Vestavia Hills, AL Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Section 11-11(a)(2) of the Vestavia Hills Code of Ordinances defines a weed as any plant of no value, undesirable and usually of rank growth, including grass, shrubs, underbrush and other vegetable growth higher than 12 inches, and section 11-11(a)(1) makes it a misdemeanor for anyone in possession or control of a property to let such growth exceed that 12-inch height. Section 11-11(b) frames the rationale: overgrown grass or weeds create breeding grounds for rats, mice, snakes, mosquitoes and other vermin, present a fire hazard once dry, spread irritating seeds, and can hide broken glass or other debris.

Enforcement runs through section 11-11(c): the city compliance officer, city clerk, mayor, city manager or any police officer can serve a first demand giving the owner 48 hours to cut the growth; if that deadline passes, the matter can go to the city council for a public hearing at least ten calendar days after notice, and if the council finds the nuisance confirmed it can order abatement by city crews or a hired contractor. An agricultural-zoning exception in section 11-11(a)(3) means the height rule does not apply to property zoned agricultural, and officers may use the Uniform Nontraffic Citation and Complaint to cite and release a violator, though the defendant must still appear in municipal court and cannot plead guilty before a magistrate.