Maricopa County, AZ Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Weed height trigger
- Dried vegetation over 6 inches
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Planning and Development
- Compliance window
- At least 30 days from notice
- Penalty class
- Class 1 or 2 misdemeanor
- Scope
- Unincorporated Maricopa County only
Summary
In unincorporated Maricopa County, uncultivated vegetation over six inches deep, dried grass, weeds, tumbleweeds, dead brush, is a code violation under the Abatement Ordinance, enforced by the Department of Planning and Development.
Weeds shall include any uncultivated vegetation of a combustible nature with an associated fire hazard which cannot be reasonably contained on the property where it exists and shall include, but not be limited to: dried grass higher than six (6) inches; or other dried vegetation higher than six (6) inches; tumbleweeds, branches or clippings; or dead trees, bushes or shrubs.
Full Breakdown
Maricopa County's Abatement Ordinance (Ordinance P-11) defines weeds as any uncultivated, combustible vegetation that can't be reasonably contained on the property, including dried grass or other dried vegetation higher than six inches, tumbleweeds, branches, clippings, or dead trees, bushes and shrubs. Letting weeds pile up on a lot, or on the sidewalks, streets and alleys next to it, is a violation the county's Abatement Officer (the Director of Planning and Development) can act on: a written notice sets a compliance date at least 30 days out, and if the owner doesn't clear the growth, the county can enter the property, remove it, and assess the cost as a lien.
Violations & Fines
A violation is a Class 2 Misdemeanor for letting weeds or debris remain, or a Class 1 Misdemeanor for dumping trash on property you don't control: plus a lien for abatement costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can weeds be before they violate Maricopa County's abatement ordinance?
What happens if I don't clear weeds after a notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Maricopa County
How Maricopa County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Maricopa County to another location·View the Arizona landscaping rules overview
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