Tulsa, OK Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit
- 12 inches for weeds/vegetation
- Notice period
- 10 business days to abate
- City abatement
- City mows, liens property
- Criminal penalty
- Up to $1,200 fine, 180 days jail
Summary
Tulsa bans weeds and rank vegetation over twelve inches on private property and adjoining parking strips, including vacant lots, as a public health nuisance enforceable citywide.
Weeds and other rank growths of vegetation upon private property or adjoining parking, including but not limited to poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac and all vegetation at any state of maturity which: a. Exceeds twelve (12) inches in height, except healthy trees, shrubs or produce for human consumption grown in a tended and cultivated garden unless such trees and shrubbery by their density or location constitute a detriment to the health, benefit and welfare of the public and community or a hazard to traffic or create a fire hazard to the property...
Full Breakdown
Tulsa's nuisance code makes weeds and rank vegetation over twelve inches tall a public nuisance on any private property, including vacant lots, unless it's a cultivated garden, healthy tree, or shrub. The City's Enforcement Official mails a written notice giving the owner ten business days to mow; miss that window and the City mows itself and files a lien against the property for the cost. Owners who let the nuisance continue also risk a separate misdemeanor charge for each day of violation.
Violations & Fines
First offense: notice, then City mows and liens the property if unabated in 10 business days. Ongoing violation: misdemeanor, up to $1,200 fine or 180 days jail per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can weeds get on a vacant lot in Tulsa before it's a violation?
What happens if I don't mow my vacant lot after getting a notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tulsa
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Vacant Lot Maintenance in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle vacant lot maintenance.