West Allis, WI Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Max height
- 6 inches
- Citation
- § 13.28(10)(b)
- Notice before city mows
- 3 business days
- Noxious weeds
- prohibited, must be destroyed
Summary
West Allis caps grass in lawn areas at 6 inches and bans noxious weeds under the Property Maintenance Code, Revised Municipal Code § 13.28(10)(b); the city can mow and bill violators.
Grass shall not exceed six (6) inches in height. Noxious weeds are not permitted and shall be destroyed, as provided in § 66.0407 of the Wisconsin Statutes. Lawn areas shall be graded properly to allow for maintenance. This section shall include any damaged or unimproved areas, whether caused by people, vehicles, or naturally, which create a condition that allows for eroded dust, soil, dirt, or mud from the property to become deposited on adjacent private or public property. If the property owner fails or refuses to maintain lawn areas as provided in this subsection, the Code Enforcement Director or his or her designated agent is authorized to perform the required maintenance after providing written notice to the property owner and/or posting notice on the property at least three business days prior to performing the maintenance. The cost of such maintenance shall be charged against the owner of the property as provided in §§ 66.0627 and 66.0703 of the Wisconsin Statutes. Public Property Abutting Private Property. The public areas between the property line and the paved street shall be maintained by the abutting property owner in accordance with Section 11.13. Sidewalks, Driveways and Other Improvements. Sidewalks, walks, driveways, open parking areas, retaining walls and other concrete, asphalt, brick, gravel, stone or similar areas shall be maintained in sound condition and in good repair.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: ?).
Full Breakdown
Revised Municipal Code § 13.28(10)(b), part of the City of West Allis Property Maintenance Code, requires that grass in lawn areas not exceed six inches in height and bans noxious weeds, which must be destroyed per Wis. Stat. § 66.0407. Lawn areas must also be graded to prevent dust, dirt, or mud erosion onto neighboring property. If an owner fails to maintain their lawn, the Code Enforcement Director may perform the mowing after posting written notice at least three business days in advance, and the abutting property owner is charged the cost, which can become a special assessment on the tax roll.
Violations & Fines
Grass over six inches or uncontrolled noxious weeds violates § 13.28(10)(b); after notice, the City can mow the lot itself and bill the owner, with unpaid costs becoming a special property tax assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can grass legally grow in West Allis?
What happens if I don't mow my West Allis lawn?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in West Allis
How West Allis compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare West Allis to another location·View the Wisconsin landscaping rules overview
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