Ohio Statewide Rule

Ohio Noxious Weeds Law Applies Statewide

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Ohio (2026)

Ohio Revised Code 971.33 and 5579.04 require landowners to cut noxious weeds, with township trustees authorized to enter property and assess removal costs against the parcel as a tax lien.

Key Facts

Statute: ORC 5579.04
Noxious List: OAC 901:5-37
Enforcement: Township trustees
Cost Recovery: Tax lien on parcel

Source: Ohio Laws & Administrative Rules

Full Breakdown

Ohio designates specific noxious weeds by rule of the Director of Agriculture, including Canada thistle, Johnson grass, poison hemlock, and giant ragweed. ORC 5579.04 obligates township trustees to give notice and cut weeds at owner expense if uncut. Municipalities can adopt stricter local height ordinances, but the noxious-weed designation and lien-collection mechanism applies uniformly. The cost becomes a lien collected with property taxes.

Violations & Penalties

Removal cost plus administrative fees assessed as a property tax lien collected with real estate taxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What weeds are noxious under Ohio state law?

The Ohio Department of Agriculture lists Canada thistle, Johnson grass, poison hemlock, giant ragweed, common ragweed, mile-a-minute weed, and several others under Ohio Administrative Code 901:5-37-01.

Can the township enter my property to cut weeds?

Yes. After written notice and a reasonable period to comply, township trustees may enter under ORC 5579.04, cut the weeds, and assess actual costs plus administrative fees as a lien.

Sources

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Full Breakdown

Frequently Asked Questions

What weeds are noxious under Ohio state law?

Can the township enter my property to cut weeds?

Yes. After written notice and a reasonable period to comply, township trustees may enter under ORC 5579.04, cut the weeds, and assess actual costs plus administrative fees as a lien.