8 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.
Verified from official government sources
Philadelphia County limits grass and weeds to 10 inches on all residential and commercial properties under the Property Maintenance Code. Violations trigger CLIP cleanup with costs billed to owner as a lien.
Philadelphia County requires permits from Philadelphia Parks and Recreation to prune, trim, or remove street trees. Private property trees generally do not require permits but must not overhang public right-of-way unsafely.
Philadelphia County requires permits from Philadelphia Parks and Recreation to remove any street tree. Removal of private property trees generally does not require a permit except in certain zoning overlays or for trees protected under the Zoning Code tree replacement rules.
Philadelphia County prohibits noxious weeds and uncontrolled vegetation over 10 inches under the Property Maintenance Code. PA Noxious Weed Law also applies statewide. Enforcement by L&I and CLIP program with liens for cleanup costs.
Philadelphia County does not impose routine outdoor water use restrictions. Philadelphia Water Department may issue voluntary conservation requests during drought. PA DEP drought declarations may trigger mandatory restrictions during severe events.
Philadelphia County allows and encourages rainwater harvesting. Philadelphia Water Department offers Rain Check program with free or discounted rain barrels to residents. No permit required for residential rain barrels. Larger cistern systems may require plumbing review.
Philadelphia County encourages native plants for landscaping under the Green City Clean Waters plan. Zoning Code Section 14-705 requires approved plant species for new development landscape plans, favoring natives. No prohibition on residential native plant use.
Philadelphia County permits artificial turf on residential and commercial properties, but stormwater regulations may apply. PWD Stormwater Regulations count artificial turf as impervious surface, potentially requiring stormwater controls on larger installations.
1 cities in Philadelphia County have their own landscaping rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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Philadelphia County Ordinance Hub →