DC limits grass and weeds to 8 inches under the Property Maintenance Code (12-G DCMR 302). The Housing Code (14 DCMR 800.10) prohibits untended vegetation over 10 inches. Enforcement season runs May through October, with fines of $500 or more for violations.
DC's Property Maintenance Code (12-G DCMR 302) sets a maximum grass height of 8 inches on all properties. The Housing Code (14 DCMR 800.10) additionally prohibits untended vegetation over 10 inches, vegetation harboring vermin, vegetation creating fire hazards, or conditions breeding mosquitoes. Primary enforcement runs from May 1 through October 31. The Department of Buildings (DOB) and the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs handle code enforcement. Violations reported through the 311 system are investigated and may result in fines of $500 or more. If property owners fail to maintain vegetation after notice, the District may arrange for mowing and bill the property owner.
Fines of $500 or more for vegetation violations. Repeated violations result in escalating fines. The District may mow and bill the property owner for costs.
District of Columbia, DC
Amplified music in DC is regulated under DCMR Title 20 Chapter 27 and DC Code section 22-1321 (disorderly conduct). Residential noise limits are 60 dBA dayti...
District of Columbia, DC
The District of Columbia enforces one of the nation's strictest leaf blower laws. Under the Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act of 2018 (DC Law 22-169), the...
District of Columbia, DC
DC has no citywide overnight parking ban, but Residential Parking Permit (RPP) zones limit non-residents to 2 hours on weekdays 7 AM-8:30 PM. Out-of-state ve...
District of Columbia, DC
DC prohibits abandoned vehicles on public streets after 72 hours of continuous parking under DC Code section 50-2421.02 and DCMR 18-2405. Vehicles with expir...
District of Columbia, DC
All residential pools and spas in DC must be enclosed by a barrier meeting the 2017 DC Construction Codes (DCMR 12-A Appendix G, based on IRC Appendix G). Mi...
District of Columbia, DC
Retaining walls in DC require a DOB building permit when over 4 feet tall measured from the bottom of the footing or when supporting a surcharge (driveway, s...
See how District of Columbia's grass height limits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.