Bylaws related to grass

According to our Community Standards Bylaw owners of private properties are required to keep the height of grasses and herbaceous plants under 15 cm (six inches).

This rule is not meant to discourage xeriscaping (low water gardening practices) and does not affect cultivated gardens. Property owners are accountable for maintaining the area next to their property, including boulevards up to the middle of the alley and the street.

Bylaw Officers will respond to complaints and issue Remedial Orders to property owners who do not keep their grass and herbaceous plants below 15 cm on their property. If an order is not followed, the City will take corrective action, and the property owner will be responsible for any associated costs.

A $500 fine may also be issued in accordance with the Community Standards Bylaw for this type of violation.​​

Dandelions are not classified as Prohibited or Noxious Weeds in Calgary. They can only be reported if they grow taller than 15 centimeters.

Foxtail barley is a native plant commonly found in Calgary. Its sharp seed heads can pose a risk to dogs.

Foxtail barley was removed from the Community Standards Bylaw in July 2026 and is no longer a regulated plant. Having foxtail barley on private property is not an offence but property owners are encourage to remove any foxtail. Reports are only considered when the vegetation is taller than 15 centimeters and there is a large concentration of foxtail barley, such as on a vacant lot.

This page is an overview of these regulations. For more detailed information, please refer to the Community Standards Bylaw. Original copies of the bylaw are available at the City Clerk's office.

If you know of a grass infraction and would like to report it, please call 311 (from within Calgary) or 403-268-CITY (2489) (from outside Calgary) or use the 311 app or: 

To help us respond faster, please be ready with the following information:

• Your name and address
• A primary and alternate phone number
• The address and exact location of the property for which you wish to register a complaint
• A brief and concise description of the complaint

This information will remain confidential. No anonymous complaints will be accepted - you must identify yourself with the 311 service representative.

When reporting on the 311 app, users are encouraged to add photos to assist the investigating officer.

Learn more about filing a bylaw complaint and the process.