Nuisance Grass/Weeds

Nuisance Weeds/Grass Program

Nuisance Grass/Weed Program

Vacant lots, yards, sidewalks and alleys overgrown with tall weeds are not only unsightly, but they can harbor rodents and reptiles and the most dangerous - become a fire hazard. The City of Great Falls has an annual "nuisance weed program" to help eliminate this problem. The program runs from May through October (depending on the weather).  Each year approximately 2,500 letters are sent to property owners with weed violations.

Please be considerate of your neighbors and keep your property clear of weeds and debris.  If you are able, help a friend or neighbor in need.  If you are going to be out of town for an extended period of time make arrangements to have someone take care of your property.  Great Falls is a beautiful City; please help us keep it looking GREAT!

If you do receive a violation notice and need to discuss it, please call or 406-771-1401.  We can't work with you unless you contact us. Do not ignore the violation notice.  If you feel you have received a violation notice in error please call and the situation can be discussed.

Please Note:

There are areas throughout the City of Great Falls that are County, State and BNSF (Burlington Northern Railroad) right-of-ways and lots.  These areas will be maintained by the County 406-454-6920, State 406-454-5880 and BNSF not by the City of Great Falls.  If you are concerned about an area that is not being maintained please call 406-727-8637, or 406-771-1401 and leave a message with a return phone number and the area will be checked.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is a grass/weed violation?        Grass, weeds and any uncared for vegetation growing to a height in excess of eight inches on any property within the City limits.

  • What happens if you do not cut your grass/weeds or uncared for vegetation?   Properties found not to be in compliance are noted and scheduled for cutting by City crews.  A courtesy notice (where possible) is placed at the property as notification the property has been placed on the cutting list.  Photographs are taken by the weed investigator before and after cutting is completed.  Owners are billed at $200/hour (1 hour minimum) for actual time spent correcting the violation.  Any fines not paid to the City of Great Falls are subject to collection.  To receive updated information to payoff past due charges call Taxes/SID's at 406-455-8477.

  • How do I report a nuisance grass/weed violation?     Violations can be reported on the PAR-TNER Line 406-727-8637, or by calling the Public Works Operations Office at 406-771-1401.  All information is kept confidential.  The Weed Notification Form can also be used.
  • Are dandelions considered a nuisance weed?     Dandelions are not considered nuisance weeds unless they grow to a height in excess of eight inches.
  • Is spraying part of the ordinance?     The ordinance does not require properties be sprayed, only that they be cut.  This includes City parks.
  • If I have an alley am I responsible for that area maintenance?  Yes, anything adjacent to a property from the front boulevard through to the alley/easement if there is one.  City Code 8.32.200 - Alley Maintenance.
  • I notified the weed investigator on a property and nothing has happened yet?     The process takes time.  Investigating the violation, notifying the property owner and then the time allowed to correct the situation.  There are other reasons the process can be delayed:  bad weather, change of ownership, foreclosure etc.  You can contact the weed investigator regarding a property and an update will be provided.  Don't wait until a property is 3 feet tall before it is reported.  The violation will only continue to get worse until the process is completed.  The sooner the process is started the sooner it will be taken care of.  If the City will be cutting the property it is usually a 2-3 week process from the time the notice is sent out.
  • If a property is reported and cut but is once again in violation do I need to report it again?     Yes, each violation has its own case number.  Once a property has been cut that case will be closed and a new case will be opened for each new violation.
  • I have sprayed the weeds; do I still need to cut them?     Yes, once the spray has been applied let it work for 3-4 days and then cut the area.  If you need more time please call 406-771-1401.
  • What can I spray that won't hurt the trees and grass?     2,4-D is the recommended spray.  It can be purchased at local farm/ranch supply stores.
  • The spray I am using does not seem to be working, what can I do?     The spray may be old or may have been frozen if it sat in the garage all winter.  Weeds can also become immune to the same chemicals.  Try some new spray or different chemicals and see if that helps.  The County Weed & Mosquito Superintendent is also a good source for advice at 406-454-6920.
  • What are the main nuisance weeds reported in Great Falls?     The number one weed reported is the dandelion which is not considered a nuisance weed.  However, some dandelions that have been in place for some time can grow taller than eight inches and can then be considered a nuisance weed.  Other nuisance weeds seen around Great Falls are Kochia (which turns into a tumbleweed when dried out) and white and yellow sweet clover.
  • What about Noxious Weeds?  What are the main problems in Great Falls?  What is the State Noxious Weed Law?    Montana's Noxious Weed Law, MCA 7-22-2116, MCA 7-22-2153. Information on identification, control methods and management plans is available through the Cascade County Weed District.  The Weed Investigator, if notified of noxious weeds on a property in the City limits, sends a violation notice and a copy of the Noxious Weed Management Brochure.  The noxious weed is identified and noted that it should be pulled, or sprayed and then cut.  The main noxious weeds in Great Falls are Thistle, Bindweed, Knapweed, Whitetop, Leafy Spurge, Dalmatian Toadflax, Hounds Tongue and Curly Dock.
  • Who do I notify on Noxious Weeds?     In the City limits call 406-771-1401. Outside the City limits or for questions regarding Noxious Weeds contact the County Weed & Mosquito Superintendent at 406-454-6920.
  • What about "Natural Landscaping, Native Plants and Grasses"?  These areas are handled as a case by case basis.  There can not be any nuisance/noxious weeds on the property.  There must be a clear path in the public right-of-way.  There can not be any clear vision triangle issues.  Please note these areas can become fire hazards.
  • Leaf Removal?  Leaf removal within the Boulevard District takes place annually during the months of October and November.  Homeowners within the Boulevard District are responsible for raking their leaves onto the boulevard prior to their scheduled leaf pickup day.  Schedule is subject to change due to inclement weather.    If you have any questions please call Park & Recreation - Forestry Division at 406-771-1265.  For those residing outside the Boulevard District and are City Sanitation customers you can discard your leaves on your regular garbage collection day.  Bag or box these materials and put them 4' from the regular sanitation container for collection.  Please do not place leaves in City garbage containers.

