Westchester County, NY Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Sanitary Code § 873.1404
- Trigger
- Written Commissioner declaration of danger
- Covered growth
- Ragweed, poison ivy, allergenic weeds
- Enforcement
- County nuisance abatement process
Summary
When the county Health Commissioner declares a noxious-weed danger, no Westchester County property owner may allow ragweed, poison ivy or other allergenic weeds to grow on their land.
b.If the commissioner acts pursuant to this section, it shall be unlawful for any person who owns, maintains, occupies or is in charge or in control of any lot or premises to permit, cause, suffer or allow poison ivy, ragweed or other poisonous or allergenic weed to grow on such lot or premises.2.The provisions of the code applicable to abatement and enforcement of nuisances and other violations generally shall be applicable to any condition or situation coming within the purview of this section. (Added 11-20-1986, eff. 11-20-1986)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 47).
Full Breakdown
Sanitary Code § 873.1404 lets the Health Commissioner declare, in writing and filed with the department, that a particular weed, plant or growth, such as ragweed during pollination season, poses a danger to public health. Once that declaration is made, it becomes unlawful for any owner, occupant or person in control of a lot to permit poison ivy, ragweed or other poisonous or allergenic weed to grow there. Violations are handled through the code's general nuisance abatement and enforcement provisions.
Violations & Fines
Enforced as a nuisance under §§ 873.1400-1403; noncompliance carries the general Article II penalty of up to $250 for a first offense and $500 for repeat offenses under § 873.218.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Westchester County always ban ragweed on private property?
Who has to keep weeds under control?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Westchester County
How Westchester County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·New York rules heatmap·Compare Westchester County to another location·View the New York landscaping rules overview
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