Louisville, KY Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)

Louisville sits in a humid subtropical climate without the fire-prone chaparral of western states, so brush clearance is primarily a property maintenance, pest, and nuisance issue rather than a wildfire mitigation issue. LMCO Chapter 156 prohibits weeds, grass, or other rank vegetation over a specified height (commonly 10 to 12 inches) on developed lots. Violations start with a courtesy notice from Metro Codes, followed by a formal notice of violation and time to cure, and then an abatement where Metro contractors cut the lot and bill the owner, eventually attaching a lien if unpaid. The Louisville Fire Department can separately require clearance around structures after a fire incident or where obvious ignition hazards exist. Burn piles and open burning of brush are regulated by the Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District and require strict compliance with KY Div of Forestry burn windows. Residents should use Metro yard waste pickup or compost rather than burning. Fines for unmaintained lots scale with repeat violations and can become a significant liability for absentee owners.