Modern Mississauga and the City of Mississauga have come together to present an ongoing series called “Ask the City.”
We’ll share relevant information here and answer your questions about our city.

Today’s question is about cutting grass on your property.

Who is responsible for cutting the grass that is beyond a yard fence and on the boulevard side of the sidewalk and how is it enforced?

The City of Mississauga’s Compliance and Licensing Enforcement staff receives roughly 1,600 complaints per year about tall grass and weeds on private property.

As a homeowner, you are responsible to cut, clean and clear your property of all tall grass and nuisance weeds like giant hogweed, ragweed or hemlock, including the area beyond the fence and boulevard side of the sidewalk. Grass cannot exceed 20 centimetres in height. It’s part of The Nuisance Weed and Tall Grass Control By-law 125-17.

Enforcement is done throughout Mississauga by the City’s Compliance and Licensing Enforcement staff. Upon complaint, an officer will attend the location to confirm the violation of the by-law. A Notice of Contravention (NOC) is issued to the homeowner if the property is in violation giving 10 days to comply. The officer will then re-inspect the area after the timeframe of the NOC.

If the homeowner still does not clear their property, then a private contractor will be hired by the City to cut the long grass and weeds. The bill will be sent over to the owner. If the owner does not pay the bill, the value will be added to their property tax as an added expense. Repeat offenders may be taken to court if the problem persists.

In 2018, the City cut tall grasses on nuisance weeds on approximately 200 properties.

Thank you for your co-operation in complying with the Nuisance Weeds and Tall Grass by-law. Learn more about tall grass and nuisance weeds and you can find the list of all nuisance weeds in the by-law attachment on page 5.

If you’ve got a question about the City, we want to hear from you!
Please send your questions to info@modernmississauga.com with “Ask the City” in the subject line.