Douglas County, NE Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Omaha enforces weed and grass maintenance under Omaha Municipal Code §18-81, which requires property owners to keep grass and weeds at a maximum height — typically 12 inches. The Douglas County Weed Control Authority operates under the Nebraska Noxious Weed Control Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. §2-945 et seq.), which designates species including musk thistle, Canada thistle, leafy spurge, purple loosestrife, phragmites, and knotweed as noxious weeds requiring active control by all landowners. Annual notices are typically sent to vacant and chronically non-compliant lot owners before the spring growing season. Enforcement runs April through October, peaking in July and August. After a compliance notice (typically 7 to 10 days), the city contracts mowing and bills the owner for the cost plus an administrative fee. Non-payment results in a lien against the property. Douglas County Environmental Services handles complaints in unincorporated areas. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture audits county weed programs annually. Native prairie restoration projects may qualify for exemption with proper registration.