Louisville, KY Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Louisville Metro's Property Maintenance Code requires every premises to stay free of weeds or plant growth over 10 inches, and bans noxious weeds entirely. Weeds are defined as grasses, annual plants, and vegetation other than trees or shrubs, cultivated flowers and gardens are excluded. A narrower rule applies to larger parcels: growth over 10 inches on land over 3 acres that abuts a lot with a dwelling or building must stay at least 50 feet from the property line or 200 feet from the occupied structure, whichever is less. Owners can opt into a 'managed natural landscape' (native plantings, meadow, prairie, rain garden) instead of mowed turf if it's set back 5 feet from property lines, cut back at least once a year, edged or fenced, kept out of the right-of-way, and posted with a sign, but noxious weeds still aren't allowed even there.