Property Maintenance in Bowling Green, KY (2026)
5 verified property maintenance rules for Bowling Green, Kentucky, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Trash Bin Storage
Residential trash collection in Bowling Green is provided by Scott Waste Services under a city franchise. City Code Chapter 20 (Solid Waste Collection) makes Scott the authorized residential hauler, requires use of approved containers, and prohibits unauthorized collectors. Containers must be lidded, set at the curb on the scheduled collection day, and removed promptly. Overflowing, uncovered, or off-day containers can trigger code enforcement. Chapter 20 violations are punishable by fines up to $100 per offense, each day a separate offense.
Bowling Green Trash Container Rules (Scott Waste Service)
Few RestrictionsProperty Blight
Under City Code Chapter 27 (Property Code) and Section 27-5.05, it is unlawful to place, leave, deposit, or keep discarded or dilapidated items, trash, garbage, junk, or rubbish on any private property in Bowling Green — such items are declared a public nuisance. The city has adopted the 2006 International Property Maintenance Code with local amendments. Vacant structures and lots must be kept clean, safe, secure, and sanitary. Code Compliance issues a notice of violation; non-compliance can lead to city abatement billed to the owner and citations adjudicated by the Code Enforcement and Nuisance Board.
Bowling Green Property Blight, Junk & Nuisance Conditions
Some RestrictionsVacant Lot Maintenance
Under City Code Chapter 27 (Property Code), Bowling Green applies the same property-maintenance standards to vacant and occupied lots. The city has amended Section 302.4 of the International Property Maintenance Code to set a 10-inch maximum height for weeds or plant growth on any non-agricultural property — anything taller is declared a nuisance. Owners are responsible for the lot plus the easement and right-of-way from property line to curb. Non-compliance triggers a notice, then city abatement (mowing) billed to the owner.
Bowling Green Vacant Lot Weed & Maintenance Standards
Some RestrictionsSnow & Sidewalk Clearing
Bowling Green does not impose a specific time-deadline (e.g., '24 hours after snow stops') for residents to shovel snow off the public sidewalk. Under City Code 21-1.02, however, every owner or occupant must keep the sidewalk and right-of-way adjacent to their building or lot 'open and free from obstructions' — and the Public Works Director may treat accumulated snow or ice as an obstruction. Temporary obstructions must be removed within 24 hours; the Public Works Director may order immediate removal of an obstruction in an emergency. City snowplows clear streets, not sidewalks.
Bowling Green Sidewalk Snow & Ice Clearing
Few RestrictionsGarage Sale Rules
Bowling Green does not require a city permit or business license for a residential garage sale of personal household items. The City Code does not set an express limit on the number of garage sales per year, but residential temporary signs are capped at 10 per lot (8 sq ft max each on lots under 2 acres) under Article 4 of the Joint Zoning Ordinance, and off-premise directional signs in the right-of-way are subject to immediate removal by Code Compliance. Garage sales must remain occasional and casual — running a regular retail business from a home requires home-occupation zoning approval.
Bowling Green Garage Sale Rules
Few RestrictionsLooking for Warren County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bowling Green city rules.
Property Maintenance in Warren County →