Mesa, AZ Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Developed parcel limit
- 9 inches
- Undeveloped parcel limit
- 12 inches
- Trigger area
- >10% of lot or 50 sq ft
- Enforcing agency
- Mesa Development Services Code Compliance
- First civil sanction
- $250–$1,500 (§8-6-9)
- Abatement notice period
- 30 calendar days (§8-6-13)
- Habitual offender threshold
- 3 findings in 36 months = misdemeanor
Summary
Mesa caps weeds and grass at 9 inches on developed parcels and 12 inches on undeveloped parcels under City Code § 8-6-3(O), once the overgrowth covers more than 10 percent of the lot or 50 square feet on developed land. The duty reaches alleys and frontage the owner maintains, and exempts hidden rear yards, grazing land, and feed-crop parcels.
(O)The responsible party of a parcel of land within the city, including alleys and frontage areas under their responsibility, shall not allow thereon weeds or grass which occupy more than 10 percent or 50 square feet, in total area of a developed parcel to attain a predominant height in excess of 9 inches, or more than 10 percent of the area of an undeveloped parcel to attain a predominant height in excess of 12 inches. This provision shall not apply to:1.Single residence rear yards not visible from the adjacent right-of-way; or2.Parcels of land in which livestock graze; or3.Parcels of land used to raise feed crops.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 22).
Full Breakdown
' Subsection (O) sets a two-tier standard: on a developed parcel, more than 10 percent of the lot area or 50 square feet growing above a predominant height of 9 inches is a violation; on an undeveloped parcel, the trigger is 10 percent of the area growing above 12 inches. The duty extends beyond the fenced yard to alleys and frontage areas the responsible party maintains. Three exceptions apply: single-residence rear yards not visible from the adjacent right-of-way, parcels where livestock graze, and parcels used to raise feed crops.
Mesa Development Services (Code Compliance) enforces the chapter under § 8-6-4, inspecting on complaint or in the normal course of duty, entering only with consent or a warrant. A violation typically starts with a Notice to Abate under § 8-6-13, giving the responsible party 30 calendar days to cut the growth before the City may abate it itself and record the cost as a lien on the property, or with a civil citation under § 8-6-8 heard by the Civil Hearing Officer. Under § 8-6-9, a first civil finding carries a sanction of $250 to $1,500 plus Code Compliance fees; a second finding within 36 months rises to $350–$2,500, and a third to $500–$2,500.
Three findings within 36 months make the owner a habitual offender under § 8-6-11, exposing them to a class 1 misdemeanor charge in Mesa City Court.
Violations & Fines
Overgrown weeds/grass past the height limit is a civil violation of Title 8, Chapter 6. A first finding under § 8-6-9 carries a $250–$1,500 sanction plus Code Compliance fees, set by the Civil Hearing Officer. A second finding within 36 months rises to $350–$2,500, a third to $500–$2,500. Ignoring a Notice to Abate lets the City cut the growth and lien the property for the cost under § 8-6-13(C). Three findings within 36 months triggers habitual-offender prosecution under § 8-6-11: a class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail or a $2,500 fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 9-inch limit apply to my backyard?
What happens if I ignore a mowing notice?
How much is the fine for tall weeds in Mesa?
Does the rule apply to vacant lots?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Mesa
How Mesa compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Mesa to another location·View the Arizona landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Weed Ordinances in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Maricopa County handle weed ordinances.