Erie, PA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Erie's weed-control framework operates at two levels. Locally, Article 1129 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Erie (Ordinance 39-2018) authorizes Code Enforcement to issue quality-of-life tickets for high grass and weeds. The Article defines weeds as 'all grasses, annual plants, and vegetation' excluding cultivated flowers, gardens, trees, and shrubs, so a maintained ornamental planting is distinguished from rank neglect. If the owner does not abate, the City performs the work and recovers the cost as a municipal lien under 53 P.S. §7101 et seq. At the state level, Pennsylvania's Controlled Plant and Noxious Weed Act is codified at 3 Pa.C.S. §255 and is administered by the PA Department of Agriculture's Controlled Plant and Noxious Weed Committee. The Committee maintains a tiered controlled-plant list with Class A noxious weeds targeted for eradication, Class B for containment, and a watch list. Priority targets in northwestern Pennsylvania include Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica), Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima — the spotted lanternfly host), mile-a-minute vine, and giant hogweed. The Erie County Conservation District, PA DCNR, and Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Erie County coordinate identification and removal guidance. Pesticide application by anyone other than the property owner on their own property requires a PA Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator License under the Pennsylvania Pesticide Control Act of 1973 (3 Pa.C.S. §6101 et seq.).