9 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Chatham County, Georgia.
Verified from official government sources
The City of Savannah declares untended growth of weeds and grass on any lot a public nuisance and orders it abated. Unincorporated Chatham and other cities enforce their own overgrowth rules; there is no single county-wide grass-height number.
Savannah Code § 9-2067
there is the existence of land, whether vacant or occupied, with the existence of excessive accumulation or untended growth of weeds and other like growths or grass; trees that are dangerous, unsafe, or obstructing the light from street lights; and stagnant water, rubbish, garbage, refuse debris, trash
In the City of Savannah you may prune trees on your own private lot, but no one may trim, prune, or remove any tree on public property or right-of-way without written approval from the city administrator (arborist).
Savannah Code § 8-11005(2)(a)
Unless otherwise permitted by an applicable city permit or license, no person shall trim, prune, or remove any tree on public property without procuring the written approval of the administrator.
The City of Savannah protects many trees: on undeveloped land any tree over two inches in diameter, and on developed land any tree 12 inches or larger (except single-family lots). Protected trees may not be removed without an approved permit or waiver.
Savannah Code § 8-11005(4)
The following trees are protected within the City of Savannah and shall not be removed unless a permit has been approved or the requirement waived. On undeveloped property, any tree greater than two inches diameter at breast height (dbh). On developed property, any tree equal to or greater than 12 inches (dbh), except for single-family residential lots.
The City of Savannah treats accumulated weeds and noxious vegetation on vacant lots and unoccupied parcels as an unlawful nuisance. After notice, the city can order the growth abated; unpaid abatement costs become a lien.
Savannah Code § 9-2067
creating a condition where such lot, tract or parcel of land is or may reasonably become infested or inhabited by rodents, vermin or wild animals, or may furnish a breeding place for mosquitoes, or threatens or endangers the public health, safety, or welfare
Georgia's statewide Water Stewardship Act limits landscape irrigation to the hours between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m., year-round, for anyone on an EPD-permitted water system. This schedule applies across Chatham County, including Savannah.
O.C.G.A. § 12-5-7 (Water Stewardship Act of 2010)
It allows daily outdoor watering for purposes of planting, growing, managing, or maintaining ground cover, trees, shrubs, or other plants only between the hours of 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. by anyone whose water is supplied by a water system permitted by the Environmental Protection Division.
Georgia encourages rainwater harvesting. Under the state Water Stewardship Act, capturing and reusing rainwater and stormwater is allowed any day at any time, even during watering restrictions. Chatham County and Savannah set no ban on residential rain barrels.
O.C.G.A. § 12-5-7 (Water Stewardship Act of 2010)
Capture and reuse of cooling system condensate or storm water in compliance with applicable local ordinances and state guidelines
Chatham County sits on Georgia's coast, where salt-marsh grasses and other native tidal vegetation are protected under the state Coastal Marshlands Protection Act. Altering marsh, filling, or clearing native marsh plants requires a state Marsh Permit.
Neither Chatham County nor the City of Savannah bans artificial turf on private residential yards. There is no specific county ordinance regulating synthetic lawns, though zoning landscape and stormwater standards may apply to larger installations.
Chatham County and Savannah have no ordinance banning residential backyard composting. Home compost is allowed, but a pile that creates odor, attracts rodents or vermin, or becomes unsanitary can be cited as a nuisance under Savannah's code.
1 cities in Chatham County have their own landscaping rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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