Augusta-Richmond County, GA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Weed height limit
- 12 inches maximum
- Cure period
- 14 days after notice
- Notice frequency
- One per parcel per year
- Enforcing agency
- Director of Environmental Services
- Repeat violation
- Abated immediately, no notice
Summary
Augusta-Richmond County prohibits weeds and plant growth over 12 inches, plus trash and stagnant water, on vacant lots and unoccupied parcels; the county can mail one notice, then abate and bill the owner.
No owner of any vacant lot, undeveloped lot or unoccupied parcel of land within Augusta shall permit or allow the existence of excessive accumulation or untended growth of weeds, undergrowth or other plant life grow to a height exceeding twelve (12) inches; or stagnant water, rubbish, garbage, refuse debris, trash... to the extent... such lot, tract or parcel of land is or may reasonably become infested or inhabited by rodents, vermin or wild animals, or may furnish a breeding place for mosquitoes, or threatens or endangers the public health, safety, or welfare...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Recodification).
Full Breakdown
Code § 4-2-2 bars owners of vacant lots, undeveloped lots, and unoccupied parcels within Augusta from letting weeds or other plant growth exceed 12 inches, or letting trash, garbage, debris, or stagnant water accumulate to a point that threatens public health or breeds mosquitoes and rodents. Augusta mails one written notice per parcel each year; if weeds or debris aren't cleared within 14 days, the Director of Environmental Services has the lot cleared and bills the property owner for the cost. Repeat violations within that year get cleared immediately, with no additional notice or grace period.
Violations & Fines
Failure to clear the property lets Augusta abate it and bill the owner for cleanup costs; the enforcement officer can also pursue a misdemeanor case under § 1-6-1.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can weeds get on a vacant lot in Augusta?
What happens if I don't cut weeds after Augusta's notice?
Does this rule apply in Blythe or Hephzibah?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Augusta-Richmond County
Compare Augusta-Richmond County to another location·View the Georgia property maintenance overview
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