Ashwaubenon, WI Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Section 11-1-21(F) of the Village's Chapter 11 Nuisances and Environment splits its noxious weed and grass standard by whether a parcel is developed. Subsection (3)(a) covers any undeveloped parcel one acre or larger in size, requiring the owner to destroy noxious weeds and cut long grass and vegetation to six inches in height within the right-of-way and within 20 feet of any abutting developed property, while the remaining property is to be maintained to a height of 12 inches or less. That is a materially looser standard than the flat six-inch rule that applies to improved lots or to any undeveloped parcel smaller than an acre under subsection (3)(b), reflecting that large vacant tracts are harder to mow in full.

The Code defines noxious weeds to include anything listed under Wis. Stat. 0407(1)(b), plus burdock, thistle, ragweed, garlic mustard, buckhorn and poison ivy by name, and destroy means killing the plant, by chemical, cutting or tillage, before it reaches bloom or flower stage. Owners of large vacant parcels still get the same exemptions as improved lots: agricultural land, shoreland within 35 feet of the ordinary high-water mark, environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands and steep slopes, and planned natural landscaping kept entirely on the parcel.

Enforcement follows Section 11-1-21(F)(4): the director of public works or a designee gives written notice by mail or posting, the owner has 48 hours to comply, and after three notices in a calendar year on one property the Village stops warning and simply cuts and bills.