Union, NY Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Chapter 83 of the Town of Union Code, adopted 12-30-1975 as L.L. No. 7-1975, controls weeds, tall grass and other objectionable vegetation. Section 83-5(A) makes it unlawful for any owner, lessee or occupant, or any agent or employee of one, having control of an occupied or unoccupied lot or tract to permit or maintain a growth of weeds, tall grass or other objectionable vegetation higher than 10 inches on the average. The same sentence bars any accumulation of dead weeds, grass or brush. Along the sidewalk, street or alley next to the lot, between the property line and the curb, or between the property line and the traveled portion where there is no curb, the limit drops to four inches on the average. The four-inch strip standard was added by L.L. No. 2-2015.

Section 83-4 applies the chapter to any lot or tract in the Town of Union outside the incorporated Villages of Johnson City and Endicott. Lots zoned as an agricultural district on the Official Zoning Map are excluded from the weed and tall grass provisions, as are tracts of 10 or more acres at the discretion of the Town Board. Section 83-5(B) separately bars poison ivy, jimson weed, ragweed and other poisonous or harmful plants from extending upon, overhanging or bordering any public place, or releasing seeds or pollen into one.

Enforcement starts with a notice of violation served personally on the owner, lessee, occupant or responsible person, or posted in a conspicuous place on the premises with a copy mailed to the last known address (§ 83-8). If the work is not done within three days of service, the Town can cut, trim or remove the vegetation and assess the total cost on the real property as a lien collected like other Town charges. Attorney, engineering, consultant and court costs are also charged to the owner (§ 83-7). Section 83-7.1 adds that trees, bushes and hedges over a public street or sidewalk must be trimmed so the lowest branches are not less than 10 feet from the ground. Repeat notices within a twelve-month period trigger inspection fees under § 83-10.