How El Paso Handles Landscaping Rules: A Practical Guide
El Paso maintains 196 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with landscaping rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where El Paso falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Grass Height Limits
El Paso Code Chapter 9.08 requires grass and weeds to be kept under 12 inches tall on all residential and commercial lots. Overgrown lots are a code violation and may be abated by the city at the owner's expense.
Key details: Height Limit: 12 inches. Code: Chapter 9.08. Notice Period: 10 days before abatement. Xeriscape: Common and encouraged. State Authority: TX Local Gov't Code Ch. 342.
First notice: $100 administrative fee. City abatement: $250 to $500 mowing fee plus $200 administrative fee plus lien on property if unpaid.
Tree Trimming
El Paso requires property owners to trim trees overhanging public sidewalks to maintain a 7-foot clearance and streets to 14 feet.
Key details: Sidewalk Clearance: 7 ft. Street Clearance: 14 ft. Common Trees: Mesquite, cottonwood, pecan, desert willow. Parkway Duty: Owner trims. Nesting Season: March-August caution.
Failure to trim: $100 to $500 and city-performed trimming billed to owner. Damage to city trees from unauthorized cutting: additional civil penalty.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
El Paso does not require a permit to remove trees on private residential property, but protected heritage trees in public rights-of-way and designated parks cannot be removed without city approval.
Key details: Private Property: No permit required generally. ROW Trees: Parks permit required. HOAs: May regulate separately. Nest Season: March-August MBTA concerns. Commercial: Subject to site-plan conditions.
Right-of-way removal without permit: $500 to $2,000 plus tree replacement cost at market value. MBTA nest violation: federal penalties up to $15,000.
Weed Ordinances
El Paso Code Chapter 9.08 designates overgrown weeds, tumbleweeds, and noxious vegetation as a nuisance. Property owners must control weed growth and remove tumbleweed accumulations that could become fire hazards.
Key details: Height Trigger: Over 12 inches. Tumbleweeds: Must be removed promptly. Noxious Species: Musk thistle, bindweed, Johnson grass. Agency: Code Compliance. State Authority: TX Local Gov't Code Ch. 342.
Weed nuisance: $100 to $500 and city-performed abatement at owner's cost. Repeat violations on vacant lots can escalate to $1,000.
Water Restrictions
El Paso Water enforces year-round watering restrictions: residential landscape irrigation is limited to three days per week based on address, never between 10 AM and 6 PM April through September.
Key details: Odd Days: Tue/Thu/Sat. Even Days: Sun/Wed/Fri. No-Water Hours: 10 AM - 6 PM April-September. Utility: El Paso Water. HOA Preemption: TX Property Code 202.007 protects xeriscape.
First offense: written warning. Second: $50. Third: $100. Fourth: $200. Fifth and beyond: $300 per violation. Chronic violators may face water service restrictions.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. El Paso actively enforces its water restrictions requirements.
The Bottom Line
El Paso's landscaping rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming El Paso is broadly strict or permissive.
Keep in mind that El Paso can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.