Modesto, CA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Max lawn/weed height
- 12 inches
- Code section
- MMC § 9-9.509
- First citation fine
- $100
- Max civil penalty
- $2,500 per violation per day
Summary
Modesto prohibits allowing weeds, overgrown grass, or neglected vegetation visible from public rights-of-way. Lawns exceeding 12 inches in height and weed-infested or decayed plants constitute a codified nuisance under the Property Maintenance Code.
5004. "Noxious weed" means any species of plant that is, or is liable to be, troublesome, aggressive, intrusive, detrimental, or destructive to agriculture, silviculture, or important native species, and difficult to control or eradicate, which the director, by regulation, designates to be a noxious weed. In determining whether or not a species shall be designated a noxious weed for the purposes of protecting silviculture or important native plant species, the director shall not make that designation if the designation will be detrimental to agriculture. (Amended by Stats. 1992, Ch. 556, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1993.)
Full Breakdown
Modesto Municipal Code Title 9, Chapter 9, Article 5, Section 9-9.509 declares it unlawful for any responsible party to maintain property with weeds, dead or overgrown vegetation, or debris that constitutes visual blight. A lawn or grass area is deemed overgrown when any part exceeds 12 inches in height. Vegetation that is dead, diseased, weed-infested, or debris-laden also violates the code. Code Enforcement (Police Dept.) enforces these provisions and issues notices of violation. Administrative citations escalate from $100 (first offense) to $250 (second) and $500 (third). Civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation per day may apply for persistent noncompliance.
Violations & Fines
Administrative citations: $100 first offense, $250 second, $500 third. Ongoing violations may incur civil penalties up to $2,500 per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can grass or weeds grow before Modesto issues a violation?
Can the city abate the nuisance and bill the property owner?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Modesto
How Modesto compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Modesto to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.