Cedar Rapids, IA Invasive Plant Rules: Front Yard Gardens (2026)

13(b) requires property owners in developed areas, and within 100 feet of one, to cut or destroy vines, brush, bushes, nonpurposefully planted trees under 3 inches in diameter and noxious weeds under Iowa Code Chapter 317 once growth exceeds one foot; forest cover, farmland and publicly owned open space get a two-foot threshold, and the duty runs from May 1 through October 15 every year. 20(e) Trees in Streets; and prairie grass areas, wildflower planting areas, natural reserve and preserve areas, urban wood lots, wildlife refuge and conservation areas, wetlands and natural waterways recognized and identified by a governmental agency or a respected private conservation organization.

The Public Works Director must publish annual notice by April 15 warning owners of the mowing duty, and the Weed Official, the City Street Director or a designee, can issue a written notice giving an owner four days to cut weeds before the city cuts them and bills the cost plus an administrative fee; the notice also carries a right to request a hearing before the City Council within four days of receiving it. In an emergency, the Weed Official can order the cutting done immediately without prior notice to the owner.