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Stark County, OH Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

County rule
None; city/township enforces
Canton citation
Codified Ord. 551.01
State weed list
OAC 901:5-37 (Ohio Ag)
Roadside weeds
ORC 5579 owner duty
Enforcement
City cut-and-bill, tax lien

Summary

Stark County sets no countywide weed code. Canton Ordinance 551.01 bans noxious weeds, using the state's official list in Ohio Administrative Code 901:5-37. The city may cut them after notice and assess the cost.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Stark County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

No owner... shall permit... noxious weeds to grow... on such land. "Noxious weeds" has the same meaning as in Ohio Administrative Code Section 901:5-37.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026-01: Local legislation current through May 18, 2026 | State legislation current through December 31, 2025).

Full Breakdown

In Ohio, noxious-weed control on residential parcels is a municipal or township matter, not a countywide county code. Canton's Section 551.01 prohibits noxious weeds along with grass over eight inches, and defines "noxious weeds" by reference to Ohio Administrative Code 901:5-37 (the Ohio Department of Agriculture's prohibited-weed list, including Canada thistle, Johnsongrass, poison hemlock, wild parsnip and giant hogweed). Along public roads, ORC 5579 also compels owners to cut noxious weeds. Unincorporated townships enforce their own weed rules under ORC Ch. 505/519. The city abates and bills owners who ignore notices.

Violations & Fines

Canton may cut noxious weeds after notice and certify the cost, plus inspection and billing charges, to the county auditor as a tax lien.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which plants count as noxious weeds?
Ohio's official list in OAC 901:5-37 covers plants like Canada thistle, Johnsongrass, poison hemlock, wild parsnip, kudzu and giant hogweed. Canton's ordinance adopts that state list.
Does the county cut weeds on my lot?
No. Stark County has no general weed code. Your city, such as Canton, or your township handles enforcement and abatement.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Stark County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage TreesSome RestrictionsRainwater HarvestingSome RestrictionsTree TrimmingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions

All Stark County rules

How Stark County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Stark County to another location·View the Ohio landscaping rules overview

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