Omaha, NE Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Omaha Municipal Code Chapter 18 prohibits grass, weeds, and rank vegetation exceeding 12 inches on any residential or commercial lot. The Property Maintenance Division issues notices of violation, typically giving owners 7 to 10 days to cut. Uncut properties are mowed by city contractors at the owner's expense, with costs plus administrative fees assessed as liens. Repeat offenders can face escalated fines. Nebraska state noxious weed law (§2-946 et seq.) requires control of designated noxious weeds including Canada thistle, leafy spurge, purple loosestrife, musk thistle, and others; enforcement at the state level is through Douglas County Weed Control. Residents can report tall-grass properties via (402) 444-5555 or MyOmaha. Vacant lots, foreclosures, and investor-owned rentals are common violation categories. Native prairie and xeriscape plantings are not weeds but must be maintained as intentional landscape (edged, tended) or they can be mistaken for neglect and trigger enforcement review. Submit a landscape plan in advance if installing tallgrass prairie.