Knox County, TN Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Grass-height limit
- 12 inches (residential)
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Knox County
- Re-inspection
- 10 days after notice
- Large jobs
- Up to 30 days allowed
- Enforcement
- Knox County Code Administration
Summary
In unincorporated Knox County, grass and weeds overgrown by more than 12 inches in a residential area violate the county's dirty lot ordinance. Code Administration inspects on complaint, posts violations, and can bill cleanup costs to the owner if the property is not mowed after notice.
Overgrown Grass Complaint - When grass is overgrown by more than 12", in a residential area, it is in violation of the dirty lot ordinance. ... Lawns need to be maintained. Grass is overgrown when it exceeds 12".
Full Breakdown
Knox County's overgrown-grass rule is enforced by Code Administration. Per the Dirty Lot Fact Sheet, when grass is overgrown by more than 12 inches in a residential area, it is in violation of the dirty lot ordinance, and lawns need to be maintained. A Code Enforcement Officer inspects the property after a complaint; if it is in violation, the property is posted and/or the owner is notified by certified mail. Ten days after the violation the property is re-inspected for conformance, and large cleanup jobs may be given 30 days. City of Knoxville and Town of Farragut residents follow their municipality's own grass-height and weed rules.
Violations & Fines
If the owner does not comply after reasonable time, the property is turned over to Engineering and Public Works for mowing/cleanup, and the incurred cost is billed to the property owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can grass be in Knox County?
What happens if I don't mow?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Knox County
How Knox County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Knox County to another location·View the Tennessee landscaping rules overview
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