Tucson, AZ Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Section 16-13(a) of the Tucson Code, part of the Neighborhood Preservation chapter, defines "accumulation or untended growth of vegetation" as a violation whenever it creates a fire, safety, or health hazard or attracts vermin. The rule sets a hard six-inch ceiling on both "[a]ny lawn grass that exceeds six (6) inches in height" and "[a]ll weeds that exceed six (6) inches in height," and separately bans dead trees, dead shrubs, and dead palm fronds left within ten feet of the ground, a structure, a fence or wall, or any other combustible material.

The same subsection requires vegetation overhanging a sidewalk, street, or alley to be trimmed to keep a pedestrian path at least 48 inches wide and 80 inches high, and to not block the view of traffic-control devices. Subsection (d) extends the duty to abutting rights-of-way: once a code official serves notice under § 16-45, the owner, lessee, tenant, or occupant must clear weeds, garbage, debris, or refuse from the abutting sidewalk and up to half the width of an abutting alley. Notices of violation issued for a § 16-13 vegetation problem must specify the required corrective action and, per § 16-45(c), give the owner at least 30 days before the city can abate and assess costs.

Enforcement runs through the City Court under § 16-49. The ordinance applies year-round to any lot, occupied or vacant, there is no seasonal exemption and no distinction between a maintained xeriscape yard and a traditional lawn, so long as height stays at or under six inches.