By 
April 30, 2025
As spring turns to summer, the City of Huntsville’s Community Development team knows one thing for sure—grass season is in full swing.
For Housing Specialist Oscar Colorado, that means longer days in neighborhoods across the city, ensuring properties comply with the City’s grass ordinance.
“We’re not here to penalize anyone,” Colorado said. “Our job is to educate and encourage property owners to care for their homes and neighborhoods.”
That starts with one simple step: keeping your grass trimmed.
According to the City ordinance, grass and weeds must be below 8 inches tall. Property owners risk receiving a notice of violation if grass grows taller than that. As Colorado said, the intent isn’t punishment, it’s community preservation.
Tall grass can lead to more than just unsightly yards.
“Overgrown grass and weeds can attract rodents, snakes, and mosquitoes,” said Scott Erwin, Community Development Manager. “It’s also a fire hazard and can hurt neighborhood property values. We want Huntsville to be a clean, safe and welcoming place for everyone.”
If your grass exceeds the height limit, a housing specialist will issue a notice of violation, giving you time to mow before further action is taken. Housing specialists typically write 3,600 citations per year for grass violations.
“Our team gives property owners a chance to address the issue,” Colorado explained. “We understand that life gets busy. That’s why we always start with education and outreach.”
If the issue remains unresolved after the grace period, the City may step in to mow the property and issue a bill for the work.
Tips to Stay in Compliance
To help residents avoid potential violations, Community Development offers these easy tips:
- Mow regularly. Set a schedule, especially during rainy weeks when grass grows faster.
- Inspect your property’s edges. Keep sidewalks, curbs and fence lines clear of overgrown weeds.
- Help neighbors in need. If you have an elderly or disabled neighbor, consider offering to mow or connect them with assistance.
- Report concerns. Citizens concerned about ordinance violations can contact Community Development at (256) 427-5400 or utilize the Huntsville Connect app, available via the web or for download on your mobile device.
Erwin emphasized the broader impact of these efforts.
“Clean, well-maintained yards send a message that we care about our neighborhoods,” he said. “It’s a small act that has a big impact on community pride and public health.”
