With rising complaints and concern over invasive bamboo species, many municipalities across the United States have began imposing fines for those who choose to let the bamboo on their property grow rampant. Read the list below tomake sure you are not violating the law.
New York
[toggle title=”Smithtown”]No owner, tenant or occupier of property anywhere within the Town of Smithtown shall cause, suffer or allow bamboo to be planted, maintained or otherwise permitted to exist within 10 feet of any property line, street, sidewalk or public right of way. Bamboo Ordinance Smithtown, NY. Read more about the Smithtown Bamboo Ordinance here[/toggle]
[toggle title=”Huntington”]The owner of property in the Town of Huntington having running Bamboo located upon it is responsible for either removing the Bamboo or taking reasonable measures to confine the bamboo to their own property and to prevent the encroachment, spread, invasion or intrusion of Bamboo onto adjoining or neighboring properties. Residents have the benefit of a six month moratorium to clear and/or contain their bamboo before any penalty provisions begin. Bamboo Ordinance Huntington, NY. Read more about the Huntington Bamboo Ordinance here. [/toggle]
New Jersey
[toggle title=”Brick”]Brick Councilman Dan Toth has introduced a bamboo ordinance for Brick New Jersey after several residents have refused to do anything about their running bamboo. The bamboo quickly spreads and has the potential to break through concrete, damaging the structures of homes and pools. Brick NJ ordinance. For more information visit the Brick Township Website.[/toggle]
[toggle title=”Lacey”]An ordinance has been approved in that requires residents to control the growth and spreading of invasive plant species including bamboo or pay fines. After Toms River NJ ordinance.[/toggle]
[toggle title=”Lake Como”]An ordinance is in the works for Lake Como, New Jersey after residents have been complaining that bamboo is ruining their property and existing vegetation. While bamboo does have some positive aspects it must be contained properly to prevent it from spreading and destroying everything in its path. Bamboo Ordinance Lake Como, NJ.[/toggle]
[toggle title=”Raritan”]Raritan residents are currently pushing for a bamboo ordinance to curb the spread and growth of this highly invasive plant. The ordinance would require property owners to remove all invasive plant species including bamboo. Raritan NJ ordinance.[/toggle]
[toggle title=”Tom’s River”]Toms River has introduced an ordinance that would require property owners to keep plants within their property lines or pay for the cost of removal plus additional fines. These fines could be in excess of $1,000. Toms River NJ ordinance.[/toggle]
Pennsylvania
[toggle title = “Concord”] According to Chairperson Dominic Pileggi, Concord’s ordinance will be similar to other surrounding townships regarding invasive plant species, mainly concerning bamboo. “We see it growing and encroaching on roadways and other people’s yards,” Pileggi says, and something needs to be done about it. Ordinance Concord, PA. [/toggle]
[toggle title=”Haverford”]Haverford has enacted a bamboo ordinance with the purpose of protecting and preserving private and public property from the damaging spread of certain running bamboo grasses, protecting indigenous plant materials from the invasive spread of running bamboo, and maintaining the general welfare of the residents of Haverford Township.[/toggle]
[toggle title = “Middletown”] Middletown, PA has began to research ordinances adopted by surrounding municipalities that deal with invasive plant species such as bamboo. Recently much concern has been raised after bamboo has quickly and destructively spread over property lines. Although bamboo acts as a visual barrier, the unseen roots can grow through concrete and cause havoc. [/toggle]
[toggle title = “West Bradford”] West Bradford, PA has enacted an ordinance to prohibit bamboo along a public highway, regulate the growing of bamboo species and to prohibit the growth and maintenance of any bamboo within 40 feet of the edge of pavement or traveled portion of any public roadway in West Bradford Township. [/toggle]
[toggle title = “Nether Providence”]
Subject to the exemptions set forth in this chapter, no persons, property owners or tenants shall plant, cause to grow or cultivate any bamboo on any lot or parcel of ground located in the boundaries of Nether Providence Township, subject to the following exceptions:
The root system of the bamboo plants are entirely contained within an aboveground planter, barrel or other container of such design, material and location as to prevent the spread of the bamboos’ root system beyond the confines of the container that it is planted in; or
The root system is planted in the ground but is entirely contained within a barrier, constructed in accordance the following specifications. Compliance with these specifications is subject to inspection by the Code Enforcement Officer.
The barrier itself shall be composed of a high-density polypropylene or polyethylene, with a thickness of at least 40 mL;
The barrier shall be secured and joined together by stainless steel clamps or stainless steel closure strips designed to be used with such barriers;
The barrier shall be installed at least 30 inches deep;
At least three inches of the barrier must protrude above ground level around the entire perimeter of the bamboo;
The barrier shall slant outward from bottom to top. Whether planted or growing in a container, as described herein, all bamboo plants shall be located, trimmed and maintained so that no part of the plant is closer than 10 feet from any property line. [/toggle]
[toggle title = “Upper Darby”] Upper Darby, PA has a bamboo ordinance in talks that will limit or force residents to remove and/or contain invasive bamboo species on their property.[/toggle]
[toggle title = “Doylestown”]
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of Doylestown Township, at a public hearing, has
determined that amendments to Chapter 62, Brush, Grass and Weeds, of the Doylestown
Township Code are in the best interest of the Township and its residents;
NOW, THEREFORE, be it ORDAINED and ENACTED that the Doylestown
Township Code, Chapter 62, is amended as hereinafter set forth:
Section 1. The provisions of Chapter 62, Brush, Grass and Weeds, of the Doylestown
Township Code are hereby amended by deleting same and in lieu thereof, providing as follows:
Section 62.1. Title. This chapter will be known and may be cited as the
“Doylestown Township Brush, Grass and Weed Ordinance.”
