Landscaping Rules in Houston County, GA (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Houston County, Georgia.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Houston County's Tree Protection and Landscaping regulations limit tree removal to what's necessary for construction whenever a residential or non-residential development requires a land-disturbing or building permit, and require replacement trees where canopy coverage falls short.
Houston County GA Tree Removal Rules
Some RestrictionsHouston County, GA Comprehensive Land Development Regulations § 83.3, § 83.6
83.3. Applicability. The terms and provisions of these Tree Protection and Landscaping regulations shall apply to any residential or non-residential development which requires the issuance of a land disturbing permit or building permit. It does not apply to any privately owned property which has already been developed. Nor do these regulations apply to the harvesting of trees planted for agricu...
Weed Ordinances
Houston County's nuisance ordinance bans weeds, grasses and uncultivated plant growth over eight inches tall on any premises or exterior property in the unincorporated county. Code enforcement can order overgrown lots mowed and bill the owner if the violation isn't corrected within 15 days' notice. Farmland zoned R-AG is exempt unless it sits inside a platted subdivision.
Houston County Weed and Grass Height Limit
Some RestrictionsHouston County, GA Code of Ordinances § 30-40(c)(1)
All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from overgrowth as defined in section 30-37, weeds or plant growth in excess of eight inches in height. All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants, and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs. Provided, however, this term shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens. Further, this sub...
Artificial Turf
Houston County's abandoned-property maintenance code lets artificial turf or sod "designed specifically for residential installation" count as acceptable landscaping on bank-owned and foreclosed properties, but only for parcels already registered as abandoned under section 30-172. It is not a general yard rule for occupied homes elsewhere in the county.
Houston County Turf Rule for Vacant Homes
Light RestrictionsHouston County, GA Code of Ordinances § 30-173(e)-(f)
(e)Landscaping includes, but is not limited to, grass, ground covers, bushes, shrubs, hedges or similar plantings, decorative rock or bark or artificial turf/sod designed specifically for residential installation.(f)Landscaping does not include weeds, gravel, broken concrete, asphalt, plastic sheeting, mulch, indoor-outdoor carpet or any similar material.
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