8 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Jefferson County, Kentucky.
Verified from official government sources
LMCO § 156.052 requires all properties in Jefferson County (Louisville Metro) to maintain grass and weeds below 10 inches. A Managed Natural Landscape (MNL) exception allows native plant gardens under specific conditions. Fines start at $100 and can accumulate to $1,500 with liens for noncompliance.
LMCO Chapter 102 requires permits for pruning trees in the public right-of-way throughout Jefferson County. Private property tree trimming needs no permit. Climbing spurs are prohibited for all pruning. Equipment must be decontaminated between trees to prevent disease spread.
LMCO Chapter 102 requires permits for removing trees in the public right-of-way throughout Jefferson County. Private property trees may be removed without a permit except in historic preservation districts. Unpermitted removal of ROW trees results in restoration cost assessments and citations.
Jefferson County enforces weed abatement for property maintenance. Property owners responsible for clearing weeds per KRS §381.770 and local nuisance ordinances.
Jefferson County (Louisville Metro) has no standing outdoor watering restrictions or scheduled irrigation ordinance. Louisville Water Company draws from the Ohio River and rarely issues restrictions. Voluntary conservation guidance may be issued during unusual drought conditions.
Kentucky has no state restrictions on residential rainwater harvesting. Louisville Metro allows rain barrels and cisterns freely. MSD offers rain barrel rebates through its stormwater quality program.
Louisville Metro encourages native Kentucky plants through the Louisville Grows program and MSD stormwater incentives. No ordinance mandates native plantings, and HOAs face limited KRS §381.9701 protections for water-conserving landscapes.
Louisville Metro permits residential artificial turf without specific permits. Installation must comply with MSD stormwater drainage requirements, and HOA covenants may still restrict use.
1 cities in Jefferson County have their own landscaping rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Jefferson County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Jefferson County Ordinance Hub →