Oklahoma City, OK Invasive Plant Rules: Front Yard Gardens (2026)
Key Facts
- Weed height limit
- 12 inches (rank weeds)
- Garden exemption
- Tended food-crop gardens exempt
- Noxious plants banned
- Poison ivy, oak, sumac: any height
- Notice period
- 10 days to abate
- Enforcer
- Dir. of Neighborhood Enhancement
Summary
OKC exempts tended food gardens from its 12-inch weed-height nuisance rule, but poison ivy, oak, and sumac are banned outright at any height.
(2)Noxious plants means poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac, at any height or stage of maturity. (4)Rank weeds means all vegetation at any state of maturity which: a.exceeds 12 inches in height, except healthy trees, shrubs, or produce for human consumption grown in a tended and cultivated garden unless such trees and shrubbery... constitute a detriment to the health, benefit and welfare of the public and community or a hazard to traffic...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 35-61 caps "rank weeds" at 12 inches, but carves out "produce for human consumption grown in a tended and cultivated garden", so a front-yard vegetable patch can grow tall without tripping the nuisance code, unless its density blocks sightlines or creates a fire or traffic hazard. Separately, § 35-61(2) defines poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac as "noxious plants" banned at any height or stage of maturity, garden or not. The Director of Neighborhood Enhancement enforces both under Article III of Chapter 35.
Violations & Fines
Notice to cut/remove given by mail; 10 days to comply or request a hearing. Unabated nuisances get City-contracted removal billed to the owner as a lien on the property, plus Municipal Court prosecution: each day of continued violation is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my OKC front yard vegetable garden exceed 12 inches tall?
Is poison ivy in my yard illegal in Oklahoma City?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oklahoma City
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