Burlington, WI Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Section 227-3F of the Burlington City Code classifies overgrown vegetation as a public health nuisance under Chapter 227, Nuisances. The section splits into two distinct duties. First, no one may permit the pollination of a noxious weed as defined by Wis. 0407; the Mayor posts and publishes notice in the official City newspaper calling for destruction of those weeds under the same state statute. Second, and separately, no person may permit grass to grow to an average height of more than 12 inches anywhere in the City's residential or business districts.

That 12-inch cap is Burlington's own rule, not the state pollination statute. Before the City acts, the Mayor or an appointed Weed Commissioner must give the owner or occupant five days' written notice by mail. If the grass is not cut within that window, the City has it cut in the most economical method and recovers the cost through a special assessment placed against the property, rather than a criminal fine for the mowing itself. Enforcement of nuisances generally under Chapter 227 falls to the Chief of Police, the Fire Chief and the Building Inspector, who under § 227-7 must personally inspect a property and confirm a nuisance exists before ordering abatement.

Imminent-danger cases can be summarily ordered, while ordinary cases get a written abatement order with a right to challenge the order in Racine County Circuit Court within 30 days. Separately, § 227-12 makes any violation of Chapter 227 subject to the Chapter 1, § 1-4 general penalty.