Chattanooga, TN Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Height threshold
- Over 10 inches = nuisance
- Also covers
- Mosquito-harboring, odor-emitting growth
- Abatement window
- 15 days after posted notice
- Appeal
- Hearing before city council in 5 days
Summary
A separate, older Chattanooga nuisance provision also caps weeds at 10 inches: growth over that height, or that breeds mosquitoes or smells foul, is a declared nuisance.
Any growth of weeds to a height of over ten (10) inches and any rank vegetable growth which harbors mosquitoes or emits unpleasant and noxious odors on any premises in the city is hereby declared to be a nuisance within the meaning of section 20-21 of this Code, and subject to the provisions of this article.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 40 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Under the city's health and sanitation code, Sec. 20-28 declares weed growth over 10 inches, or any rank vegetable growth that harbors mosquitoes or emits unpleasant, noxious odors, a nuisance on any Chattanooga premises. The Hamilton County Director of Health posts notice at the property identifying the violation, giving the owner 15 days to correct it before the City abates the nuisance at the owner's expense; owners can request a hearing before city council within 5 days of notice, and unpaid abatement costs become a lien on the property superior to other contractual liens.
Violations & Fines
Failing to cut weeds over 10 inches within 15 days of the County health director's posted notice lets the City abate the nuisance and place a lien on the property for the costs (§§ 20-23, 20-27).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there more than one Chattanooga rule limiting weed height?
How long do I have to cut weeds after a nuisance notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chattanooga
How Chattanooga compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Chattanooga to another location·View the Tennessee landscaping rules overview
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