Indiana Weed Laws

• Destruction of Detrimental Plants IC 15-3-4

• Weed Control Board IC 15-3-4.6
The Hancock County Weed Board Members are Tom Roney, Tom Tucker, Dave Burton, Joe Copeland, Cindy Beckner, and John Mesko. Dave Burton oversees the right-of-way areas, if you have a concern with one of these weeds in the right-of-way you can reach him at the County Highway, 477-1130. If you have a concern inside the Greenfield city limits, you need to call the City Planning Commission at 477-4320. All other concerns can be directed to the Weed-Line at 477-1165.

The law states that a person owning or possessing real estate in Indiana shall be required to destroy by cutting, plowing, cultivating, smothering or by using chemicals - in the bud state of growth or earlier - as to prevent any detrimental plants from maturing.

Named in the law as detrimental plants areCanada thistle, Johnson grass and Sorghum almum, Bur cucumber, Shattercane, and in residential areas only, noxious weeds and rank vegetation (see definition below). After receiving notice, the owner of the property shall remove the detrimental plants by the 5-day deadline date. If the plants are not eradicated within the 5 days, the Hancock County Weed Board shall cause the destruction of the plants in a manner seeming most practical within the next three days of the deadline date.

If you do not destroy the detrimental plant: YOU will be billed by the mowing crew completing the job by way of the Hancock County Weed Control Board for the cost and expenses of the work performed. (Rates are from $75.00 to $100.00 per hour or more depending on the specific job) If payment is not made to the Weed Control Board within ten days, the cost will be added to your property tax bill. A person who allows detrimental plants to grow and mature on land owned or possessed in Hancock County, Indiana commits a Class C infraction with a fine of $500.00. Each day in violation constitutes a separate infraction starting on the deadline date.

• Ordinance No. 1999-3C and Amendment Ordinance No. 2002-4A
In addition to the above Indiana Weed Laws, Hancock County has in place Article 13 Weeds and Rank Vegetation which stipulates that in Sec. 4-131 Definitions; “Weeds and rank vegetation” shall include all plant life that is located in platted subdivisions, except turf grass, landscaped trees, ornamental flowers, crops and shrubs. All weeds and rank vegetation that exceed 18” in height are in violation of this ordinance. All corresponding procedures that apply to the Indiana Weed Laws apply to the Ordinance set forth by the Hancock County Board of Commissioners