Winnipeg Property Maintenance Bylaw - Grass & Weeds

Housing and Building Standards Manitoba 4 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Manitoba

Winnipeg, Manitoba homeowners and tenants must follow municipal property maintenance rules for grass and weeds to keep neighbourhoods safe and healthy. This guide explains how the City treats overgrown vegetation, who enforces standards, common violations, steps to comply, and how to file a complaint. It summarizes what to expect from inspections, orders, and how appeals work so property owners can resolve issues quickly and avoid escalation.

Document the condition with dated photos before you contact by-law enforcement.

Overview

The City of Winnipeg regulates property maintenance to prevent nuisances caused by long grass, weeds, and invasive vegetation. The controlling municipal instrument is the City of Winnipeg property maintenance and nuisance bylaw or related municipal bylaw provisions; consolidated bylaw text or section numbers may be listed on the City site or by-law listings. Where a specific height limit or penalty is not published on the City page, this guide notes that it is "not specified on the cited page." Current as of February 2026.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is carried out by City of Winnipeg By-law Enforcement and Licensing through inspections, orders to remedy, and, where necessary, administrative or court action. Fine amounts and schedules are provided in municipal enforcement schedules where published; if a specific fine for grass or weed violations is not available on the official City bylaw pages, the text below notes that it is "not specified on the cited page." For complaints or service requests, use the City of Winnipeg 311 service for report intake and tracking City of Winnipeg 311[1].

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first offence, repeat and continuing offences are handled through progressive enforcement; specific ranges not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: remedial orders, abatement by the City (work done and charged to the owner), and court enforcement are available.
  • Enforcer: By-law Enforcement and Licensing, with inspections initiated by complaints or proactive patrols.
  • Inspection and complaint pathway: report via 311; inspectors will inspect and issue orders if standards are breached.
  • Appeal/review: municipal review or court appeal routes apply; time limits for appeal are set in the bylaw or order and are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences/discretion: inspectors may consider reasonable excuse, permits, or temporary conditions; variance or permit provisions are handled per municipal procedures.
If the City abates the hazard, costs may be charged to the property owner as a lien or invoice.

Applications & Forms

No dedicated public form for grass or weed abatement is required beyond the standard complaint or service request process; file a report using 311 or the City service request portal. If the City publishes a specific abatement form or permit, it will appear on the City by-law listings or service pages; currently no specific abatement form is specified on the cited page.

Common Violations

  • Grass or weeds above an acceptable height creating sightline or safety hazards.
  • Accumulation of noxious weeds or invasive plants that pose environmental or health risks.
  • Failure to comply with an inspector's order to cut or remove vegetation within the specified time.
Address orders promptly to avoid increased fines or abatement charges.

Action Steps: How to Comply

  • Measure and cut grass and weeds regularly to maintain clear sightlines and reduce pest habitat.
  • If you receive an order, read it carefully; it will state required actions and a compliance timeframe.
  • If you need clarification, contact By-law Enforcement via 311 and keep a record of communications.

FAQ

What is the maximum grass height allowed?
Specific maximum grass height is not specified on the cited City page; check the City by-law listings or contact 311 for the current standard.
Who enforces the standard and how do I report a problem?
By-law Enforcement and Licensing enforces standards; report issues through City of Winnipeg 311 for inspection and follow-up.
Can I appeal an order to cut my grass?
Yes, appeal or review routes exist under municipal procedures; time limits and process specifics are set out in the order or bylaw and are not specified on the cited page.

How-To

  1. Take dated photos of the area and note measurements or conditions that demonstrate the issue.
  2. Submit a complaint via City of Winnipeg 311, include photos and location details.
  3. Allow time for inspection; an inspector will assess and may issue an order if standards are breached.
  4. If you receive an order, comply within the stated timeframe or follow appeal instructions in the order.
  5. If the City abates the condition, pay any invoiced abatement charges or follow the debt recovery process described by the City.

Key Takeaways

  • Maintain regular cutting and removal to avoid orders and potential charges.
  • Use 311 for complaints and to request clarifications from By-law Enforcement.
  • Keep records of photos, communications and receipts if you receive an order or pay for abatement work.

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