Islip, NY Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Maximum height
- 10 inches (254 mm)
- State code
- NY Property Maintenance Code Section 302.4 (Weeds)
- Local code
- Town of Islip Code Section 6A-20
- Penalty section
- Town of Islip Code Section 6A-21
- Enforcement
- Islip Division of Code Enforcement
Summary
The Property Maintenance Code of New York State, which the Town of Islip enforces and mirrors in Town Code Chapter 6A, requires developed areas of a premises used by occupants or the public to be kept free from weeds (including grasses) over 10 inches (254 mm) tall. Noxious weeds are prohibited outright.
302.4 Weeds. Except as provided for in statute, local law, ordinance, or other regulations, all developed areas of a premises that are intended to be used by building occupants or the public shall be maintained free from weeds in excess of 10 inches (254 mm). Noxious weeds shall be prohibited.
Full Breakdown
Islip does not set its own numeric grass-height limit in isolation; the operative standard is Section 302.4 (Weeds) of the Property Maintenance Code of New York State (2020), which the Town of Islip Division of Code Enforcement applies and which is restated in Town Code Chapter 6A (Property Maintenance), Article IV, Section 6A-20 (Minimum maintenance standards for residential properties). The state code caps weeds, which the Town's local restatement defines to include all grasses, annual plants, and vegetation other than trees and shrubs, at 10 inches (254 mm) on developed areas intended to be used by building occupants or the public, with an exception for cultivated flowers and gardens. Because lawns are 'grasses,' an unmowed lawn exceeding 10 inches is a violation. Enforcement falls to the Town of Islip Division of Code Enforcement, which investigates property-maintenance complaints on residential lots and vacant parcels.
Violations & Fines
A property kept out of compliance with the weed/grass standard is a violation of Town Code Chapter 6A, punishable as set forth in Town Code Section 6A-21 (penalties), which can include fines and, for unabated conditions, Town-ordered cleanup with costs charged to the owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my grass be in Islip?
Do flower beds or gardens count?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Islip
How Islip compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·New York rules heatmap·Compare Islip to another location·View the New York landscaping rules overview
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Weed Ordinances in Nearby Cities
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