In unincorporated Shelby County the county code treats rank weeds and grasses over 12 inches tall as harmful vegetation. Owners must cut within ten days of a Health Department notice or face a fine up to $50 per day.
Chapter 16, Article IV, Division 2 of the Code of Shelby County governs harmful vegetation in the unincorporated county. Section 16-111 defines harmful vegetation as high grasses, vines and noxious growth that harbor rodents or breed mosquitoes, and presumes that rank weeds and grasses over 12 inches in height provide such harborage. The Memphis/Shelby County Health Department enforces the rule (16-112). After written notice, the owner has ten days to cut the property (16-113); failure lets the county cut it and place a lien for costs (16-114). Parcels over four acres and active agricultural uses are exempt unless they create a traffic hazard (16-116). Incorporated cities like Memphis apply their own weed ordinances.
Failing to cut harmful vegetation within ten days of notice is prosecuted in Shelby County Environmental Court under Section 16-115, punishable by a fine up to $50 per day, plus court costs and county remediation expenses recovered by lien.
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See how Shelby County's grass height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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