In unincorporated Chatham County, it is unlawful to allow overgrown grass or weeds to reach a height of eighteen (18) inches or more, per Property Maintenance Ordinance §21-502. Owners get written notice with ten days to cut before the county mows and bills them.
Section 21-502 of the Code of Chatham County prohibits any overgrown grass or weeds of a height of eighteen (18) inches or more, or any other unkempt vegetation, in any front, side, or rear yard. The rule applies in residential zones and abutting zones (§21-503). Building Safety & Regulatory Services investigates complaints; owners receive a written citation and ten days to abate (§21-504). If the overgrowth is not cut, the county may mow it with county forces or a contractor and assess the cost, plus administrative and equipment charges, against the owner (§21-506, §21-507). Cities such as Savannah and Tybee Island set their own grass-height limits.
After ten days' notice, the county may mow and charge all costs to the owner (§21-506); unpaid charges become a recorded lien (§21-508). Fines reach $500 and/or 30 days (§21-509).
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See how Chatham County's weeds & overgrown grass rules stack up against other locations.
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