8 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Verified from official government sources
Montgomery County limits grass and weed height to 12 inches on improved residential lots under County Code Ch 58, Article 6. Code Enforcement issues violation notices with 7 days to cut. Uncut lots may be mowed by the county with costs billed to the property owner.
Montgomery County MD protects significant trees under the county's roadside tree law and forest conservation act. Tree removal on county rights-of-way requires permits. Canopy preservation is a priority.
Montgomery County has three tree protection laws: Forest Conservation Law (Chapter 22A), Roadside Tree Law (Chapter 49), and Tree Canopy Law (Chapter 55). Roadside/street tree removal requires permits from both the county and the state. Forest conservation plans required for properties over 40,000 sq ft undergoing development.
Montgomery County Code Chapter 55 (Tree Canopy Law); Chapter 49 (Roadside Tree Law); Chapter 22A (Forest Conservation Law)
The Tree Canopy Law requires property owners to plant new shade trees during development. Planting shade trees helps offset the impacts of development on the natural environment. Read the Chapter 55 - Tree Canopy Law in the Montgomery County Code. Development is when a property owner is required to get a sediment control permit in order to complete the work they are planning for their property....
Montgomery County enforces weed abatement. MD Agriculture Art. §9-401 covers noxious weeds. County health departments handle residential complaints.
Montgomery County follows WSSC and Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) water use restrictions. Mandatory odd-even watering applies during drought emergencies. WSSC serves most county residents and enforces conservation tiers. The Chesapeake Bay watershed location drives stricter stormwater and runoff controls.
Montgomery County encourages rainwater harvesting through the RainScapes rebate program. Maryland law permits residential rain barrels without a permit. The county offers rebates up to $2,500 for rain gardens, cisterns, and other stormwater management installations. WSSC approves larger cistern systems.
Montgomery County promotes native Chesapeake Bay watershed plants through the RainScapes program and conservation landscaping rebates. No ordinance requires native plants, but the county offers financial incentives and technical assistance for native plantings. Maryland HOA law protects homeowners who install native plant gardens.
Montgomery County does not prohibit artificial turf on residential properties. No specific county ordinance regulates synthetic lawn installation. DPS permits are not required for turf replacement. WSSC encourages turf alternatives that reduce irrigation demand. HOAs may have restrictions on artificial grass.
3 cities in Montgomery County have their own landscaping rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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