Gastonia, NC Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

City Code § 11-24(b) prohibits any person from causing, suffering or permitting on property under their control the growth of weeds or grass to a height of 12 inches or more within 100 feet of any structure. Section 11-24(a) more broadly bars noxious growth or overhanging shrubbery on curbs, rights-of-way, alleyway halves and grass strips abutting the property that becomes or threatens to become a fire hazard, a harboring place for rats, mice, snakes or other vermin, or otherwise endangers public health or safety. Section 11-16(f) reinforces this by requiring every owner and occupant to maintain the street right-of-way between the curbline and their property line in a reasonably safe condition, removing dangerous plantings, shrubbery, limbs, tall grass and weeds.

The city manager, through the designated department, may order immediate removal of dangerous plantings, shrubbery, trees and limbs from street rights-of-way under § 11-24(c), and railroads must keep the ditches along their tracks clear of noxious growth, trash, garbage and filth under § 11-24(d).