Weed Ordinances: Albany vs Colonie
How do weed ordinances rules compare between Albany, NY and Colonie, NY?
Albany and Colonie have similar restriction levels.
Albany, NY
Albany County
Albany enforces tall-grass and weed complaints under City Code §313-51.1, which requires all properties to be maintained free of heavy overgrowth and accumulation of weeds, and under the New York State Property Maintenance Code, Section 302.4, which sets the substantive ceiling: "All developed areas of a premises that are intended to be used by building occupants or the public shall be maintained free from weeds in excess of 10 inches (254 mm). Noxious weeds shall be prohibited." Enforcement is handled by the Department of General Services (DGS), which can issue a notice to remedy or — in many cases — abate the overgrowth directly and bill the property owner.
View full Albany rules →Colonie, NY
Albany County
Weed control in the Town of Colonie is governed locally by the Property Maintenance article (Chapter 62, Article IV) of the Town Code, which defines weeds as untended or uncultivated grasses, bushes, deleterious or unhealthful vegetation, or other growing matter in excess of 10 inches in height (with exceptions for tended plantings, pastureland, woodland, and cultivated land). At the state level, NY Agriculture and Markets Law and DEC guidance regulate noxious and invasive species. Pesticide application by commercial applicators requires a NYS DEC certification under Article 33 of the Environmental Conservation Law.
View full Colonie rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Albany | Colonie |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Local Standard | - | Town Code Ch. 62, Art. IV (10-inch rule) |
| Enforcement | - | Building Department + 7-day notice |
| State Invasive List | - | 6 NYCRR Part 575 (NYS DEC) |
| Pesticide Certification | - | ECL Article 33 (6 NYCRR 325-326) |
| Regional Support | - | Capital/Mohawk PRISM + Albany SWCD |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Albany FAQ
How tall can my grass be in Albany, NY before it's a violation?
Under the Property Maintenance Code of New York State §302.4, which Albany enforces alongside City Code §313-51.1, weeds and grass on the developed/used portions of a premises must not exceed 10 inches (254 mm). Beyond that height the property owner is in violation and can receive a notice to remedy from the Department of General Services.
Who do I call to report tall grass or weeds on a property in Albany?
Tall-grass and overgrowth complaints in Albany go to the Department of General Services (DGS), which handles property-maintenance enforcement under City Code §313-51.1. DGS will inspect, issue a notice to the owner where appropriate, and arrange abatement if the owner does not comply.
What happens if I don't mow after Albany sends me a notice?
If you do not remedy the overgrowth within the time stated in the DGS notice, the City may dispatch a crew to mow and clean up the property and bill you for the work, administrative costs, and applicable fines. Unpaid charges can be added to your property tax bill as a lien.
Does Albany regulate noxious weeds separately?
Yes. PMCNYS §302.4 states that "noxious weeds shall be prohibited" without reference to a height threshold. Plants designated as noxious under New York Agriculture & Markets Law (e.g., giant hogweed, Japanese knotweed in some contexts) can be cited regardless of how tall they are.
Colonie FAQ
Does Colonie cite for weeds the same as for tall grass?
Effectively yes. The Property Maintenance article (Chapter 62, Article IV) defines weeds as 'any untended or uncultivated grasses, bushes, deleterious or unhealthful vegetation or other growing matter in excess of 10 inches in height,' with exceptions for tended plantings. The Building Department issues a 7-day notice; unabated violations trigger Town-performed mowing and a charge to the owner.
Is Japanese knotweed regulated in Colonie?
Yes, at the state level. Japanese knotweed and other invasive plants are listed under 6 NYCRR Part 575 (NYS DEC). Sale, distribution, and intentional propagation are restricted. The Capital/Mohawk PRISM and Albany County Soil and Water Conservation District provide regional technical assistance, and locally rank knotweed remains subject to the Property Maintenance article.
Can I spray for weeds myself in Colonie, NY?
On your own residential property, you may apply general-use (non-restricted) pesticides following label directions. Commercial application and any restricted-use pesticide require a NYS DEC certified applicator under Article 33 of the Environmental Conservation Law (6 NYCRR Parts 325-326). Lawn-care contractors operating in Colonie must be NYS DEC certified.
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