Albany County, NY Landscaping Rules: Grass Height Limits (2026)

Albany County has no uniform grass height ordinance, so enforcement occurs at the municipal level under Property Maintenance Code (Chapter 302.4 of NYS PMPM) and local nuisance chapters. Town of Colonie Chapter 161 (Property Maintenance) requires grass and weeds not to exceed 10 inches on residential lots. Town of Bethlehem Code Chapter 109 sets the limit at 10 inches in developed areas. Town of Guilderland Code Chapter 179 requires grass kept below 10 inches on any lot under 2 acres. City of Albany Code Chapter 231 (Property Conservation) requires grass under 10 inches; overgrown lots trigger a 10-day notice to abate followed by city contractor cleanup billed to the owner at $150-$400. City of Cohoes and City of Watervliet have similar 10 inch standards. Agricultural parcels in NYS Agricultural Districts (Ag & Markets Law 25-AA) are exempt. Vacant lots, foreclosed properties, and absentee landlord parcels are primary enforcement targets. Reports are typically filed via SeeClickFix, 311, or direct call to code enforcement. Penalties escalate with repeat violations and can become municipal liens attached to the property.