Section 62.2. Purpose. Doylestown Township hereby recognizes that the
growth of a variety of vegetation within Township boundaries promotes diversity and
enriches the quality of life for all Township residents. This ordinance is intended to
promote the control of brush, grass, weeds and noxious vegetation in Doylestown
Township so as to prevent the spread of noxious weeds, to reduce the amount of natural
irritants and pollens in the air, to control rodents and other vectors, and to improve the
aesthetic quality of the Township. Therefore, it is the intent of this chapter to encourage
the use of wildflower and other native plants while at the same time ensuring that noxious
vegetative growth does not become a threai to the public health, safety and welfare.
Section 62.3. Definitions. NOXIOUS WEED – A plant that is determined to
be injurious to public health, crops, livestock, agricultural land or other property. Such
weeds are listed on Pennsylvania’s Noxious Weed Control List (as amended) and may
include additional plants that are considered locally injurious as listed in $ 62-4 below.Section 62.4. Certain Weeds Restricted. No person, fitrm, corporation or other
entity owning or occupying any property within the Township of Doylestown, Bucks
County, Pennsylvania, shall permit the following noxious weeds, in accordance with Title
7 Agriculture Chapter 110 of the PA Code, as amended, to grow or remain upon such
premises so as to exceed a height of eight (8) inches. Any noxious weeds or other
vegetation as described in this chapter which are growing upon any premises in the
Township in violation of any of the provisions of this section are hereby declared to be a
nuisance and detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of the residents of Doylestown
Township. The list is as follows:
Arrrbrosia anem i s i ifo I ia
Ambrosia trifida
Cannabis sativa
Carduus nutans
Celastus orbiculatus
Cirsium arvensc
Cirsium vulgare
Datura stramonium
Euonymus alatus
Galega officinalis
Herac I eum manle gazzianum
Lythrum salicaria and L. virgatum
Phyllostachys spp.
Pueraria montana
Common Rag.øeed
Giant Ragweed/Great Ragweed
Marijuana
Musk Thistle / Noddins Thistle
Oriental Bittersweet
Canada Thistle
Bull Thistle / Spear Thistle
Jimson Weed
Winged Euonymus
Goat’s Rue
Giant Hogweed
Purple Loostrife
Bamboo
Kudzu
Polygonum perfoliatum Mile-a-Minute Weed
Rosa multiflora Multiflora Rose
Sorghum bicolor ssp, drummondii Shattercane
Sorghum halepense Johnsongrass
Toxicodendron radicans Poison Ivy
Vitis spp. Abandoned GraPevines*
*Grapevine (Vitis spp.) shall be considered abandoned and a noxious weed when
not pruned, sprayed, cultivated or otherwise maintained ior two (2) or more
consecutive years.
Section 62.5. Cutting or Trimming Required. The owner of any premises, as
to vacant premises or premises occupied by the owner, and the occupant thereof, in
addition to the owner in the case of premises occupied by other than the owner thereof,
shall trim or cut all grass, noxious weeds, or other uncultivated vegetation located on said
property which violates the provisions of this chapter. Such grass, noxious weeds, orother uncultivated vegetation shall be cut or trimmed within one month prior or
subsequent to May I and October I of each year to a maximum height of eight (8) inches
to limit the production of seed. The owner or occupant as described in this section shall
be required to cut, trim or remove all of the vegetation in violation of this chapter,
notwithstanding that the entire area to be cut, trimmed or removed includes other nonoffending vegetation in addition to vegetation declared to be a nuisance pursuant to $ 624
Section 62.6. Restricted Vegetation. No person, firm, corporation,
partnership, or other legal entity owning or occupying any property within Doylestown
Township shall permit any grass, ìileeds, or other uncultivated herbaceous ..,egetation, to
grow or remain upon such property at a height in excess of eight (8) inches within 25 feet
of any property line or roadway. The growth of any such vegetation within Doylestown
Township in violation of the provisions of this chapter is hereby declared to be a nuisance
and detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of the Township and its residents. The
prohibitions contained in this chapter shall not be applicable to any stormwater facilities
where such prohibitions would be detrimental to the proper functioning of said facilities,
nor shall the same prohibitions be applicable within the boundaries of any riparian
corridor, forest lands or tree lines.
Section 62.7. Exemptions. The following areas shall be exempt from the
cutting or trimming requirements of $ 62-5 except that noxious weeds shall be controlled
within those areas: woodlands, trees, shrubbery, flower beds or gardens, vegetables and
vegetable gardens, wildflower gardens or meadows, steep slopes, wetlands, floodplains,
riparian corridors, areas within 15 feet of a watercourse, pond or lake, land actively
cultivated for crop production or actively utilized as pasture, and areas where stormwater
management or conservation/wildlife management plans have been established.
Section 62.8. Notice to Remove. Whenever on any property the vegetation
prohibited pursuant to $ 62-4 of this chapter shall be permitted to exceed levels as set
forth in $ 62-5 hereof, or upon receipt of a formal written complaint by a resident or
landowner in Doylestown Township, the Township Manager, or his/her designee, shall
cause notice, in writing, to be given to the owner and/or occupant of any property on.[/toggle]
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