Troy, NY Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Section 205-2 of the Troy City Code, enacted by the Troy City Council for the City of Troy in Rensselaer County, New York, applies to any lot within the corporate limits, not just to dwellings. The owner or holder of the real estate is the responsible party. Weed growth over six inches in height is declared a nuisance, injurious to public interests and public health.

The code defines weeds in two parts. The first is the ambrosiaceae family, which includes the giant and dwarf ragweeds, the goldenrod weed and the cocklebur weed. The second is all rank vegetable growth that exhales unpleasant and noxious odors, and also high and rank vegetable growth that can conceal filthy deposits. A person who fails or refuses to cut and destroy the weeds after five days' notice from the City is punished upon conviction as prescribed in Chapter 1, General Provisions, Article II of the Code. The nuisance article that holds § 205-2 also provides in § 205-9 that when the authorized official abates a nuisance, 20% is added to the expense of removal.

A second rule applies to occupied housing. Section 176-16(C) of the Housing and Property Maintenance chapter requires premises and exterior property to be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of six inches and prohibits noxious weeds. That section defines weeds as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation other than trees or shrubs, but excludes lawn grass, planted ornamental grasses, cultivated flowers and cultivated flower and vegetable gardens. After a notice of violation, a duly authorized City employee or contractor is authorized to enter the property and cut the weeds, and the owner or agent pays the cost. The Director of Code Enforcement and designees inspect dwelling premises under § 176-16.