Vanderburgh County, IN Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- County Code § 8.16.100(A)(1)
- Standard weed limit
- 9 inches (§ 8.16.020(A)(1))
- Sign required
- Yes, disclosing native planting
- Right-of-way
- Growth may not extend into it
- Turf-grass lawns
- Not eligible for exemption
Summary
Vanderburgh County's weed ordinance caps vegetation at nine inches, but § 8.16.100(A)(1) exempts a "managed natural landscape" of Indiana native plants from that limit if the area is clearly defined, excludes unattended turf-grass, stays out of the right-of-way, and carries a posted sign disclosing that native plants are being established.
"Managed natural landscape" refers to intentional and maintained area of Indiana native plants, including those that have gone to seed. Managed natural landscapes improve environmental quality, habitat for wildlife, and watershed health. ... (1) Managed natural landscape if it complies with each of the following: (a) Managed natural landscapes shall not include turf-grass lawns left unattended. (b) The managed natural landscape must be maintained to prevent the growth of weeds and rank vegetation. (c) The area must be clearly defined. (d) The area of plant growth must not extend into the public right-of-way. (e) A sign is posted on the property in a location likely to be seen by the public, advising that native plants are being established.
Full Breakdown
020(A)(2), which separately bars rank vegetation that could harbor pests or create a fire hazard. 26. The same excluded-property section also exempts cultivated agricultural or horticultural land, existing forest cleared back 15 feet from roadways and five feet from occupied neighboring property, and designated wetland areas, so a native-plant garden sits alongside several other recognized land uses that the county's weed and rank-vegetation rules were never meant to reach.
Violations & Fines
A property claiming the managed-natural-landscape exemption that fails any of § 8.16.100(A)(1)'s five conditions, most commonly missing the required disclosure sign or letting growth spread into the right-of-way, loses the exemption and falls back under the nine-inch weed limit and rank-vegetation ban in § 8.16.020(A), triggering the investigation, notice, and hearing process in §§ 8.16.040 through 8.16.090.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I let native plants grow tall in my yard in Vanderburgh County?
Do I need to post a sign for a native plant garden?
Does the native-plant exemption apply to an unmowed lawn?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Vanderburgh County
Compare Vanderburgh County to another location·View the Indiana landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.