Lakewood prohibits noxious weeds and vegetation over 8 inches in height under Codified Ordinance 1379. Ohio common noxious weeds including poison hemlock, giant hogweed, and Canada thistle must be removed regardless of height. The Division of Housing and Building enforces violations with 7 to 10 day cure notices followed by city abatement billed to the owner.
Lakewood Codified Ordinances Chapter 1379 and Section 521.08 (Noxious Weeds and Litter) require property owners to cut grass and weeds before they exceed 8 inches. Enforcement authority flows from Ohio Revised Code §731.51, which authorizes municipalities to order removal of noxious weeds and bill uncollected costs to the county auditor for placement as a tax lien on the parcel. The Ohio Department of Agriculture's prohibited noxious weed list (OAC 901:5-37) includes Canada thistle, poison hemlock, giant hogweed, musk thistle, wild parsnip, and Japanese knotweed — these must be eradicated regardless of height. Lakewood's Division of Housing and Building issues a written notice giving the owner 7 to 10 days to cure. If the owner fails to act, the city contracts mowing and assesses the full cost plus an administrative fee against the property tax bill through the Cuyahoga County Fiscal Officer.
Initial violation: written notice, 7-10 day cure. Non-compliance: city mows at owner expense (typical $150-$400 per cut) plus administrative fee, assessed as tax lien via Cuyahoga County. Repeat violations can escalate to a fourth-degree misdemeanor under CO 521.99 ($250 fine and/or 30 days).
Lakewood, OH
Lakewood allows leaf blowers during standard landscaping hours (8 AM to 8 PM weekdays, 9 AM to 6 PM Sundays) under Chapter 509. No decibel cap or gas-powered...
Lakewood, OH
Persistent barking in Lakewood is a violation under LCO 505.11 when a dog barks for extended periods or repeatedly disturbs neighbors. Cuyahoga County Animal...
Lakewood, OH
Amplified music audible beyond 50 feet or past 10 PM in Lakewood violates LCO 509.08 and ORC 2917.11. Outdoor concerts, bar patios, and backyard parties need...
Lakewood, OH
Aircraft noise in Lakewood is governed by FAA preemption (14 CFR Part 91) not local ordinance. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is 6 miles south and B...
Lakewood, OH
Lakewood permits residential Level 2 EV charger installations with an electrical permit (125 dollars). Public chargers available at City Hall, Winterhurst Ic...
Lakewood, OH
Lakewood prohibits overnight on-street parking from 3 AM to 5 AM citywide per Codified Ordinance 351.16. Permits available via the Lakewood Parking Portal fo...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cuyahoga County.
See how other cities in Cuyahoga County handle weed ordinances.
See how Lakewood's weed ordinances rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.