Franklin Township, PA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit
- Over 12 inches is excess growth
- Abatement notice
- 7 days after notification
- Fine range
- $100 to $1,000 plus costs
- Applies to
- Residential, non-agricultural areas only
- Township self-help
- Enters and bills owner for removal
Summary
In Franklin Township's residential areas, Section 10-102 defines 'excess growth' as any vegetation taller than 12 inches, and Section 10-103 requires every residential lot to have excess and noxious vegetation removed. Owners get seven days' notice to abate before the Township can enter, remove the growth itself, and bill the owner, on top of fines up to $1,000.
Any growth in vegetation more than 12 inches in height. ... All lots in residential areas shall be maintained in such a manner that all excess vegetation and noxious vegetation shall be removed. ... Upon the occurrence of any excess vegetation in residential areas, the owner of the real estate and the occupier of the real estate shall be notified by the person so authorized to enforce this Part indicating the violation of this Part and further notifying the owner and occupier of the property that such violation must be abated within seven days of the notice. ... Any person, firm or corporation who shall violate any provision of this Part, upon conviction thereof in an action brought before a Magisterial District Judge in the manner provided for the enforcement of summary offenses under the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure, shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $1,000 plus costs and, in default of payment of said fine and costs, to a term of imprisonment not to exceed 90 days.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 10, Part 1 of the Franklin Township Code, adopted by Ordinance 91-02 on August 8, 1991, is the Township's noxious-weeds and excess-growth law, and by its own legislative intent in Section 10-101 it applies only to the residential, non-agricultural portions of the Township, not to land kept in a natural, undeveloped state such as woodland or wetland. Section 10-102 defines 'excess growth' as any vegetation more than 12 inches in height, and separately treats any vegetation that blocks sight lines on public highways or interferes with pedestrian traffic on a sidewalk or right-of-way as excess growth regardless of height.
19. Section 10-103's core command is simple: every lot in a residential area must be maintained so that all excess and noxious vegetation is removed. When a violation is found, Section 10-104 requires the enforcing officer to notify the owner and occupier and give seven days to abate, by regular mail to the tax address or by personal delivery. , on top of any fine.
Violations & Fines
A violation is prosecuted as a summary offense before a Magisterial District Judge under Section 10-105, carrying a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $1,000 plus costs, and up to 90 days in jail if the fine and costs aren't paid. Each day the violation continues, or each section violated, counts as a separate offense, and the Township's removal cost under Section 10-106 is charged in addition to any fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 12-inch weed rule apply to my farm field?
What happens if I don't cut my weeds after the notice?
How high can grass or weeds legally grow in Franklin Township?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Franklin Township
How Franklin Township compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Franklin Township to another location·View the Pennsylvania landscaping rules overview
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