Apex, NC Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Apex's weed and vacant-lot rule sits in Town Code Chapter 14 (Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions). The ordinance makes it unlawful for any person to allow the uncontrolled growth of noxious weeds and grass, or the accumulation of offensive animal or vegetable matter dangerous and prejudicial to the public health, or the accumulation of rubbish or trash creating a fire hazard dangerous to the public safety, or to allow any other condition that may constitute a public nuisance on any premises. The compliance rule sets two mandatory cutting deadlines per calendar year: the first not later than June 15, and the second not later than August 15. The penalty is $1.00 for each day any weeds, grass, or other noxious growth shall remain uncut after the deadline. The Code Enforcement Officer or the Apex Chief of Police may direct the property owner to remove the noxious growth or accumulated material from a lot within a stated time; if the owner refuses or fails to comply, the Town may remove the nuisance and charge the cost against the lot as a lien against the property under NCGS 160A-193 (abatement of public health nuisances) and NCGS 160A-200 (lien for nuisance abatement). Unlike many cities, Apex's standard is calendar-driven (twice-a-year cutting) rather than a fixed inch-height threshold; however, a lot at any height that constitutes a public health nuisance — harboring rodents, snakes, or mosquitoes; obstructing sightlines; or creating a fire hazard — can be cited and abated regardless of the time of year. Enforcement contact is the Apex Code Enforcement Division of the Planning Department (919-249-3418) or via the Town's online Report a Concern form (apexnc.org/139). The rule applies uniformly to vacant lots, undeveloped parcels, foreclosure properties, and occupied residential lots within the Apex municipal limits.