Arlington, TX Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)

Under Arlington Code of Ordinances Chapter 10 (Nuisances) and Chapter 7 (Fire Prevention), property owners are responsible for cutting weeds, grass, and rank vegetation that exceeds 12 inches in height. The ordinance applies to improved and vacant lots, including the parkway strip between the sidewalk and curb, and to alley easements adjacent to the property. Brush, dead wood, and combustible debris that could support fire spread must be removed or maintained at a safe distance from structures, especially during declared burn bans by the Tarrant County Fire Marshal. The city uses Mow Fast inspection contracts to identify violations, and property owners receive a 10-day notice to abate. Failure to comply allows the city to contract mowing crews and assess the cost plus a $250 administrative fee against the property through a municipal lien that attaches at the county recorder. Repeat violators on the same parcel within 12 months can be cited without additional notice. While Arlington is not in a state-designated wildfire zone, cross-timber areas in western Arlington and undeveloped tracts near the Trinity River corridor see heightened enforcement during drought periods. Maximum fines for the underlying nuisance violation are $500 per day.