Portland's Code of Ordinances does not impose a numeric grass-height cap (e.g., 8" or 10"). Overgrown lots are addressed through general nuisance authority under 30-A M.R.S. § 3001 (home-rule) and Chapter 14 (Land Use) buffer and shoreland rules, plus the Landcare Ordinance's encouragement of higher mowing heights for soil health.
Unlike many U.S. cities, Portland has not adopted a specific maximum lawn-height ordinance. The city's Landcare Ordinance (Chapter 34) actually defines 'Organic landcare' to include 'mowing at higher levels' as a recommended soil-health practice (Sec. 34-3). Overgrown or unmaintained property may still be addressed under Portland's general nuisance authority and Chapter 14 (Land Use) standards, and under 17 M.R.S. § 2701 et seq. (public nuisance). The Landcare Ordinance Sec. 34-3 also defines 'Invasive Species' and lists Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Natural Areas Program invasive plants as targets for control. There is no automatic fine for tall residential grass in Portland — enforcement is complaint-driven and pursued under nuisance, shoreland zoning, or invasive-species authorities rather than a fixed height threshold.
Because there is no numeric grass-height limit, there is no fine schedule keyed to lawn height. General nuisance complaints are routed to Permitting & Inspections. Civil violations of the Code are subject to Portland City Code § 1-15 penalties (the general penalty section referenced in the Landcare and Vegetation chapters). Complaint line: Portland Permitting & Inspections, 207-874-8703.
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