Irondequoit, NY Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

The six-inch figure sits in the definition of "maintenance" in § 94-2 of the Town of Irondequoit Code: established lawn areas must be cut and maintained on a regular basis so that groundcover does not exceed six inches in height. The same definition covers cutting, trimming or removing brush, grass, rubbish or weeds, a list that includes golden nematode and ragweed, spraying with herbicides, and cutting, trimming, removing or destroying poisonous shrubs or weeds, all on a regular basis so as to prevent excessive overgrowth, maintain safe conditions and uniform appearance.

Section 94-3 turns that definition into a duty. Under § 94-3A each owner of an improved residential building lot must maintain the lot in its entirety, and § 94-3C imposes the same whole-lot duty on each owner of a commercial or industrial building lot. "Improved property" in § 94-2 means developed property that includes structures, parking, driveways and lighting. Unimproved residential lots follow the separate zones in § 94-3B.

The Town acts by notice. The Town Board, Commissioner of Public Works/Superintendent of Highways, Building Inspector, Fire Marshal or Code Compliance Inspector can order an owner to cut, trim or remove under § 94-6, and compliance is required within seven days of receipt of notice. The notice must specify the place, manner and time and be sent by registered or certified mail to the owner's last known address under § 94-7. If the owner does not comply, the Town authorizes the work under § 94-8 and recovers its cost, including out-of-pocket administrative expense, by assessment against the lot, which becomes a lien under § 94-9. Environmental Protection Overlay Districts, conservation easements and forever wild lands are exempt under § 94-4.