On a lot two acres or less that is next to a home or business, grass and weeds may not exceed 18 inches on more than 10 percent of the property. Larger lots must keep vegetation under 18 inches within 200 feet of an adjacent developed parcel.
Polk County Ordinance 08-047, Section 6(d), governs overgrown vacant lots in unincorporated areas. For lots two acres or less adjacent to a parcel with a residential or commercial building, grass or weeds may not exceed 18 inches from the ground on more than 10 percent of the property. On lots larger than two acres, vegetation must stay under 18 inches within 200 feet of an adjacent developed parcel. Agricultural-use lots get a narrower 25-foot perimeter standard along developed neighbors. Code Enforcement issues notice; if the owner fails to mow, the county abates and liens the cost.
Failure to abate lets Polk County mow the lot and record the cost as a lien on the non-ad-valorem assessment roll, accruing interest from the abatement date.
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See how Polk County's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
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