Hammond, IN Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

090(A) of the Hammond Code of Ordinances declares it unlawful for any person, legal entity, business, railroad or organization to permit vegetation of any kind, defined to include but not limited to grass and weeds, to grow above 6 inches from the ground on any improved or unimproved real property in the city, and it is the duty of whoever owns, leases, occupies or controls the land to cut it back below that line. The rule reaches beyond backyards: it also prohibits agricultural crops growing within the first 30 feet of any lot as measured from the curb line, though it carves out maintained flowers or cultivated plants that are not obstructing vehicular or pedestrian visibility.

090(B) separately declares dead or dying trees, limbs, branches or stumps a nuisance if their location near a road, sidewalk, dwelling or another owner's structure means a fall could cause damage or injury. 091(B)(1) the city identifies the owner from Lake County Auditor records and mails written notice describing the violation, with a warning that the nuisance must be abated within 10 days or the city will abate it and seek recovery of costs; a posted notice on the property can supplement the mailing. A notice of violation can be appealed to the Board of Public Works and Safety within 7 calendar days, which tolls the abatement period. 091(F), collectible as a tax lien through the Lake County Auditor if unpaid within 30 days.