Pennsylvania Statewide Rule
Pennsylvania Noxious Weed Control Law Statewide
Key Facts
- Statute
- Act 46 of 2017
- Code
- 7 Pa. Code Ch. 110
- Enforcement
- PA Department of Agriculture
- Coverage
- All Pennsylvania property
Summary
The Pennsylvania Controlled Plant and Noxious Weed Act requires all property owners statewide to control designated noxious weeds, preempting any conflicting local exemptions.
A person subject to a control order issued under section 1517 (relating to control orders) shall comply with the control order within the time frame specified in the control order or, if appealed, the time frame established in the final adjudication of the secretary. The cost of the treatment measures shall be borne by the person subject to the control order.
Full Breakdown
Act 46 of 2017 (Controlled Plant and Noxious Weed Act) and its regulations at 7 Pa. Code Chapter 110 designate noxious weeds like Japanese knotweed, mile-a-minute, and giant hogweed. All landowners must control or eradicate listed plants. The Department of Agriculture enforces statewide and can issue compliance orders. Local governments cannot exempt properties from these baseline state duties.
Violations & Penalties
Failure to control noxious weeds can result in PDA-issued abatement orders; civil penalties up to $500 per violation, with state-conducted control billed to property owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plants are noxious weeds in Pennsylvania?
Can my township ignore noxious weed rules?
Sources
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