Worcester County, MD Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Section PH 1-101(a)(1) declares a public nuisance the uncontrolled growth of grass, weeds or other rank vegetation, including ragweed, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac and other noxious weeds known to be allergenic, a skin irritant or toxic when ingested, to a height exceeding one foot. Any uncontrolled growth subject to the section must be cut to a height not exceeding four inches. The written notice described in subsection (a)(1)B instead tells the owner the vegetation must be cut to a height not exceeding three inches, so the two subsections print different cut heights.

The one-foot rule does not apply to property the Department determines, after investigation, to be used for a bona fide agricultural purpose, natural wooded areas, stream protection areas, habitat protection areas, steep slope and erodible soil protection areas, stormwater management facilities areas, unimproved areas of more than three acres, areas publicly owned and maintained as natural areas, or private open space covenanted with the County as recreational areas kept in their natural state. Even then, noxious weeds cannot grow within sixty feet of any property line adjoining an occupied property zoned for residential, commercial or industrial purposes.

Enforcement starts with written notice to the owner, lessee, agent or tenant having charge of the lot. A nonresident owner is notified by regular United States mail at the address on the tax assessment rolls, and the notice is also posted on the lot not less than fifteen days before further action. It must describe the violation, the anticipated corrective action and whom to contact. If corrective action has not started after notice, § PH 1-102(b)(1) lets the Department enter, cut or remove the overgrowth, and bill the owner for the cost plus a service fee set by resolution of the County Commissioners. The statement is due within thirty days of mailing, bears interest at the delinquent County tax bill rate, and an unpaid statement becomes a lien like delinquent taxes. The Subtitle applies only in unincorporated Worcester County.