Salem, OR Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit
- 10 inches for weeds and grass
- Governing section
- SRC § 50.705, noxious vegetation prohibited
- First violation fine
- $100.00 to $250.00, SRC 50.900(c)
- Repeat violation fine
- at least $250.00 within one year
- City abatement overhead
- 20% surcharge added to mowing cost
- Lien trigger
- unpaid abatement bill after 30 days
Summary
Salem caps weeds and grass at ten inches: SRC 50.025 defines 'noxious vegetation' as weeds or grass over ten inches, rank or dead growth, poison oak, hemlock, or ivy, or hazardous thickets, and SRC 50.705 makes it unlawful for an owner to let that vegetation stand on any premises or the street right-of-way abutting it.
Noxious vegetation means weeds more than ten inches in height; grass more than ten inches in height; rank or dead vegetation; poison oak, poison hemlock, poison ivy; hazardous thickets; or other rank, noxious, and dangerous vegetation that is a health hazard, a fire hazard, or a traffic hazard because it impairs the view of a public right-of-way or otherwise makes use of the public right-of-way hazardous. ... (a)No owner shall cause or permit noxious or rank vegetation upon premises or in the right-of-way of a street abutting any premises.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 26 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
025 defines 'noxious vegetation' as weeds or grass over ten inches tall, rank or dead vegetation, poison oak, poison hemlock, poison ivy, and hazardous thickets, and any other rank or dangerous growth that is a health, fire, or traffic hazard because it blocks the view of a public right-of-way; the definition carves out agricultural crops, endangered riparian grasses that haven't gone to seed, and wetland grasses that pose neither a fire nor traffic hazard. 'Rank vegetation' is separately defined as any vegetation existing in a state of uncontrolled growth or without commonly recognized vegetation maintenance or management practices applied. 845. 915, with each day of noncompliance a separate violation.
Violations & Fines
A first weed or grass violation over the ten-inch limit is an infraction punishable by $100.00 to $250.00 under SRC 50.900(c); a repeat violation of the same provision within a year is punishable by at least $250.00. The City can also mow the lot itself after notice under SRC 50.810 and bill the owner for the cost plus a 20 percent overhead charge under SRC 50.840, with the unpaid balance becoming a property lien after 30 days under SRC 50.845.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can weeds or grass legally get in Salem before it's a violation?
What happens if I don't cut my weeds after getting a notice from the City?
Are agricultural crops or natural grasses on undeveloped land exempt?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Salem
How Salem compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Salem to another location·View the Oregon landscaping rules overview
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