Evansville, IN Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Governs
- all real property in city
- Exempt
- cultivated farmland, forest buffers, wetlands
- Invasive species ref.
- Indiana DNR list
- Enforced by
- Building Commission
Summary
Evansville bans rank vegetation and overgrown weeds on any lot in the city, with cultivated farmland, established forest buffers, and wetlands carved out as excluded property.
“Rank vegetation” refers to any plant growth, which is or may be harmful to the senses, health or well-being of citizens of the jurisdiction. It also includes invasive vegetation listed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and noxious vegetation listed by the United States Department of Agriculture.
“Weeds” refers to any growth of vegetation, other than trees, bushes, shrubs, ornamental plants, managed native plants or agricultural plants cultivated in an orderly manner for the purpose of producing food. Notwithstanding the foregoing, trees, bushes, shrubs or agricultural plants, which have sprouted as volunteers and are growing along fence lines or which block sidewalks, alleys, or otherwise obstruct public rights-of-way and easements, shall be considered to be weeds.
Pursuant to IC 36-7-10.1-3, “weeds” and “rank vegetation” do not include agricultural crops, such as hay and pasture. [Ord. G-2024-5 § 1, passed 7-9-24.]
8.05.190 Prohibitions.
(A) No owner of real property shall allow any growth of grass or weeds in excess of nine inches in height upon his property.
(B) No owner of real property shall allow the growth of rank vegetation upon his property.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance G-2026-12, passed June 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Article VI of EMC Chapter 8.05 bans both overgrown weeds and 'rank vegetation', plant growth harmful to residents' health or well-being, including species the Indiana DNR lists as invasive or the USDA lists as noxious, on any real property in the city. EMC 8.05.180 excludes cultivated agricultural or horticultural land, an existing forest kept clear 15 feet from roads and 5 feet from occupied neighbors, mapped wetlands, and land under an approved stormwater pollution prevention plan. Everything else is covered, and the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Building Commission administers enforcement.
Violations & Fines
Noncompliance draws a $200 civil penalty per calendar year and up to $5,000 more for continued noncompliance, plus the City's abatement and administrative costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Evansville's weed ordinance cover more than just tall grass?
Is farmland exempt from Evansville's weed ordinance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Evansville
How Evansville compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Evansville to another location·View the Indiana landscaping rules overview
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