Prince George's County, MD Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Max grass/weed height
- 12 inches
- Property-standards cite
- Section 13-237
- Antilitter/weed cite
- Section 13-264
- Compliance window
- 10 calendar days
- Report to
- PGC311 / 3-1-1 (DPIE)
Summary
In Prince George's County, grass or weeds over 12 inches tall is a violation of the County Code. Owners get a written notice and 10 calendar days to cut before DPIE has the property mowed at the owner's expense, with the cost added to the tax bill as a lien.
All property shall be kept free from weeds in excess of twelve (12) inches in height except where prohibited by other applicable laws.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2026 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Two provisions of Subtitle 13 set the 12-inch limit. Section 13-237 states 'All property shall be kept free from weeds in excess of twelve (12) inches in height.' The Antilitter and Weed Ordinance, Section 13-264, makes it every owner's duty to keep weeds cut to not over 12 inches on lots of one acre or less; 'weeds' includes grass, brush, and noxious growth. The County confirms 'Grass in excess of 12 inches tall is a violation of the County Code.' Report to DPIE via PGC311. Under Sections 13-266 and 13-267 the owner gets 10 calendar days to comply. Separately, the Subtitle 23 Abutter Ordinance requires weeds in the public space at the curb cut to no more than 6 inches.
Violations & Fines
If weeds or grass are not cut within 10 calendar days of notice, DPIE issues a fine under Section 13-271 and arranges mowing by crews or a contractor. The cost plus fees is billed as a tax-bill lien.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my grass legally get?
Who do I call about a neighbor's tall grass?
What happens if I don't cut it?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Prince George's County
How Prince George's County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Prince George's County to another location·View the Maryland landscaping rules overview
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