Hamilton County, OH Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)
Key Facts
- Fire Code duty
- Cut/remove ignitable vegetation
- Citation
- OAC 1301:7-7-03, 304.1.2
- Township mowing
- ORC 505.87
- Waste on lots
- Prohibited (304.1.1)
- Wildfire risk
- Low in Hamilton County
Summary
The Ohio Fire Code requires owners to cut and remove weeds, grass, vines and other ignitable growth that could endanger property. Township high-grass mowing is handled under ORC 505.87, not by a countywide fire ordinance.
Weeds, grass, vines or other growth that is capable of being ignited and endangering property, shall be cut down and removed by the owner or occupant of the premises.
Full Breakdown
Hamilton County has no dedicated wildfire brush-clearance ordinance; Ohio's low wildfire risk means vegetation control runs through the Ohio Fire Code and township nuisance-mowing law. Ohio Fire Code paragraph 304.1.2 requires the owner or occupant to cut and remove weeds, grass, vines or other growth capable of ignition. Accumulations of combustible waste and rubbish are barred from yards and vacant lots under 304.1.1. Separately, Ohio townships may order high grass and noxious weeds cut under ORC 505.87 and bill the cost to the owner. Enforcement is by your local fire code official and township trustees.
Violations & Fines
Owners who fail to clear growth may face fire-code citations; townships can mow and assess the cost against the property tax bill under ORC 505.87.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to clear brush from my property?
Who enforces overgrown lots?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hamilton County
Compare Hamilton County to another location·View the Ohio fire regulations overview
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