Landscaping Rules in Lawrence, KS (2026)
6 verified landscaping rules for Lawrence, Kansas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
In the City of Lawrence, any owner whose tree overhangs a public street or right-of-way must trim it to keep an eight-foot clear space above the street or sidewalk and to avoid blocking streetlights or intersection sightlines, under City Code § 18-111. Corner vegetation can't exceed 36 inches high within 50 feet of an intersection.
Lawrence Tree Trimming Clearance Rule
Some RestrictionsLawrence City Code § 18-111
Every owner or occupant of any house, building, lot, or premises who owns any tree, located on their property, which overhangs any public street or right-of-way within the city shall trim the branches so that such branches shall not obstruct the light from any street lamp or obstruct the view of any street intersection and so that there shall be a clear space of eight feet above the surface of ...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
In the City of Lawrence, the parks and recreation director controls planting, care and removal of every tree in a public right-of-way or park under City Code § 18-104. A property owner can prune, plant or remove right-of-way trees abutting their own land without a permit, but needs a street tree permit only to deviate from the article's planting rules or to have the city plant a tree.
Lawrence Street Tree Removal Permit
Light RestrictionsLawrence City Code § 18-104
The director shall be responsible for the planting, care, and removal of all trees located within the public rights-of-way and parks of the city. The owner of real property abutting any public right-of-way may, when acting in compliance with the provisions of this article, prune, spray, plant, or remove trees in that part of the public right-of-way not used for public travel and abutting that r...
Weed Ordinances
In the City of Lawrence, vegetation counts as unlawful excessive growth once it reaches 12 inches tall (or 12 inches long if matted down) under City Code § 18-302. Section 18-304 makes it unlawful for any owner, agent or occupant to let weeds grow that tall on their premises or the abutting right-of-way, and violators face a misdemeanor fine of $25 to $100 or up to 180 days in jail.
Lawrence Weed and Grass Height Limit
Some RestrictionsLawrence City Code §§ 18-302, 18-304, 18-305
Excessive growth means plant length 12 inches or more above the ground in height, or length if matted down, as measured along the stem. ... (a)It shall be unlawful for any owner, agent, lessee, tenant, or other person occupying or having charge or control of any premises to permit weeds to remain upon said premises or any area between the property lines of said premises and the centerline of an...
Water Restrictions
In the City of Lawrence, outdoor lawn and garden watering can be restricted only after the city commission declares a water watch, warning, or emergency by resolution. Once declared, the city manager may order mandatory cutbacks under City Code § 19-905, including limits on Class 1 outdoor watering uses defined in § 19-902.
Lawrence Water Emergency Conservation Rules
Some RestrictionsLawrence City Code §§ 19-903, 19-905
Whenever the governing body of the city finds that a circumstance exists by reason of a shortage of water or inability to produce water needed for essential uses, it shall be empowered to declare by resolution that a water watch, warning, or emergency exists and that it will encourage voluntary conservation or impose mandatory restrictions on water use during the period of the crisis. ... (b)Re...
Native Plants
In the City of Lawrence, a residential property owner can voluntarily register with the codes enforcement division to grow 'natural landscaping', letting vegetation reach its natural height and form, under City Code § 18-304(c). Registering doesn't guarantee an exemption from the weed ordinance: the city commission can still deny it if the growth is a nuisance or harms public health, safety or welfare.
Lawrence Natural Landscaping Registration
Light RestrictionsLawrence City Code § 18-304
(c)Property owners may voluntarily register their property zoned for residential uses with the city, codes enforcement division as property to be used for natural landscaping. For the purposes of this article, the term "natural landscaping" means the growth of any vegetation to its natural height and form; provided such vegetation is not prohibited by the laws of the state. Upon the receipt of ...
Artificial Turf
In the City of Lawrence, new synthetic turf installed after March 10, 2012 needs planning director approval before it goes into a yard. Turf must be limited, small scale use, and the Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Department reviews every application under City Code Chapter 18. Turf installed before that date keeps approved status only if maintained under the property's landscape plan.
Lawrence Regulates Synthetic Turf Installation
Significant RestrictionsLawrence City Code § 18-402
(a)All synthetic turf installed within the city prior to March 10, 2012, shall be deemed, in accordance with the terms of this Code, an approved use, provided that such synthetic turf shall be maintained and replaced as necessary to comply with the approved landscape plan for the property and other provisions of this Code.(b)After March 10, 2012, no synthetic turf shall be installed within the ...