Georgetown, KY Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)

The only plant species the Georgetown Code names in this context appear in the legislative purpose statement of the local Weeds section, adopted through § 8-165 in place of IPMC § 302.4. The statement explains that a limited number of plant species constitute serious agriculture pests, which in some instances adversely affect human health or safety, and that the section promotes native vegetation, including native grasses and wildflowers, in managed yards and landscapes.

The code then separates itself from plants that state law designates as noxious. It lists Johnson grass, giant foxtail, Canada and nodding thistles, multiflora rose, wild cucumber, black nightshade, kudzu, and poison ivy, sumac or oak as examples and says the section does not promote their use. The wording is deliberate: these plants are not per se prohibited. A resident who has one of them is not automatically cited for the species alone. Instead, the presence of these plants is evidence of untended, rank or unmanaged vegetation, and untended, rank or unmanaged vegetation is a violation of the section. The definition of that term turns on vegetation that is overgrown or unhealthful and that provides a direct health hazard or a demonstrated breeding ground for rodents, snakes or mosquitoes, and vegetation exceeding ten inches in height is a violation.

Enforcement orders are narrow. Under § 302.4 C, city agents and employees enforce the section and issue orders directing the destruction or removal of vegetation in violation, including conditions that create a clear and present hazard to public health or safety, a threat to the agricultural economy, or a harborage for rodents, snakes, or mosquitoes. Each order is limited to the offending vegetation unless general destruction, cutting or removal is necessary to reasonably eliminate the offending condition.

The code enforcement board and the city's code enforcement officers are responsible for enforcement under IPMC § 103.1 as amended.