Nashville, TN Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Weed height limit
- 12 inches maximum
- Covers
- occupied and vacant lots
- Cure period
- 10 days after notice
- Max fine
- $250 per lot
- Enforcer
- Dept. of Codes Administration
Summary
Metro Nashville bars excessive vegetation and debris on any lot, occupied or vacant; weeds over twelve inches violate the code, and Codes Administration enforces it by notice, cleanup and lien.
No person shall create, maintain or permit to maintain the excessive growth of any vegetation, including trees, vines, grass, underbrush and/or the accumulation of debris, trash, litter or garbage, or any combination of those elements, so as to endanger the health, safety or welfare of the citizens of the metropolitan government or to encourage the infestation of rats or other harmful rodents or animals.B.All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds in excess of twelve inches so as not to endanger the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the metropolitan government. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than ornamental grasses, trees or shrubs; provided, however, this term shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens.C.Subject to Section 13.12.190, natural landscaping may be allowed if an intentional design for vegetative growth is on file with and approved by both the metropolitan beautification commission horticulturist and the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure's chief traffic engineer or his/her designee. (Amdt. 1 to Ord. BL2025-995 § 2, 2025; Ord. BL2025-995 § 2, 2025; Ord. BL2018-1256 § 1, 2018; Ord. BL2017-867 § 1, 2017)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 53 | Charter: Republication 9).
Full Breakdown
Metropolitan Code of Laws § 10.28.010 bans excessive growth of vegetation, trees, vines, grass, underbrush, plus accumulated debris, trash, litter or garbage on any property in Davidson County, including weeds over twelve inches. Section 10.28.040 makes clear the chapter reaches both occupied and unoccupied (vacant) properties. The Department of Codes Administration mails the owner of record a notice to remedy under § 10.28.050 (or publishes notice if no address is on file); if the lot isn't cleared within ten days and no appeal is filed, the department may clear it and bill the owner under § 10.28.060.
Violations & Fines
Noncompliance after notice draws a fine of up to $50 per day, capped at $250 per lot, plus the city can clear the lot itself and record a lien against the property for the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule cover an empty, unbuilt lot in Nashville?
What happens if I ignore the notice to clean up?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nashville
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