The Program

For 2025, the City of Fort Wayne's Tall Grass/Weed Program began May 19. Neighborhood Code Compliance is responsible for enforcing the program, which requires weeds or grass to be no taller than nine inches on residential and commercial properties with the City limits.

The public can report possible violations by calling 311 or 260-427-8311, or by submitting information online at: https://fortwayne.thesmartcity311.com/. Individuals reporting a possible violation must provide the property's street address.

Neighborhood Code Compliance employs eight seasonal, part-time inspectors who respond to concerns from the public but also act proactively to identify high grass and weeds, particularly along high-traffic corridors.

When inspectors determine there is a violation, they take date-stamped electronic photos and post a placard on the cited property. As a courtesy, an abate notice is then mailed to the owner of record, providing five days to correct the violation. After this period, the City's mowing contractors inspect the property for compliance. If the property is still in violation, the contractors mow the grass and take date-stamped before- and-after photos. The owner will then be charged for the mowing; if the invoice is not paid within 30 days, a lien will be placed on the property.

Example of a tall grass and weed violation in the City of Fort Wayne