Macon-Bibb County, GA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Improved-lot weed limit
- 12 inches (Sec. 15-13(a)(1))
- Notice period
- 15 days (30 for industrial/2+ acres)
- Extension available
- Up to 15 additional days
- Maximum fine
- $500 per violation
- Maximum jail term
- 50 days
- Enforcing office
- Business Development Services / Code Enforcement
Summary
Macon-Bibb County caps weed and grass growth at 12 inches on any lot with a residential structure. Exceeding that height is a nuisance under the general County Code, enforced through Code Enforcement notices and municipal or state court, not the land-use resolution.
(a)It shall be unlawful for the occupant of any lot of land or premises in Macon-Bibb County, or the owner of any lot of land or premises in Macon-Bibb County, or any agent or representative of such owner or occupant, to permit or maintain on such lot the growth thereon of objectionable weeds, the accumulation of debris or the harborage of inoperable motor vehicles, as defined in this division, which distracts from the community aesthetics, and endangers the public health, safety or welfare. The following conditions shall constitute a nuisance as it relates to the growth of objectionable weeds:(1)Any lot on which a residential structure is built shall be deemed a nuisance if the growth of weeds as defined herein is twelve (12) inches or more in height.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Comprehensive Land Development Resolution: Supplement 4 | Code of Ordinances: Supplement 20).
Full Breakdown
County Code Chapter 15, Article I, Division 2 makes it unlawful for an owner or occupant to permit objectionable weed growth, debris accumulation, or harborage of inoperable vehicles on any lot in Macon-Bibb County. Sec. 15-13(a)(1) sets the trigger for improved residential lots specifically: growth of 12 inches or more constitutes a nuisance. ) Weeds are defined in Sec. 15-12 as objectionable growth that breeds mosquitoes, harbors snakes or rodents, or creates a fire or traffic hazard; landscaped flowers, shrubbery and trees are expressly excluded, and Sec.
§ 41-1-7 agricultural land. Enforcement runs through Sec. 15-14: the Director of Business Development Services or the Director of Economic and Community Development (or a designee) must give written notice describing the violation and the corrective action needed, with 15 days to comply (30 days for industrial-zoned or over-2-acre parcels). A written extension of up to 15 more days is available on a showing of reasonable cause. If the deadline passes without compliance, the official issues a summons for a hearing in municipal or state court under Sec. 15-16.
Violations & Fines
Under Sec. 15-16, failure to abate after notice is prosecuted in municipal or state court, where a judge may impose a fine up to $500 per violation, imprisonment up to 50 days, community service, or any combination, plus the County's abatement costs if it mows the lot itself under Sec. 15-15.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can grass grow on a house lot in Macon-Bibb County before it's a violation?
Does Macon-Bibb County give a warning before citing a homeowner for tall weeds?
What happens if I don't mow after getting a notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Macon-Bibb County
How Macon-Bibb County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Macon-Bibb County to another location·View the Georgia landscaping rules overview
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