Billings, MT Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Weed height trigger
- over 12 inches
- Required cut height
- 4 inches or less
- Compliance season
- April 30 - Sept 30
- First city cutting penalty
- $25, rising to $75
- Coverage radius
- within 150 ft of developed land
Summary
Billings requires owners of vacant and undeveloped lots to keep weeds and untended vegetation under 12 inches tall, cutting back to 4 inches or less, or the city cuts it and bills the owner.
Undeveloped parcel. It shall be the duty of every owner of an undeveloped parcel to cut, or remove, or cause to be cut, or removed, all nuisance weeds in excess of twelve (12) inches in height growing thereon and upon one-half (½) of any road, street or alley abutting this property to a height of four (4) inches or less on property located within one hundred fifty (150) feet of any developed parcel, road, or park.(3)Traffic hazards. All nuisance weeds on any parcel shall also comply with and be subject to all requirements imposed under section 27-615, concerning visibility at intersections, alleys and drive approaches.(4)City property. The city administrator shall designate responsibility for cutting or removal of nuisance weeds on city properties to the appropriate city department(s). (Ord. No. 08-5461, § 3, 4-28-08; Ord. No. 12-5564, § 3, 5-14-12)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Billings Municipal Code Article 25-300 makes weeds and untended vegetation over 12 inches tall a public nuisance. Owners of undeveloped (vacant) parcels must cut or remove nuisance weeds to 4 inches or less if the lot lies within 150 feet of a developed parcel, road, or park, including the abutting half of any street or alley. The city publishes notice each spring; owners must clear growth by April 30 and keep it clear through September 30. If an owner misses the 10-day compliance window after a violation notice, the city cuts the weeds itself and assesses the cost as a special tax lien.
Violations & Fines
Municipal infraction with civil penalties (Sec. 18-1304). City cutting costs plus a 25% admin fee and a $25-$75 escalating per-cutting penalty are assessed as a lien on the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do vacant lot weeds become a violation in Billings?
What if I don't cut the weeds after notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Billings
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