Decatur, AL Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Section 16-14 of the Decatur City Code defines a weed nuisance two ways. The first is a list of harms: an abundance of overgrown weeds or grass that shelters rats, mice, snakes, mosquitoes and other pests, that reaches a height and dryness that create a serious fire threat, that bears wingy or downy seeds, that hides broken glass or metal, or that is simply unsightly. The second is a bright line: any growth of weeds, other than ornamental plant growth, that exceeds twelve (12) inches in height. Subsection (c) places the duty on the owner or owners, or any person in control of or in charge of the real property, so a tenant or property manager is covered along with the titleholder.

Section 16-14.1 extends the duty to any right-of-way or easement located on the owned property. The city states that it does not cut grass, weeds and other growth on rights-of-way or easements except as needed for operations and safety, and every other bit of maintenance belongs to the property owner.

Several exemptions narrow the rule. Property in its natural condition, meaning uncultivated and unseeded land still in a state of nature, is outside it, and growth on land once cleared or plowed is not a natural condition. Cultivated row crops and garden plants in their growing seasons are exempt, but not if they become overgrown with weeds. Ornamental shrubbery and ground cover are exempt when they are part of a landscaping theme and not tied to general deterioration of the property. Land outside any improved subdivision that sits more than one hundred (100) feet from any dwelling lot line and from any commercial enterprise is also exempt.

The community development director, or a city employee designated by the appointing authority, is the enforcing official under subsection (k). Under subsection (l), when that official concludes a nuisance exists, the official orders the owner or person in charge to abate it. Section 16-12 declares the unlawful acts in § 16-14 public nuisances and makes failure to fix the premises within the required time after written notice a misdemeanor. After a third violation of the same type within two years, the city department can issue a summons and complaint with no prior written notice.