Annapolis, MD Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Max height
- 1 foot for grass and weeds
- Enforcer
- Director of Planning and Zoning
- Notice window
- 5 days to start, 10 to finish
- If uncorrected
- City abates and bills as lien
- Penalty
- Municipal infraction fine
Summary
Annapolis caps grass, weeds, and other rank vegetation at one foot on any lot within the city, with exceptions for agricultural land, natural wooded areas, and parcels over three acres left in a natural state.
Except in the case of bona fide agricultural property, natural wooded areas, unimproved areas of more than three acres, public parks and recreational property being specifically maintained as natural areas, private open space areas covenanted with the City as recreational areas to be maintained in their natural state, and areas where vegetation is deemed necessary for soil stabilization and erosion control, an owner, occupant or person in control of any lot or parcel of land within the City may not permit or maintain on the lot or parcel of land any growth of grass, weeds or other rank vegetation to a height over one foot. The owner, occupant or person in control of the lot or parcel of land also may not permit the growth of ragweed, poison ivy or any other noxious weeds which are generally known to be either allergenic or otherwise toxic, either topically or when ingested.
(Prior code § 11-4(a))
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2025 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Annapolis City Code § 10.20.010 bars grass, weeds, or other rank vegetation over one foot high on any lot in the city, with exceptions for farmland, natural wooded areas, and large unmaintained parcels. It also bans letting ragweed, poison ivy, or other allergenic or toxic noxious weeds grow at all. The Director of Planning and Zoning investigates complaints, serves written notice by certified mail or personal delivery under § 10.20.020, and gives the owner five days to start and ten days to finish correction. If the deadline is missed, § 10.20.030 lets the City cut or remove the growth and bill the owner as a property lien; violators also face a municipal infraction fine under § 10.20.040.
Violations & Fines
Violating the one-foot height limit is a municipal infraction with a fine set by City Council resolution; unpaid abatement costs become a lien collected with property taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the height limit apply to my whole yard?
What happens if I don't cut my grass after getting notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Annapolis
How Annapolis compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Annapolis to another location·View the Maryland landscaping rules overview
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