Fishers, IN Property Maintenance: Weeds & Overgrown Grass (2026)

Fishers enforces a strict lawn-height standard under Ordinance 120511A (adopted 2012), administered through the Permitting and Inspection / Code Enforcement division. It is a violation to allow grass, weeds, or other rank or useless vegetation to exceed eight inches in height (measured from the ground), or to allow any vegetation that harbors insects or disease and constitutes a hazard to life, health, or property. The rule does not apply to wetlands, woods, nature preserves, undeveloped areas, storm-water best management practice areas, or agricultural crops such as hay and pasture. The enforcement process is two-tiered: on a first violation the current tenant or property owner receives a notice of violation; once they bring the property into compliance, the city closes the case and records a 'continuous abatement notice' on the property stating that no future notifications will be given for repeat violations of the ordinance. If the property is found in violation again, the city sends it directly to a contractor for mowing, with photographs taken before and after. The department then mails an invoice reflecting the city's mowing cost, the administrative costs of the violation, and the applicable fine. Within ten days of the invoice date, the owner must pay all amounts owed or file a written appeal with the City Court.