Rochester, NY Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit
- 10 inches (254 mm)
- Code section
- § 90-14(B) Property Code
- Ticket
- $150 per violation
- Cure period
- 10 days after Notice/Order
- Abatement
- City contractor mows, bills owner
Summary
Rochester caps grass and weeds at 10 inches. Under Property Conservation Code § 90-14(B), exterior plant growth taller than 10 inches is a violation, and all noxious weeds are banned outright. Cultivated flowers and gardens are exempt.
The exterior portions of all premises shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of 10 inches (254 mm). All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs, provided, however, that this term shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4935326; v86 updated 2026-06-16; through 06-16-2026).
Full Breakdown
The Property Conservation Code bars weeds or plant growth over 10 inches on the exterior of any premises and prohibits noxious weeds entirely; only cultivated flowers and gardens are exempt. Rochester's Division of Code Enforcement inspects, then serves a Notice and Order giving the owner 10 days to cut. On re-inspection, an uncorrected lot draws a $150 ticket per violation, and the City sends a private contractor to mow it, usually within three days, and bills the cost back to the owner.
Violations & Fines
Grass or weeds over 10 inches, or any noxious weeds, on a lot's exterior. Uncorrected after the 10-day Notice and Order: a $150 ticket per violation plus City contractor mowing billed to the owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can grass and weeds be in Rochester?
What happens if I don't cut my lawn?
Are flower gardens affected?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rochester
How Rochester compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·New York rules heatmap·Compare Rochester to another location·View the New York landscaping rules overview
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