Charleston, WV Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Max height
- 1 foot (12 inches)
- Covers
- Premises plus abutting sidewalk strip
- Notice period
- 48 hours to comply
- Non-compliance
- City cuts it, bills owner
- Exemption
- Agricultural-use land
Summary
Charleston limits grass and weeds to one foot in height on any premises and on the sidewalk strip abutting the property, with the city empowered to order a 48-hour cleanup and bill owners who don't comply.
No owner, occupant or person in charge of any premises shall allow or permit on the premises any growth or weeds to the height of more than one foot, nor shall any person allow or permit the growth of any weed or grass upon any part of any sidewalk abutting upon such premises.(b)All premises shall be maintained by the owners, occupants and persons in charge free of vegetation which affords a feeding place for insects, reptiles or rodents; and upon all premises not devoted to agricultural uses the grass shall be kept trimmed to a height of not more than one foot.(c)Grass, weeds and vegetation, when cut down, shall be removed from the premises and disposed of in such manner as not to create a nuisance. (Code 1975, § 13-34; Ord. No. 6035, § 13-34, 9-19-1994)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 56).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 50-123 of Charleston's Code of Ordinances bars owners, occupants, or anyone in charge of a property from letting grass or weeds grow past one foot, and applies the same limit to the sidewalk strip in front of the property. Premises must also stay clear of vegetation that shelters insects, reptiles, or rodents, and any grass or weeds that are cut must be hauled away rather than left on-site. Agricultural land is exempt. Owners and occupants are jointly responsible for compliance.
Violations & Fines
A city official (fire prevention, refuse collection, public works, streets, grounds, or building) can issue written notice giving 48 hours to cut overgrowth; if ignored, public works removes it and the city collector bills the owner for the cost under Sec. 50-124.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Charleston's 1-foot limit apply to my whole yard?
What happens if I don't mow after getting a notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Charleston
How Charleston compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Charleston to another location·View the West Virginia landscaping rules overview
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