Manchester, CT Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Section 242-16D of the Manchester Code of Ordinances sets the general height limit for weeds on developed property at 10 inches, or 254 millimeters as the code specifies in metric alongside the imperial figure. The section separately bans noxious weeds from any area where human presence is expected and authorized, regardless of height. WEEDS is defined to mean all grasses, annual plants and vegetation other than trees or shrubs, expressly excluding cultivated flowers and gardens from the restriction. The code carves out several exemptions from the 10-inch cap: Town-approved drainage detention basins, land under a conservation deed restriction or recorded as open space with the Assessor's office, land actively farmed for more than four months of the year, public utility easements for electric, gas, water, sewer or storm drainage lines, watershed land owned by a public water company or government body, and inland wetlands and watercourses regulated by the Manchester Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission.

Parcels over two acres that are not otherwise exempt are excused from the height limit except for the 20 feet closest to a public street, and public street rights-of-way are only required to be kept clear of weeds to the extent the Traffic Authority needs for sight lines. Because Chapter 242 is a Property Maintenance Code enforceable through the Blight Enforcement Officer, a weeds violation that goes uncorrected can be escalated using the same notice, citation and $100-per-day fine process set out in Sections 242-6 and 242-7.