Raleigh, NC Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

§ 12-6002(b) declares a public nuisance any 'place of dense growth of weeds or grasses, other than ornamental grasses, over eight (8) inches in height' that meets one of four distance triggers: it lies less than 100 feet from any abutting open street; less than 100 feet from any adjoining property containing a dwelling or commercial building; within 50 feet of any dwelling or commercial building regardless of whose property it's on; or is a focal point for any other nuisance enumerated in the Code.

1's definition, are expressly exempted, so landscaped ornamental plantings over 8 inches don't trigger the rule. ' The provision reaches beyond bare lots: § 12-6002(c) separately caps overgrown shrubs and vegetation at 8 inches where they encroach on a sidewalk, parkway or street edge, and § 12-6002(e) targets concentrated kudzu, poison sumac, poison ivy or poison oak. Enforcement under § 12-6003 starts with a Department of Inspections notice identifying the exact Code section violated and giving the owner 10 calendar days from mailing to cut the growth; if it isn't done, the City can mow or clear it and place a lien on the property for the abatement cost, including reseeding if needed, plus a $175 administrative fee.

There's no fine on a first notice, but a second nuisance notice within 12 months adds a $250 civil penalty and $100 administrative fee under §§ 12-6005–12-6006, escalating to $500 per notice after that. Appeals of the Inspections finding go to City Council within the same 10-day window and stay enforcement.