Topeka, KS Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- TMC 8.60.150 (IPMC § 302.4)
- Height limit
- 12 inches
- Noxious weeds
- prohibited regardless of height
- Large-lot exception
- 15-foot strip near lot lines
Summary
Topeka property owners must keep vegetation under 12 inches tall, and noxious weeds are banned outright, under the city's amended Property Maintenance Code.
(a) All property shall be maintained free from vegetation in excess of twelve inches in height.
(b) All noxious weeds, as defined by the Kansas Department of Agriculture pursuant to K.S.A. 2-1313a and amendments thereto, shall be prohibited.
(c) Vegetation means, but is not limited to, weeds, woody vines, volunteer saplings under four to six inches in diameter, shrubs, brush, grass and uncultivated plants; however this term shall not include cultivated trees, shrubs and vines and gardens, which are defined as areas cultivated for growth of vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers, ornamental grasses and native plants. A native plant is any plant indigenous to the local ecosystem.
(d) Notwithstanding subsection (a), an owner of undeveloped property that exceeds two acre is responsible for removing or destroying vegetation, except for grass or ground cover, within fifteen feet of any sidewalks, streets or adjacent property lines.
(e) Upon failure of the owner or agent having charge of the property to comply with this section after service of a notice of violation, the person may be subject to prosecution in accordance with Section 106.3. Upon failure to comply with the notice, the City or its contractor may enter upon the property to remove or destroy the vegetation and assess the costs against the owner. (Ord. 20625 § 13, 12-16-25.)
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 20671, passed July 14, 2026).
Full Breakdown
TMC 8.60.150 rewrites IPMC Section 302.4 to set a 12-inch height cap on vegetation for every property in the city: weeds, woody vines, saplings under four to six inches in diameter, shrubs, brush, grass and other uncultivated plants, though cultivated gardens, trees, shrubs and ornamental plantings are exempt. State-defined noxious weeds under K.S.A. 2-1313a are banned regardless of height. Owners of undeveloped lots over two acres get a partial break: they only have to clear vegetation within 15 feet of sidewalks, streets and property lines. After a notice of violation goes unanswered, the City or its contractor can remove the vegetation and bill the owner.
Violations & Fines
Uncorrected violations let the City abate the vegetation and assess the cost to the owner, plus misdemeanor prosecution under TMC 8.60.090 with fines up to $1,000 for a first offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can grass legally get in Topeka?
What happens if I don't mow after a notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Topeka
How Topeka compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Topeka to another location·View the Kansas landscaping rules overview
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