Showing ordinances that apply to South Kensington, MD
South Kensington is an unincorporated community (population 8,829) in Montgomery County, Maryland. Because South Kensington is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal code. Instead, Montgomery County ordinances apply directly to properties here. The grass height limits rules below are the ones that govern your area.
Montgomery County limits grass and weed height to 12 inches on improved residential lots under County Code Ch 58, Article 6. Code Enforcement issues violation notices with 7 days to cut. Uncut lots may be mowed by the county with costs billed to the property owner.
Montgomery County Code Ch 58, Article 6 (Property Maintenance) requires that grass and weeds on improved residential and commercial lots not exceed 12 inches in height. This applies to the entire lot including side yards, rear areas, and public-facing frontage. Code Enforcement initiates action based on complaints or proactive inspections. After a violation notice is issued, property owners have 7 days to bring the property into compliance. If the owner fails to cut within the notice period, the county may contract mowing services and bill the property owner via a lien on the property. Vacant lots have the same 12-inch standard. Agricultural parcels and designated meadow conservation areas are exempt. The county encourages pollinator-friendly lawn alternatives under its RainScapes program but these must be maintained in a neat appearance and not resemble neglect. Native meadow gardens require registration with the program to avoid code enforcement action. HOA communities may impose stricter grass height limits, commonly 6-8 inches.
First notice: 7 days to correct. County-contracted mowing: cost billed to owner (typically $150-$400) plus administrative fee. Repeated violations: civil citation $100-$500 per occurrence. Costs become a property lien if unpaid.
See how South Kensington's grass height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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