Franklin defines 'weeds, grass and plant growth' as 'all grasses, annual plants and vegetation' and prohibits any of it from exceeding twelve (12) inches in height on any premises, including the perimeter of vacant lots adjacent to rights-of-way or developed properties. The standard is enforced by Building & Neighborhood Services under Title 13 of the Municipal Code, the International Property Maintenance Code as locally adopted, and the Franklin Zoning Ordinance. There is no separate state-level Tennessee 'noxious weed' list applicable to residential lots — invasive plants are tracked through the Tennessee Exotic Pest Plant Council (TN-EPPC).
Per the City's Property Maintenance Codes page, the 12-inch height limit applies to ALL grasses, annual plants, and vegetation across all premises in Franklin and explicitly extends to the perimeter of vacant lots adjacent to rights-of-way or developed properties. Enforcement is by Building & Neighborhood Services under the IPMC (Title 12 adoption), Title 13 Property Maintenance Regulations, and the Zoning Ordinance. Each day of continued violation is a separate offense in Franklin Municipal Court. Tennessee does not maintain a residential statewide 'noxious weed' list; however, the Tennessee Exotic Pest Plant Council (TN-EPPC) publishes a list of invasive species, and the Franklin Zoning Ordinance § 17.2 references the TN-EPPC list as the source for invasive-species exemptions from tree retention. Property owners may remove plants on the TN-EPPC list (kudzu, privet, Bradford pear suckers, tree of heaven, etc.) without a tree permit under § 17.2.
Building & Neighborhood Services issues a Notice of Violation; failure to abate by the due date results in a Franklin Municipal Court citation, with each day of continued violation a separate offense. The City may abate the nuisance (cut/clear) and recover costs from the owner. Repeat or non-responsive properties may be referred to additional code enforcement processes.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Franklin, TN
Under Franklin Municipal Code Title 9 Chapter 11 (Mobile Food Vending), adopted Aug. 28, 2023, mobile food units in Franklin may operate ONLY on developed an...
Franklin, TN
Operating a food truck in Franklin requires a Mobile Food Vendor Permit from Building & Neighborhood Services (BNS), governed by Title 9 Chapter 11 (Mobile F...
Franklin, TN
Federal law (FAA Part 107 for commercial; 49 U.S.C. § 44809 for recreational) governs the airspace over Franklin — the City cannot regulate altitude or fligh...
Franklin, TN
Franklin requires a $5 yard-sale permit from Billing & Licensing for any sale conducted inside city limits. Each dwelling is limited to a maximum of four (4)...
Franklin, TN
Franklin applies the same property maintenance standards to vacant and occupied lots. Under Title 13 (Property Maintenance Regulations), all premises — inclu...
Franklin, TN
Franklin adopts the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) through Title 12 (Building, Utility, Etc. Codes) and enforces blight, junk, and rubbish ac...
See how Franklin's weed ordinances rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.