Landscaping Rules in Westerville, OH (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Westerville, Ohio, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Westerville requires grass and weeds on residential property to be kept under 8 inches under Codified Ordinance 521.10. Overgrown lots receive abatement notice and may be mowed by the city at owner expense.
Landscaping: Grass Height
Some RestrictionsORC Section 715.261
Section 715.261 | Recovering total cost of correcting hazardous condition of building or abating nuisance. (A) As used in this section: (1) "Total cost" means any costs incurred due to the use of employees, materials, or equipment of the municipal corporation or its agent pursuant to division (E) of this section, any costs arising out of contracts for labor, materials, or equipment, and costs o...
Tree Trimming
Westerville requires property owners to trim trees overhanging streets and sidewalks to maintain 8-foot clearance over walks and 14-foot clearance over streets under Codified Ordinance 911. City forestry manages public right-of-way trees.
Landscaping: Tree Trimming
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Westerville requires a permit to remove trees in the public right-of-way. Private property tree removal does not require a permit unless the tree is a protected heritage tree or in a conservation easement.
Landscaping: Tree Removal
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Westerville Codified Ordinance 521.10 requires removal of noxious weeds and overgrown vegetation. Poison ivy, ragweed, and other nuisance plants must be cut on written notice under ORC 731.51.
Landscaping: Weed Ordinances
Some RestrictionsORC Section 731.51
Section 731.51 | Notice to owner to cut noxious weeds or remove litter - service. (A) Upon written information that noxious weeds are growing on lands in a municipal corporation, and are about to spread or mature seeds, the legislative authority shall cause a written notice to be served upon the owner, lessee, agent, or tenant having charge of such land, notifying him that noxious weeds are gro...
Water Restrictions
Westerville has its own municipal water system and generally does not impose year-round watering restrictions. Voluntary conservation may be requested during drought. No mandatory odd-even watering schedule in normal conditions.
Landscaping: Water Restrictions
Few RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is legal in Ohio and permitted in Westerville. Rain barrels up to 55 gallons require no permit. Larger cisterns used for potable water require Ohio Department of Health plumbing inspection.
Landscaping: Rainwater Harvesting
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Westerville permits native plant and pollinator gardens in residential yards. No ordinance mandates turf grass. Gardens must still comply with the 8-inch weed height standard in maintained lawn areas and not obstruct sight triangles.
Landscaping: Native Plants
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Artificial turf is permitted in Westerville residential yards. No city ordinance prohibits synthetic lawn. HOAs in some subdivisions may restrict visibility from the street.
Landscaping: Artificial Turf
Few RestrictionsLooking for Franklin County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Westerville city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Franklin County →