Sumter County, SC Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Nuisance trigger
- Weeds/debris within 100 feet of a residence
- Governing sections
- Sumter County Code §§ 22-104 through 22-110
- Notice period
- 15 calendar days to cut or remove
- Enforcement
- County Public Works abates and liens the property
- Repeat violation
- Second notice in 12 months is separate misdemeanor
Summary
Sumter County treats overgrown weeds, rank vegetation and debris on any occupied or unoccupied lot in the unincorporated area as a public nuisance once it stands within 100 feet of a residence. Sec. 22-104 and Sec. 22-105 make the growth unlawful, and the county can send written notice, then abate the lot itself and lien the property for the cost.
The county finds that weeds, rank vegetation over one foot high, or other debris which is allowed to accumulate and remain on any real property within the county within 100 feet of a residence is a common nuisance and a health hazard, since such growth or debris encourages the multiplication of mosquitoes, flies and rodents and increases the likelihood of fires. ... It shall be unlawful for any owner or occupant, or any agent, representative or employee of such owner having control of any occupied or unoccupied real property within any of the unincorporated areas of the county to permit on any such real property any growth of such weeds or other rank vegetation or the accumulation of other debris closer than 100 feet from a residence other than the residence of the owner of the property where such weeds or other rank vegetation or other accumulation of other debris is situated.
Full Breakdown
Article V of Chapter 22 defines weeds and rank vegetation as dense, uncultivated, herbaceous overgrowth over one foot in height, or briers and trailing vines exceeding ten feet, and treats their accumulation, along with debris such as refuse, rubbish, trash, garbage or building materials, as a nuisance under Sec. 22-104 because it breeds mosquitoes, flies and rodents and raises fire risk. Sec. 22-105 makes it unlawful for an owner, occupant, agent or employee in control of any occupied or unoccupied real property in the unincorporated county, which covers vacant and undeveloped lots, to let that growth or debris stand within 100 feet of a residence other than the owner's own home on the same lot.
Under Sec. 22-106 the owner has an ongoing duty to cut or remove the growth or debris as often as necessary. If the county finds a violation, Sec. 22-107 lets it serve written notice by hand delivery, registered mail or posting on the premises; Sec. 22-108 gives the owner 15 calendar days to comply before a first violation becomes a misdemeanor punishable under Sec. 1-8, and a second violation within 12 months after a compliant response is also charged as a misdemeanor. Sec. 22-109 lets the county's public works department enter the vacant lot after the 15-day window, cut and remove the growth or debris itself, and place the cost as a lien collected the same way as county property taxes. An owner may also request the work in advance under Sec. 22-110 by paying the county's set fee before the deadline runs.
Violations & Fines
Failing to comply with a written notice within 15 calendar days is a misdemeanor under Sec. 22-108, punishable per the Sec. 1-8 general penalty of up to $500.00 and 30 days in jail. A second lapse within 12 months after complying is also a separate misdemeanor. The county's Public Works Department can then cut the lot itself under Sec. 22-109 and place the cost as a tax lien on the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the vacant lot weed rule apply if no one lives on my lot?
How much notice does Sumter County give before enforcing?
What if the county has to clear my lot itself?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sumter County
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