Billings, MT Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Max height allowed
- 12 inches
- Required cut-down height
- 4 inches or less
- Compliance season
- April 30 – Sept 30
- First penalty
- $25 plus 25% admin fee
- Enforcement
- Municipal infraction, § 18-1304
Summary
Billings bans weeds, grass, and untended vegetation over 12 inches tall on any lot. Owners must cut nuisance growth to 4 inches or less, or the city does it and bills them.
It shall be the duty of every owner of a developed parcel to cut, or remove, or cause to be cut, or removed, all nuisance weeds in excess of twelve (12) inches in height growing thereon and upon one-half (½) of any road, street or alley abutting this property to a height of four (4) inches or less.(2)Undeveloped parcel. It shall be the duty of every owner of an undeveloped parcel to cut, or remove, or cause to be cut, or removed, all nuisance weeds in excess of twelve (12) inches in height growing thereon and upon one-half (½) of any road, street or alley abutting this property to a height of four (4) inches or less on property located within one hundred fifty (150) feet of any developed parcel, road, or park.(3)Traffic hazards. All nuisance weeds on any parcel shall also comply with and be subject to all requirements imposed under section 27-615, concerning visibility at intersections, alleys and drive approaches.(4)City property. The city administrator shall designate responsibility for cutting or removal of nuisance weeds on city properties to the appropriate city department(s). (Ord. No. 08-5461, § 3, 4-28-08; Ord. No. 12-5564, § 3, 5-14-12)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
City code defines "nuisance weeds" as any weeds, grasses, or untended vegetation exceeding 12 inches, and requires owners of developed parcels to cut them to 4 inches or less on their lot and the abutting half of any street, alley, or road. Undeveloped parcels within 150 feet of a developed parcel, road, or park carry the same duty. The city publishes an annual cutting notice each spring, and owners must keep lots clear from April 30 through September 30.
Violations & Fines
First city-performed cut costs the owner $25 plus a 25% admin fee; repeat cuts run $50 then $75 each, and unpaid charges become a lien on the property assessed as a special tax.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can grass or weeds get in Billings before it's a violation?
What happens if I don't cut my weeds?
Does the rule cover the street strip too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Billings
How Billings compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Billings to another location·View the Montana landscaping rules overview
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