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New York, NY Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Governing law
Health Code §181.11
Enforcing agency
NYC Health Dept (DOHMH)
Weeds banned
Poison ivy, ragweed, allergenic weeds
Base penalty
$200–$2,000 per violation
Adjudicated at
OATH Health Tribunal

Summary

New York City Health Code section 181.11 flatly bars any owner, occupant, or person in charge of a lot or premises from letting poison ivy, ragweed, or other poisonous or allergenic weeds grow there. The Health Department enforces it through OATH.

§181.11 Growing of poison ivy and ragweed prohibited. No person who owns, occupies or is in charge of a lot or premises shall cause or allow poison ivy, ragweed, or other poisonous or allergenic weed to grow on such lot or premises

View official code

Full Breakdown

Under Health Code section 181.11, no owner, occupant, or person in charge of a lot or premises in New York City may cause or allow poison ivy, ragweed, or any other poisonous or allergenic weed to grow on the property. The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene enforces the ban and issues notices of violation returnable to the OATH Health Tribunal. Health Code section 3.11 sets civil penalties of not less than $200 and not more than $2,000 per violation, rising to $5,000 for a repeat of the same violation within twelve months and up to $10,000 where the violation directly causes serious physical harm.

Violations & Fines

Allowing ragweed, poison ivy, or another allergenic weed to grow on your lot draws a DOHMH notice of violation heard at the OATH Health Tribunal, with civil penalties of $200 to $2,000 per violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does NYC ban all tall weeds or grass on my lot?
No. Section 181.11 targets poison ivy, ragweed, and other poisonous or allergenic weeds specifically. Overgrown ordinary grass falls under the state Property Maintenance Code's 10-inch limit and Sanitation's lot-cleanliness rules instead.
Who enforces the poison ivy and ragweed ban?
The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. It issues notices of violation returnable to the OATH Health Tribunal, where civil penalties of $200 to $2,000 per violation are assessed under Health Code section 3.11.
How much can the penalty climb to?
Base penalties run $200 to $2,000 per violation. A repeat of the same violation within twelve months can reach $5,000, and a violation that directly causes serious physical harm can reach $10,000.

Sources & Official References

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