Ocean County, NJ Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Property maintenance codes across Ocean County typically set maximum grass and weed height at 10 inches (Toms River §327-6, Brick §176-3, Jackson §188). Violations trigger a Notice of Violation with a 10-day compliance window under N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.12s (municipal abatement authority). If the owner fails to abate, the municipality may mow and bill costs as a property lien. Post-Sandy vacant lots in Mantoloking, Lavallette, Ortley Beach, and Brick Beachfront sections are subject to continued enforcement even where structures await rebuild. The NJ Invasive Species Strike Team and NJDEP track priority invasives including Japanese knotweed (common along bayfront), phragmites (Barnegat Bay marshes — regulated, but removal may require Wetlands permit under N.J.A.C. 7:7A), porcelain berry, and mile-a-minute vine. Pinelands Commission CMP restricts vegetation clearing on forested lots even for weed control in Preservation Areas. Ocean County's natural dune vegetation is protected under N.J.A.C. 7:7 — homeowners may not remove dune grass or shrubs even if perceived as weeds.