Calvert County, MD Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Calvert County Code § 92-1 sets the county's grass-and-weed standard: on any developed lot, tract or parcel in a Residential District, Rural Community District, Rural Commercial, Farm and Forest District, or Town Center, the owner may not permit excessive growth of grass, weeds, underbrush, or noxious plants within 100 feet of any house, mobile home or other residence, whether that residence is occupied or unoccupied. The ordinance defines 'excessive growth' precisely as anything over 12 inches in height, and defines 'developed lot' broadly to include any man-made change to an improved or unimproved lot, including buildings or other structures, grading, paving, excavation and storage of materials.

Section 92-2 puts the removal duty squarely on the owner. Enforcement follows the same track as other Chapter 92 violations: a County inspection, a written notice under § 92-3 giving up to 30 days to cut the growth, and, if the owner does not comply, a citation under § 92-5 carrying a fine of up to $500, with an additional fine of up to double that amount if the citation is not satisfied within 15 days, and possible District Court referral after 35 days. The Zoning Officer or a designee enforces the chapter under § 92-6, and each day the overgrowth continues counts as a separate violation. The County may also abate the overgrowth itself and assess the cost as a lien against the property.