbor's overhanging branches up to the property line.
Bethlehem PA Tree Trimming and Article 910 Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Tree removal in Bethlehem is governed by Article 910 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Bethlehem (https://www.bethlehem-pa.gov/CityOfBethlehem/media/Ordinance-PDFs/ARTICLE0910.pdf). No person may remove any tree on a public area without a permit from the Director of Public Works under 910.04(a), with a $25 application fee under 910.05(b). Article 910.04(b) authorizes the Director to require replacement plantings as a condition of the permit. Unauthorized removal of a public tree carries a minimum $1,000 fine per tree under 910.08(m), with the abutting owner and the actor jointly and severally liable.
Bethlehem PA Tree Removal Rules
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Weed control in Bethlehem combines local Article 1161.07 (Health Nuisances — Noxious Weeds Defined) with Pennsylvania's statewide Controlled Plant and Noxious Weed Act of 2017 (Act 46 of 2017, codified at 3 Pa.C.S. §§1501-1562), which replaced the prior framework at 3 P.S. §255 et seq. Locally, the one-foot height ceiling within 200 feet of a building or ROW applies. Statewide, the PA Department of Agriculture maintains Class A, B, and C noxious-weed lists. Running bamboo is separately regulated under Article 1161.07(c).
Bethlehem PA Weed and Noxious Plant Rules
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
The City of Bethlehem owns its water supply through the Bethlehem Authority, drawing from Pocono Mountain reservoirs holding approximately 10 billion gallons across roughly 23,000 acres of protected watershed. Article 911 (Water Regulations) authorizes the City to request voluntary conservation and, if needed, to impose mandatory restrictions during a supply shortage. Statewide drought stages — Watch, Warning, Emergency — are declared by PA DEP under the Pennsylvania Drought Emergency Act (35 Pa.C.S. and 4 Pa. Code Chapter 119). Mandatory measures attach only at a gubernatorial Drought Emergency.
Bethlehem PA Water Restrictions and Pocono Watershed Supply
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
The City of Bethlehem does not mandate native-plant landscaping on residential property. The Bureau of Urban Forestry maintains an approved street-tree list emphasizing species suited to the Lehigh Valley climate, and the City coordinates with the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Lehigh County and PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry for native-plant guidance. Pennsylvania's Right to Farm Act (3 P.S. §951-957) protects qualifying agricultural operations from nuisance suits raised more than one year after operations began.
Bethlehem PA Native Plants and Right-to-Farm Protections
Few RestrictionsComposting
Backyard composting in Bethlehem is permitted and encouraged. The City operates the Bethlehem Yardwaste Facility at 1480 Schoenersville Road, accepting branches up to 4 inches in diameter and 6 feet in length, brush, hedge trimmings, garden residue, leaves in loose or brown paper bags only, and Christmas trees free of tinsel and stands. Mulch and compost are available with a $10 per cubic yard loading fee. PA Act 101 (53 P.S. §4000.101+) requires municipalities over 5,000 population to provide leaf and yard-waste collection. Open burning of leaves is prohibited under 25 Pa. Code §129.14.
Bethlehem PA Backyard Composting and Yard Waste Facility
Few RestrictionsLooking for Lehigh County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bethlehem city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Lehigh County →