Atlanta, GA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit
- 12 inches on covered lots
- Applies to
- vacant or abandoned property only
- Second violation penalty
- $250 administrative fine
- Third violation penalty
- $500 administrative fine
- Abatement deadline
- 20 days from notice
Summary
Atlanta bans weeds taller than 12 inches on at least 10 percent of a vacant or abandoned lot, or 35 percent of its pervious surface, whichever is greater: code enforcement can abate the violation and place a lien for the cost.
It shall be a violation of this Code for the owner of any abandoned or vacant property as defined in this section to permit weeds to obtain a height exceeding 12 inches on at least ten percent of the size of the property tract or 35 percent of the pervious surface, whichever is greater, unless exempted as described in this section.
Vegetation not to encroach into the right of way or onto adjacent improved or greenspace property or create a fire, health or safety hazard.
(Ord. No. 2011-51(11-O-0136), § 3, 11-16-11; Ord. No. 2017-63(17-O-1275), § 6, 11-6-17)
Full Breakdown
Atlanta Code § 158-7 makes it a violation for the owner of any abandoned or vacant property to let weeds exceed 12 inches high over at least 10 percent of the tract or 35 percent of the pervious surface, whichever is greater. "Weed" is defined in § 158-5 to include kudzu, Chinese wisteria and other unrestricted vegetative growth. The rule exempts farms, government land, detention ponds, utility easements, and single-ownership tracts of 40,000 square feet or more outside a platted subdivision. Code enforcement posts and mails a notice giving the owner 20 days to abate before the city can clear the lot and bill the owner.
Violations & Fines
A second notice within 12 months adds a $250 administrative penalty; a third adds $500: plus the city's abatement cost and a lien on the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the weed height limit apply to occupied homes?
What counts as a "weed" under the ordinance?
Are large lots exempt from the 12-inch limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Atlanta
How Atlanta compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Atlanta to another location·View the Georgia landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Weed Ordinances in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fulton County handle weed ordinances.