Weeded Lot

Article 13, Title 6, of the Anne Arundel County Code states that a homeowner, occupant, or person in control of real property may not allow or maintain on their property a growth of weeds or grass that is 12 inches or higher.

The Weeded Lot program is a seasonal program and runs mid April to mid October every year. 

Talk Grass
flow chart depicting the time frame of the weeded lot process

Process In Steps

  1. Assign Investigation (Day 1)

    Assign Inspector to Investigate

  2. First Investigation (Within 3 Days)

    Investigate and photograph property

  3. First Letter (Within 2 Days)
  4. Second Letter (3 Days Later)

    Mail the same letter a second time via certified mail

  5. Second Investigation (14 Days Later)

    Investigate and photograph property

  6. Schedule Mowing (Within 2 Days)

    Review investigation photos and notes, assign contractor to mow

  7. Mowing (Within 5 Days)

    Contractor mows, taking before and after photographs

  8. Third Investigation (Within 3 Days)

    Inspect Contractor's mowing

  9. Billing

There are some exemptions to the weeded lot law such as agricultural property, natural wooded areas, and areas publicly owned and preserved as natural areas, open space or for recreation. However, there are no current exemptions for residents desiring to classify their yard as a meadow, pollinator habitat, low-impact landscaping, or other alternatives that would justify a height over the 12” inch limit specified in County Code. 

Once a report is received, an inspector investigates the request to verify that the property is in violation of County Code. If the property is found to be in violation of County Code, notification is sent to the property owner via a certified letter that the lot needs to be cut. In most cases, property owners resolve the violation upon notice. If the property owner does not comply, the property will be scheduled to be cut by the County's Contractor and the property owner is invoiced for all charges, including overhead. 

Not paying the invoice could result in a tax lien on the property. It can cost a property owner as much as $500 each time they fail to cut their property. Additionally, this violation of the County Code carries civil penalties up to $1,000.

Report A Weeded Lot

You can report a weeded lot from your mobile device.

Get the Mobile App for iOS or Android devices: 

Apple App Store
Google Play

To report a weeded lot, please call (410) 222-7321. We are available to take your call Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.