Norman, OK Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Property Maintenance Code § 302.4
- Height limit
- 12 inches maximum for weeds/plant growth
- Exemptions
- Cultivated flowers, gardens, WQPZ areas
- City abatement
- City may cut weeds, bill owner
- Penalty basis
- Each day of violation is separate offense
Summary
Norman's Property Maintenance Code Section 302.4 requires premises and exterior property be kept free of weeds or plant growth over 12 inches, with noxious weeds banned outright. Cultivated flowers, gardens, and Water Quality Protection Zones are exempt. If an owner ignores a notice of violation, the City may enter the property, cut the weeds, and bill the cost back to the owner.
302.4 Weeds [Amended]. Premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of 12 inches. Noxious weeds shall be prohibited. The term "weeds" means all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs provided; however, the term "weeds" shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens, nor areas designated as Water Quality Protection Zones (WQPZ). Upon failure of the owner or agent having charge of a property to cut and destroy weeds after service of a notice of violation, they shall be subject to prosecution in accordance with section 106.3 and as prescribed by the authority having jurisdiction. Upon failure to comply with the notice of violation, any duly authorized employee of the jurisdiction or contractor hired by the jurisdiction shall be authorized to enter upon the property in violation and cut and destroy the weeds growing thereon, and the costs of such removal shall be paid by the owner or agent responsible for the property.
Full Breakdown
" The section defines "weeds" broadly as "all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs," but exempts "cultivated flowers and gardens" and any area designated a Water Quality Protection Zone (WQPZ), an exemption tied to Norman's Lake Thunderbird watershed protections since the WQPZ overlay restricts mowing and clearing near streams feeding the lake. 3 of the Property Maintenance Code. " This applies equally to vacant lots and occupied properties, since the standard covers all "premises and exterior property" citywide, not just improved parcels with structures.
Violations & Fines
Failing to correct a weeds violation after notice exposes the owner to prosecution under Property Maintenance Code Section 106.3 and the City's penalty and fine schedule under Section 16-602, which allows a fine and/or imprisonment per violation and treats each day the violation continues as a separate offense. Independent of prosecution, the City can send a crew onto the property to cut the weeds and bill the full abatement cost to the owner or responsible agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can weeds get on a vacant lot in Norman before it's a violation?
What happens if I ignore a weed violation notice in Norman?
Are wetland areas near Lake Thunderbird exempt from Norman's weed rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Norman
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