Bend, OR Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Small-lot threshold
- tax lots one-half acre (21,780 sq ft) or less
- Required standard
- full removal, not a mowed height limit
- Allowed methods
- trimming, cutting, removal, or EPA-approved herbicide
- Violation class
- Class A civil infraction, up to $750.00
- Alternative
- City-approved vegetation management plan
Summary
The City of Bend does not set a maximum weed height; instead, Bend Code 13.30.005(B)(2) requires owners of tax lots one-half acre or smaller to remove all flammable or potentially flammable weeds, grass, vines and brush entirely, by trimming, cutting, removing, or an EPA-approved herbicide.
B. Every property owner and/or the person in charge of property shall reduce and maintain the reduction of flammable or potentially flammable vegetation on the property in the following manner: ... 2. ... Any tax lot one-half acre (21,780 square feet) or less shall remove all flammable or potentially flammable weeds, grass, vines, brush, and other vegetation by trimming, cutting, removing, or by the application of an EPA-approved herbicide.
Full Breakdown
005 regulates flammable vegetation by removal, not by a mowing height. 005(B)(2) applies the strictest version of that duty to smaller, typically improved parcels: any tax lot one-half acre (21,780 square feet) or less must remove all flammable or potentially flammable weeds, grass, vines, brush, and other vegetation, whether by trimming, cutting, removing, or applying an EPA-approved herbicide. 005(A) is to confine fire and prevent its spread between properties, so the rule applies City-wide regardless of whether the vegetation looks unsightly, provided it is flammable or potentially flammable.
Waste vegetation cleared under this section must be disposed of in a manner that does not itself create a fire hazard or spread material to neighboring properties. 005(C) instead of a strict clearing schedule, subject to City sign-off. 010. 080.
Violations & Fines
Failing to remove flammable or potentially flammable weeds, grass, vines or brush on a tax lot of one-half acre or less is a Class A civil infraction under BC 13.30.005(D), punishable by up to $750.00 under BC 1.40.080. Because BC 13.10.010 treats a continuing nuisance as a fresh violation each day it persists, an uncleared small lot can accumulate a separate penalty for every day the vegetation remains uncleared after notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bend set a maximum grass height for yards?
What size lot gets the full-removal weed rule instead of a fuel break?
Can I be fined for tall weeds on a small Bend lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bend
How Bend compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Bend to another location·View the Oregon landscaping rules overview
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