Smyrna, GA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Section 80-4 of the Smyrna Code applies to every person or entity owning or occupying improved or unimproved property within the city, so a developed house lot, a commercial parcel and an empty tract are held to one standard. The ordinance states its purpose directly: to prevent the property from becoming a breeding ground for vermin and other types of pests. The numeric trigger is grass or weeds over eight inches in height, and kudzu and underbrush are barred on the same footing.

Kudzu has one narrow carve-out. For purposes of enforcement it is permitted only if used for erosion control or set back a minimum of five feet from a common property boundary. The same section requires the property to be kept free from waste, litter, trash, dead animals, standing water and rubbish of every nature and kind, so trash or standing water is a violation even where the grass is short.

The older Chapter 46 definition in Section 46-118 adds a second measure: high grass, weeds and undergrowth means growth over eight inches in height and/or gone to seed, whichever is lower. Section 46-113 separately declares a nuisance for anyone who lets weeds, undergrowth, rubbish or filth remain in a condition that provides a breeding place for flies, a feeding place or sanctuary for rats and a source of obnoxious odors.

Notice comes first. Section 80-7 requires the city to give notice of violations of Sections 80-1 through 80-6 to the owner or occupant at least seven days before the deadline for compliance. The notice is personally delivered by a city official or, if not personally served, sent by regular and certified mail and posted in a conspicuous place on the property. If the owner still does not act, Section 46-112 authorizes the city to cut the weeds and undergrowth at the owner's expense, with the clerk issuing an execution against the owner and the property for the cost.