Landscaping Rules in Scranton, PA (2026)
7 verified landscaping rules for Scranton, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Grass and weed height in the City of Scranton is regulated under Chapter 360 (Property Maintenance), Article II (Rules and Regulations), which adopts the International Property Maintenance Code, 2015 Edition (https://ecode360.com/29522618). All premises and exterior property must be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of 8 inches; all noxious weeds are prohibited. Cultivated flowers, gardens, trees, and shrubs are exempt. A separate weed-cutting article (Chapter 434, Article IV - Weeds, https://ecode360.com/11608837) imposes a 10-day notice procedure before penalty under Section 1-16. Enforcement is by the City of Scranton Department of Licensing, Inspections and Permits.
Scranton PA Grass Height and 8-Inch Weed Standard
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Tree trimming in the City of Scranton is governed by Chapter 434 (Trees and Weeds), Article I (Trees) (https://ecode360.com/11608793) and Chapter 358 (Shade Tree Commission, https://ecode360.com/11603607). The ordinance applies to street, highway, lane, alley, and avenue trees within the public right-of-way and to trees on public parks and other City-owned grounds. It is unlawful to top any tree (severe cutting back of limbs to stubs larger than 5 inches in diameter) as a normal practice without permission of the Shade Tree Commission or City Forester. Routine trimming of a wholly private tree typically does not require a City permit; pruning of right-of-way and street trees does.
Scranton PA Tree Trimming and Shade Tree Commission Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Tree removal in the City of Scranton is governed by Chapter 434, Article I (Trees) (https://ecode360.com/11608793) and Chapter 358 (Shade Tree Commission) (https://ecode360.com/11603607). It is unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, or city department to remove any tree in the right-of-way or on City-owned grounds without first obtaining permission from the Shade Tree Commission and/or City Forester. The Shade Tree Commission or City Forester may order removal of trees that are in unsafe condition or are injurious to sewers, sidewalks, electric power lines, gas lines, water lines, or other public improvements. Routine removal of a private residential tree generally does not require a City permit.
Scranton PA Tree Removal Rules
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Weed control in the City of Scranton operates on two tiers. Locally, Chapter 360 (Property Maintenance) Article II caps weeds and plant growth at 8 inches and prohibits all noxious weeds; Chapter 434 Article IV (Weeds) specifically targets Canada thistles, ragweed, burdocks, any senecio species, and rank vegetable growth, with a 10-day notice procedure and Section 1-16 penalties. Statewide, Pennsylvania's Controlled Plant and Noxious Weed Act (3 Pa.C.S. Chapter 12, replacing 3 P.S. § 255.1 et seq.) and 7 Pa. Code § 110.1 list noxious weeds including multiflora rose, Canada thistle, Johnson grass, musk thistle, bull thistle, and giant hogweed.
Scranton PA Weed and Noxious Vegetation Rules
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Scranton residents are served by Pennsylvania American Water, the regulated investor-owned utility under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. The City of Scranton does not impose year-round watering days. Restrictions are triggered by Pennsylvania American Water's PUC-approved drought contingency plan or by a Governor-declared drought emergency under the Emergency Management Services Code (35 Pa.C.S.) implemented through 4 Pa. Code Chapter 119 (Prohibition of Nonessential Water Uses) and Chapter 118 (Reductions of Major Water Use). The PA DEP Drought Task Force coordinates the four-stage advisory framework: Normal, Drought Watch, Drought Warning, Drought Emergency.
Scranton PA Water Restrictions and Pennsylvania American Water
Some RestrictionsNative Plants
The City of Scranton does not mandate native-plant landscaping on residential property. Native and pollinator-friendly planting is encouraged through the Shade Tree Commission, City Forester, and grants administered by the Pennsylvania DCNR Urban and Community Forestry program (formerly TreeVitalize) and TreePennsylvania (the PA Environmental Justice Forests program awarded Scranton $30,000 for 250 bare-root trees). The Chapter 360 Property Maintenance Code's 8-inch height standard exempts cultivated flowers, gardens, trees, and shrubs, providing a clear path for maintained native or pollinator plantings. PA Right to Farm Act (3 P.S. § 951-957) protects agricultural operations in agricultural security areas.
Scranton PA Native Plants and Pollinator Habitat
Few RestrictionsComposting
Backyard composting in the City of Scranton is permitted; the City does not require a permit for a residential compost bin. The City operates a yard-waste collection program through its Department of Public Works for grass clippings, leaves, and brush, separate from regular trash. Improper composting that becomes a vermin or odor nuisance is reachable under Chapter 360 (Property Maintenance). Statewide, the Pennsylvania Solid Waste Management Act (35 P.S. § 6018.101 et seq.) and 25 Pa. Code Chapter 271 govern composting facilities; small backyard composting is exempt from facility permitting. Open burning of yard waste is restricted under 25 Pa. Code § 129.14 and local fire-code provisions.