Brush Clearance: Dallas vs Richardson
How do brush clearance rules compare between Dallas, TX and Richardson, TX?
Richardson has fewer restrictions than Dallas.
Dallas, TX
Dallas County
Dallas Code Section 18-14 requires property owners to prevent weeds, grass, and vegetation from becoming a nuisance or fire hazard. Vegetation must not exceed 12 inches on occupied or unoccupied premises within 100 feet of the perimeter.
View full Dallas rules →Richardson, TX
Dallas County
Richardson is a fully urbanized suburb with no wildland-urban interface, so there is no defensible-space or acreage-based brush clearance mandate. Standard weed and tall-grass rules apply at 12 inches citywide.
View full Richardson rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dallas | Richardson |
|---|---|---|
| Max Grass Height | 12 inches | - |
| Code Section | §18-13, §18-14 | - |
| Coverage | Within 100 ft of perimeter | - |
| Enforcement | Code Compliance / 311 | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dallas FAQ
Is brush clearance required in Dallas?
Yes. Section 18-14 requires property owners to prevent vegetation from becoming a fire hazard or nuisance. Grass and weeds must stay below 12 inches.
What happens if I don't mow my vacant lot in Dallas?
The city may abate the violation at the owner's expense and place a lien on the property for costs incurred.
Richardson FAQ
Does Richardson have a defensible-space requirement?
No. Richardson is fully urbanized with no wildland interface, so defensible-space rules common in California or Hill Country do not apply here.
How tall can my grass get before the city mows it?
12 inches is the standard trigger. You will get a notice first, typically with 7-10 days to cut it before the city abates at your expense.
Can I burn yard waste in my backyard?
No, open burning within Richardson is prohibited without a Fire Marshal permit. Use yard-waste pickup or haul to a transfer station instead.
Compare other topics
See how Dallas and Richardson compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool