Anderson County, SC Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Article V of Chapter 26, 'Weeds and Rank Vegetation,' defines weeds or rank vegetation in § 26-141 as all dense, uncultivated herbaceous or woody vegetation other than trees or shrubs in or within 200 feet of a developed platted subdivision or a residential structure that are over 12 inches high, and separately lists ten specifically named noxious plants, including Carolina horsenettle, ragweed and Jimson weed, that count as weeds regardless of height. Section 26-142(a) makes it unlawful for an owner of an occupied or unoccupied lot within that 200-foot band to permit such growth, except in areas the code defines as natural, agricultural, naturalized or garden use; § 26-142(b) separately bans vermin infestation on the same lots.

Occupants who lack authority to force an owner's compliance can become solely responsible for a violation under § 26-142(c). Before any citation, § 26-143 requires the county to serve written notice on the owner and occupant, either by hand delivery or certified mail to the tax address; § 26-144 then gives ten days after personal delivery, or 20 days after mailing, to comply before the violation becomes a misdemeanor. If the owner still doesn't act, § 26-145 lets the county enter the property and correct the violation itself.

Separately, § 8-80 sets a narrower rule tied to the International Property Maintenance Code: weeds or plant growth over 12 inches must be cleared from premises and exterior property, but only on tracts under ten acres, and property sold by the master in equity is exempt from both rules during its redemption period under §§ 8-83 and 26-146.