Apex, NC Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Height threshold
- Over 8 inches = public nuisance
- Vacant lot mow schedule
- 4 inches by May 31 / Jul 31 / Sep 30
- Vacant lot penalty
- $1/day per lot after deadline
- Escalated penalty
- $50 initial + $50/day after notice
- Criminal exposure
- Misdemeanor under G.S. 14-4
Summary
Turfgrass, weeds, vines, or briars over eight inches anywhere in Apex are a declared public nuisance, and vacant lots must be mowed to four inches three times a year by set May, July, and September deadlines.
Further, where weeds, vines, briars, or turfgrass (narrow-leaved grass species tolerant to low mowing heights including but not limited to fescue, Bermuda, zoysia, and centipede) are over eight inches in height, such conditions are hereby declared to be unlawful and a public nuisance. Under such circumstances, a public necessity exists to exercise the police power of the town to cause the abatement of such public nuisance in the manner provided by this article. This subsection shall not apply to grasses grown for the purpose of feeding livestock that are permitted within town limits in accordance with section 4-3 of this Code.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 3).
Full Breakdown
Apex Town Code § 10-5(a) declares weeds, vines, briars, or turfgrass over eight inches tall a public nuisance townwide, exempting grass grown to feed livestock permitted under § 4-3 (the town's separate miniature-pig/rooster-ban ordinance). Subsection (b) layers a mandatory schedule specifically on vacant, unbuilt lots: owners must cut weeds and grass to within four inches of the ground at least three times a year, by May 31, July 31, and September 30, or face a civil penalty for every day the lot stays uncut past each deadline. The section was last amended by Ord. No. 2022-127 (Sept. 13, 2022), replacing the superseded 1973 Code § 16-12 reference.
Violations & Fines
Uncut vacant lots draw a $1/day civil penalty per lot; general nuisance violations under § 10-7 escalate to $50 plus $50/day after a posted notice, are misdemeanors under G.S. 14-4, and unpaid abatement costs become a lien on the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Apex, NC regulate how tall my grass can grow?
What's the fine for not cutting grass in Apex?
Is grass grown for livestock exempt from the height limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Apex
How Apex compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Apex to another location·View the North Carolina landscaping rules overview
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