Ukrainians Face Fines of Up to 1,700 UAH for Weeds Near Their Homes
Landowners and land users may be fined for failing to properly maintain their property, including for weeds growing around their home. Liability applies even if a person does not live at the address or has not used the property for a long time, and the fine can be as high as 1,700 hryvnias.
A plot overgrown with weeds can be not only a source of complaints from neighbors but also grounds for a fine. The law requires land owners and users to mow the grass in a timely manner, remove weeds, and maintain the property in proper condition. Liability applies even if the owner does not live at that address or has not used the property for an extended period of time.
Landowners are required to remove weeds
The obligation to remove weeds in a timely manner is provided for, in particular, by Article 91 of the Land Code of Ukraine and the Law of Ukraine “On the Improvement of Settlements.”
At the same time, specific requirements for the maintenance of land plots—including grass height and mowing schedules—may be established by the beautification regulations of the relevant local community.
Particular attention should be paid to ragweed and other quarantine and allergenic weeds, which spread rapidly and can be harmful to human health.
The beautification rules apply to individuals, entrepreneurs, businesses, institutions, and organizations.
The owner or user of a land plot must maintain the following in proper condition:
- the land plot;
- the yard and the area surrounding the property;
- the area adjacent to the plot;
- landscaped areas;
- driveways, walkways, and the area around the property.
The obligation to maintain the land plot applies regardless of whether the owner resides at this address permanently, visits only occasionally, or is in another city or abroad. Unfinished construction or the absence of a house also does not exempt the owner from this obligation.
Owners must regularly mow the grass and remove weeds, dead vegetation, and quarantine plants.
In some communities, landscaping regulations require regular mowing if the grass exceeds 10 centimeters in height, as well as the removal of dead trees, shrubs, and damaged branches.
Special attention must be paid to ragweed and other quarantine plants. The property owner is required to regularly inspect their own and adjacent areas and promptly remove such plants.
In addition, a weed-infested plot can contribute to the spread of ticks, rodents, and pests, as well as cause inconvenience to neighbors.
If violations are detected, authorized officials may:
- inspect the property;
- take photographs or video footage;
- identify the owner or user of the land plot;
- issue a written order requiring the violation to be rectified;
- set a deadline for rectification;
- draw up a report on the administrative offense;
- submit the materials to the administrative commission for review.
The order is binding. If the owner refuses to accept it or to sign the report, this does not halt the proceedings, and the refusal may be recorded.
Depending on the circumstances, Articles 52 or 152 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses may be applied for failure to take measures to control weeds and for violations of public improvement rules.
The following fines are prescribed:
- for citizens—from 340 to 1,360 hryvnias;
- for officials and individual entrepreneurs—from 850 to 1,700 hryvnias.
Violations are typically documented by authorized officials of local government bodies during site inspections. Based on the results of the inspection, a corresponding report or protocol is drawn up, and the decision to impose a fine is made by an administrative commission under the local council’s executive body or by a state inspector—depending on the specific circumstances and the applicable provision of the law.
At the same time, payment of the fine does not relieve the owner of the obligation to restore the land plot to proper condition. Even after being held accountable, the weeds must be mowed and the violation rectified.
Source: Judicial and Legal Gazette
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