Milwaukee, WI Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit
- 7 inches, enforced year-round
- First violation fee
- $75 special charge
- Repeat violations
- +$125 each, capped at $750
- May exemption
- Annual 'No Mow May' permit
- Enforcing agency
- Health Dept. / Dept. of Neighborhood Services
Summary
Milwaukee caps turf grass and weeds at 7 inches on any property, enforced year-round by the city, with escalating special charges starting at $75 for violations left unabated 72 hours after inspection.
TO BE CUT. a. No turf grass or weeds of any kind shall be permitted to grow or stand more than 7 inches on any property in the city. b. The city shall enforce par. a year-round. ... Any person who fails to cut turf grasses or weeds as required in sub. 2 shall be subject to a special charge of $75 for a first violation in a calendar year, if the violation is not abated within 72 hours of initial inspection and photographic verification by the department.
Full Breakdown
Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 80-17 bars turf grass or weeds from growing past 7 inches on any property citywide, and the city enforces the limit year-round. Owners, tenants, occupants and even public-franchise holders share the duty to comply, including on the public sidewalk their property abuts. Property owners can skip the rule for May only by getting an annual 'No Mow May' permit from the health commissioner and posting the required yard sign. Unabated first violations draw a $75 special charge; each later violation in the same year adds $125, capping at $750 for six or more violations, plus a $100 charge for continued non-compliance and a $25 lien administrative fee.
Violations & Fines
First unmowed violation left unabated 72 hours after inspection: $75 special charge. Each further violation that year: +$125 (cap $750), plus $100 for continued non-compliance and a $25 lien fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can grass or weeds get in Milwaukee before it's a violation?
Is there any way to skip mowing in May?
What happens if I don't cut the weeds after a warning?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Milwaukee
How Milwaukee compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Milwaukee to another location·View the Wisconsin landscaping rules overview
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Weed Ordinances in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Milwaukee County handle weed ordinances.