Howell, NJ Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Howell Township adopted the 2012 International Property Maintenance Code, in part and as amended, in Chapter 232, and § 232-4 carries the local text of § 302.4 Weeds. The section defines weeds and grass as ground covered with grass or lawn and all weeds, grasses, plants, bushes, poison oak, poison ivy and other noxious vegetation. Trees, ornamental shrubbery, flowers, garden vegetables, compost piles and other plants customarily planted or cultivated by farmers or gardeners are excluded. A general growth of weeds or grass cannot be in excess of 12 inches. Vacant land is covered too: § 301.3 requires vacant structures and land to be maintained in a clean, safe, secure and sanitary condition, and the Township's nuisance definition lists any premises with an uncontrolled growth of weeds.

The process starts with written notice. The Code Enforcement Officer, Construction Official, a Howell Township Police Department officer or a representative of the Monmouth County Board of Health notifies the owner, agent or responsible party by registered or certified and regular mail, or by personal service, and gives a reasonable correction period of not less than 10 days. If the owner does not comply, the enforcement officer is authorized to remedy the problem and recover the costs. Under § 232-6, the cost is certified to the Township Council, charged against the land, and becomes a lien added to the next taxes, bearing interest at the tax rate.

Article II of Chapter 232 adds a second route. Section 232-7 requires an owner or tenant in possession to remove brush, weeds, dead and dying trees, stumps, roots, obnoxious growths, filth, garbage, trash, debris, junk and disabled vehicles where necessary for public health, safety, general welfare or to eliminate a fire hazard. Under § 232-8, the Director of Public Works or the Code Enforcement Officer gives notice to remove the material within 10 days, after which the Township removes it under the Director of Public Works, and § 232-9 makes the certified cost a lien on the lot. Section 232-5 names the Code Enforcement Officer as the official responsible for enforcing the chapter, working with the Police Department, the Fire Bureau, the Construction Code Official and the Board of Health agent.

Corner lots have a separate height limit. Under § 232-11, brush, hedges and plant life within 10 feet of a street or within 25 feet of an intersection must be cut to not more than 2 1/2 feet above the crown of the road.