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Property Maintenance in Fort Worth, TX (2026)

5 verified property maintenance rules for Fort Worth, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Trash Bin Storage

Fort Worth Code Compliance enforces property maintenance standards including trash container storage and placement. Residential trash carts must be placed at the curb no earlier than 6 PM the day before collection and retrieved by midnight on collection day. Bins should not be visible from the street at other times and must be stored behind the front building line or screened from public view. The city provides standardized 96-gallon carts for automated collection.

Fort Worth Trash Bin Storage & Placement

Some Restrictions

Property Blight

Fort Worth aggressively enforces property maintenance standards through Code Compliance. Chapter 10 of the Code of Ordinances (Housing Standards) and Chapter 7½ (Building Standards) address substandard buildings and property blight. Properties with accumulated rubbish, junk vehicles, tall weeds, or deteriorated structures can be cited. The Building Standards Commission holds hearings on substandard properties and can order repairs, demolition, or impose liens. Fort Worth's Neighborhood Improvement Program targets blighted areas with concentrated enforcement.

Fort Worth Property Blight & Nuisance Ordinance

Heavy Restrictions

Tex. Health & Safety Code Sec. 343.011(c)

Sec. 343.011. PUBLIC NUISANCE. ... (c) A public nuisance is:(1) keeping, storing, or accumulating refuse on premises in a neighborhood unless the refuse is entirely contained in a closed receptacle;(2) keeping, storing, or accumulating rubbish, including newspapers, abandoned vehicles, refrigerators, stoves, furniture, tires, and cans, on premises in a neighborhood or within 300 feet of a ...

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Fort Worth requires owners of vacant lots to maintain their property. Chapter 10 of the Code of Ordinances requires that vacant lots be kept free of high weeds (over 12 inches), accumulated trash, debris, and standing water. The city can mow or clean vacant lots after providing notice to the owner and place a lien on the property for the cost of abatement. Code Compliance conducts proactive sweeps of vacant lots in targeted neighborhoods through the Neighborhood Improvement Program.

Fort Worth Vacant Lot Maintenance Requirements

Some Restrictions

Fort Worth Code Compliance — Issues & Information: High Grass and Weeds

Code Enforcement maintains Fort Worth's status as a safe, clean and green city through its Neighborhood Investigations and Building Standards divisions. [...] Property Waste and Debris: Accumulated trash and debris pose health and safety risks and may result in fines, legal action, or cleanup costs for property owners. [...] High Grass and Weeds: City code requires property owners to keep grass...

Snow & Sidewalk Clearing

Fort Worth does not have a mandatory snow or ice sidewalk clearing ordinance for residential property owners. North Texas receives occasional winter storms but does not experience regular snowfall. When winter weather events occur, the city's Transportation and Public Works Department focuses on clearing major roads and bridges. Property owners are encouraged but not required to clear sidewalks and driveways. The city does not assess fines for uncleared residential sidewalks after snow or ice events.

Fort Worth Snow & Sidewalk Clearing Rules

Few Restrictions

Garage Sale Rules

Fort Worth regulates garage sales through Chapter 20 of the Code of Ordinances. A garage sale permit is not required but sales are limited in frequency and duration. Garage sales may not exceed three consecutive days and are limited to a reasonable number per year at a single address. Merchandise must be the personal property of the resident. Signs advertising garage sales must comply with Chapter 29 sign regulations and cannot be placed in the public right-of-way.

Fort Worth Garage Sale Property Maintenance

Some Restrictions

Looking for Tarrant County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fort Worth city rules.

Property Maintenance in Tarrant County