In unincorporated Knox County, grass and weeds overgrown by more than 12 inches in a residential area violate the county's dirty lot ordinance. Code Administration inspects on complaint, posts violations, and can bill cleanup costs to the owner if the property is not mowed after notice.
Knox County's overgrown-grass rule is enforced by Code Administration. Per the Dirty Lot Fact Sheet, when grass is overgrown by more than 12 inches in a residential area, it is in violation of the dirty lot ordinance, and lawns need to be maintained. A Code Enforcement Officer inspects the property after a complaint; if it is in violation, the property is posted and/or the owner is notified by certified mail. Ten days after the violation the property is re-inspected for conformance, and large cleanup jobs may be given 30 days. City of Knoxville and Town of Farragut residents follow their municipality's own grass-height and weed rules.
If the owner does not comply after reasonable time, the property is turned over to Engineering and Public Works for mowing/cleanup, and the incurred cost is billed to the property owner.
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