Rutherford County, TN Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Unincorporated county limit
- 15 inches
- Murfreesboro city limit
- 12 inches
- County ordinance applies to
- Lots 2 acres or less
- Right-of-way strip
- Within 25 feet
- County ordinance date
- November 13, 2008
Summary
Unincorporated Rutherford County's Tall Weeds and Grass Ordinance keeps grass and weeds below fifteen inches on lots of two acres or less and within 25 feet of any street. Inside the City of Murfreesboro the limit is twelve inches.
weeds and other similar regulated vegetation shall be kept cut, clipped or controlled through chemical means as frequently as necessary to ensure that weeds, rank grass, and noxious growths do not exceed a height of fifteen (15) inches.
Full Breakdown
The Rutherford County Board of Commissioners adopted a Tall Weeds and Grass Ordinance on November 13, 2008 for unincorporated county land. It requires weeds and vegetation be kept cut, clipped, or chemically controlled so that weeds, rank grass, and noxious growths do not exceed fifteen inches in height. The rule covers the entire area of any lot, parcel, or tract of two acres or less, plus the first twenty-five feet from any street right of way. Natural wooded areas and commercial agriculture are protected. Incorporated cities set their own limits: the City of Murfreesboro makes it unlawful to let weeds or grass exceed twelve inches. Enforcement begins upon confirmation of a complaint.
Violations & Fines
County enforcement commences upon confirmation of a complaint; owners who fail to cut may face abatement and cost recovery. In Murfreesboro, failure to comply with property maintenance rules results in a citation to City Court.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can grass get in unincorporated Rutherford County?
Is the limit different inside Murfreesboro?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rutherford County
How Rutherford County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Rutherford County to another location·View the Tennessee landscaping rules overview
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