Galveston County, TX Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)
Key Facts
- Defensible-space code
- None (coastal county)
- Governing law
- Health & Safety Code Ch. 343
- Weed trigger
- Within 300 feet of residence
- Enforcement
- Notice, abatement, cost lien
- Cities
- Municipal lot ordinance applies
Summary
Galveston County has no wildfire defensible-space code, but under state nuisance law it can order abatement of tall weeds and accumulated brush or rubbish on unincorporated-area lots near other homes.
allowing weeds to grow on premises in a neighborhood if the weeds are located within 300 feet of another residence or commercial establishment
Full Breakdown
Coastal Galveston County is not a wildland-urban-interface county, so there is no vegetation-management or defensible-space ordinance. The county's real tool is Health and Safety Code Ch. 343, which lets a commissioners court declare and abate public nuisances in unincorporated areas, including weeds growing within 300 feet of another residence or commercial building, and accumulated rubbish. After notice, the county may clear the property and assess the cost against the owner. Inside cities, the municipal lot-clearing and weed ordinance applies instead. This is a health-and-nuisance measure, not a fire-code brush requirement.
Violations & Fines
A public nuisance under Ch. 343 is a Class C misdemeanor. The county may abate and place a lien on the property for clearing costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the county require me to clear brush for wildfire?
How close to my neighbor does the weed rule apply?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Galveston County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Galveston County to another location·View the Texas fire regulations overview
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