History

The City of Great Falls Nuisance Weed Program began on August 25, 1969.  A special committee recommended a weed policeman enforce an ordinance regulating the growth of nuisance weeds.  The following year a specific ordinance was adopted.  The weed ordinance is in the Great Falls Municipal Code Book, Chapter 8.11.

Program Process

The process begins as a complaint, an on-site inspection, and determining legal ownership of the property.  A notification of nuisance weed violations is prepared.  Owners are given 7 business days from the day the notice is posted or mailed.  After the allotted time for compliance has expired, properties are once again inspected.  A door hanger will serve as notification the City will be cutting the property.

Tips on lawn care

  • Keep trimmed at least once every 2-3 weeks, but don't cut too short or that will stress out the grass and kill any new grass trying to grow.  The best height is 2-2.5" in spring and fall, and 2.3-3" in the summer.  During hot, dry spells keep the grass a little higher so less watering will be needed.  It is best not to cut more than 1/3 of the total grass height at one time.
  • Keep the grass watered, early morning is best.  Dry, bare areas invite weeds.
  • If possible spray your property yourself or have a professional spray for weeds.  This does help maintain a healthy lawn but is not a requirement of the City ordinance.
  • If you are going to be out of town for an extended period of time make arrangements to have someone care for your property.
  • New developments need required landscaping within (1) year.

Other property related questions?

  • Street Lamp Out:  
    •  The Street Light Locator page will help you find the proper entity to contact for a street lamp outage.
  • Rubbish:  Rubbish, junk vehicles and/or debris on properties in the City limits contact the Community Development Code Enforcement Tech at 406-455-8574.   Code Enforcement addresses property complaints relative to rubbish, junk vehicles, property maintenance, graffiti, and other related issues.
  • Junk/Abandoned Vehicles or CVT Parking Issues (Clear Vision Triangle):  Junk/abandoned vehicles parked on the street or a vehicle blocking vision contact the GF Police Department Dispatch Non-Emergency Line at 406-455-8599 .  Please have as much information as possible for the dispatcher: address, color, make, model, type (car, truck, van), and if possible a license plate number.  Or you can fill out a Community Online Citizen Request Form.
  • Snow Shoveling:  residential sidewalks not shoveled within 24 hours after a snow storm or commercial business sidewalks not shoveled within 12 hours after a snow storm contact Community Development Code Enforcement at 406-455-8574.
    • If you are leaving town have someone shovel while you are gone.  It helps make it look like someone is home!
    • If you have a neighbor that is not shoveling, help out if you can.  They may be elderly or not feeling well.
  • Camper/Trailers:  Camper/trailers parked on the street that are in violation of one or more of the following, please call Dispatch Non-Emergency at 406-455-8599.
    • The trailer must be parked more than 5 feet from a driveway
    • It must be parked more than 30 feet from an intersection on the approach
    • It must be parked more than 20 feet from an intersection on the departure
    • It must be parked within 18 inches of the curb, but not up on it
    • It must be parked more than 10 feet from a hydrant
    • It must display current license plates
    • It cannot remain upon the street for more than five consecutive days without being moved
  • For Code Enforcement issues in the county contact Kevin Nurre, Cascade County Code Enforcement Officer at 406-454-6905

Public Right-of-Way

  • Public Right-of-Way
    • Fences
      • In Public Right-of-Way call Public Works 406-771-1401
      • On private property call Planning & Community Development 406-455-8574
    • CVT Clear Vision Triangle
      • Fences call Public Works 406-771-1401
      • Vegetation:  bushes, trees call Park & Rec Forestry at 406-771-1265
    • Boulevard Encroachments
      • Call Public Works 406-771-1401

City Codes on Weeds, Boulevards, Fencing and Landscaping

              Nuisance Weeds 8.11
              Boulevards 12.1.010 through 12.3.020
              International Property Maintenance Code 16
              Fences 17.20.7.040
              Landscaping 17.44
 

Supporting Documents

PDF icon Noxious Weed Management Brochure (192 KB)
PDF icon Neighborhood Guide (2 MB)

Web Links

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