Grass and Weed Abatement & Nuisance Motor Vehicle Removal

Over Grown House
Grass and Weeds

The Inspections Division is responsible for the enforcement of grass and weed abatement and the removal of abandoned, nuisance and junked cars in the city. 

Making a Complaint

To make a complaint about either of these conditions, please call 252-939-4022. Upon receipt of a complaint, an inspection of the property will be made. If the property is determined to be in violation of the city’s ordinance, the property owner will be contacted via mail. The property owner will be given 10 days to abate the violation.


  1. Weed Abatement Ordinance
  2. Notice of Violation and Remedy
  3. How to Respond to a Notice of Grass and Weed Violation

According to Part II, Chapter 12, Article IV of the Code of Ordinances for the City of Kinston entitled "Weeds":

It shall be unlawful for any person owning, occupying or having in his possession...any undeveloped lot or parcel of land in the city to permit to exist...any uncut or uncontrolled growth of noxious weeds, vegetation, grasses or bushes to a height in excess of twelve (12) inches which may cause or threaten to cause infestation by rats, mice, snakes or vermin of any kind, which constitutes a fire hazard or which in any other way is noxious, dangerous, detrimental or prejudicial to the public health or safety.

 and

It shall be unlawful for any person owning, occupying or having in his possession ...any developed lot or parcel of land in the city to permit to exist...any uncut or uncontrolled growth of noxious weeds, vegetation, grasses or bushes to a height in excess of six (6) inches. 

Summary: Vacant lots must be kept under 12" of grass/weeds while developed lots must be kept under 6".

  1. Abandoned, Nuisance, and Junk Car Ordinance
  2. Notice of Violation and Remedy
  3. How to Respond to a Vehicle Violation Notice

According to Part II, Chapter 15, Article III of the Code of Ordinances for the city of Kinston entitled "Removal and Disposition of Abandoned, Nuisance, and Junked Motor Vehicles":

  • Abandoned Vehicles
    • a car left on the right of way in a public street or highway in violation of a law or ordinance prohibiting parking
    • Is left on the right-of-way of a public street or highway for longer than seven (7) days
    • Is left on city-owned property longer than twenty-four (24) hours
    • Is left on private property without consent for longer than two (2) hours
  • Nuisance vehicle
    • A point of growth for pests, collection of water, and heavy growth of weeds over (8) inches
    • So situated or located that there is a danger of it falling or turning over;
    • One which has sharp parts thereof which are jagged or contain sharp edges of metal or glass; or
    • Any other vehicle specifically declared a health and safety hazard and a public nuisance by the city council.
    • **The above are only a selection. For the full definition see the appropriate section of the ordinance
  • Junked vehicle
    • a vehicle that does not display a current license plate lawfully upon that vehicle, AND that
      • Is partially dismantled or wrecked;
      • Cannot be self propelled or moved in the manner in which it originally was intended to move; OR
      • Is more than five (5) years old and appears to be worth less than one hundred dollars ($100.00).