An individual's perception of an overgrown property can differ from person to person.

Council cannot take action on a property that is untidy or unsightly. We can only action properties that present health or safety risks. 

Generally, an overgrown property has vegetation that is:

• Higher than knee-height grass 
• More than 80% of the property is overgrown 
• Has not been maintained for a long period of time
• Is harbouring vermin, and/or is likely to create unhealthy conditions that impact others

Property owners are responsible for ensuring their property, whether vacant or developed, does not become overgrown and unhealthy. 

This means keeping properties free of long grass, vegetation, and waste.

Council recommends installing a temporary fence to reduce the risk of illegal dumping if the property is vacant. 

If you contact Council, the following steps can be taken:

1. We will send an initial courtesy letter to the property owner advising them of the concerns raised and requesting the property be maintained within 21 days 
   

If you advise the property continues to be overgrown after 28 days:

1. Council will complete an inspection of the property

2. For an unhealthy property Council may issue a formal notice, followed by an order for the land to be maintained 

These matters often take time to resolve because Council is required to allow time for the property owner to take action. Additionally, other factors such as weather and/or an owner with adverse circumstances will impact their ability to maintain the land.

For more information on how Council responds to regulatory matters, refer to Council's Environment & Regulatory Services Enforcement Policy. 

If the property is untidy but not a public health and safety risk, the property owners must resolve their differences between themselves. However, Council may still provide the property owner with information on how to maintain their property to prevent it from becoming overgrown.