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East Providence, RI Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

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Verified 1 month ago|Source: Providence Code §14 →

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Key Facts

Providence Code: §14-113 maintenance
State Law: RIGL §45-24.3 Housing
Lien: RIGL §45-24.3-18
Invasives: Knotweed, phragmites
Vacant Lots: Priority enforcement

Summary

Providence Code §14-113 and similar municipal minimum-housing ordinances require owners to maintain lots free of excessive weeds. Cities abate and lien for non-compliance. Japanese knotweed and phragmites are pervasive in Providence County.

Full Breakdown

Providence Code §14-113 (Housing and Minimum Property Maintenance) requires owners to keep premises free of noxious weeds and overgrowth. Cranston Code §10.40, Pawtucket Code Ch. 160, East Providence, and Woonsocket have similar property maintenance provisions tied to the RI Minimum Housing Standards under RIGL §45-24.3. Providence Inspection and Standards issues notices with a 10-day cure; non-compliance results in municipal abatement with costs (typically $200 to $1,500) plus administrative fee recoverable as a lien on the property under RIGL §45-24.3-18. Japanese knotweed, phragmites (common reed), Oriental bittersweet, and multiflora rose are widespread invasives in Providence County, especially along the Woonasquatucket, Blackstone, and Seekonk river corridors. Vacant-lot enforcement is heightened in Providence, Pawtucket, and Central Falls.

Violations & Fines

Notice to abate within 10 days. Municipal abatement charged to owner: $200 to $1,500+. Administrative fee plus lien under RIGL §45-24.3-18. Repeat violations: escalated fines up to $500/day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall can weeds grow before Providence takes action?

Providence Code §14-113 does not set a strict height limit but any growth that constitutes a nuisance or harbors vermin triggers enforcement. Suburban towns often set explicit limits (commonly 10 to 12 inches).

What happens if the city abates weeds on my vacant lot?

The municipality bills you for contractor costs plus an administrative fee. Unpaid charges become a lien on the property under RIGL §45-24.3-18 and can be collected with property taxes.

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East Providence, RI Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

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