Las Cruces treats weeds and rank vegetation as a nuisance under Chapter 18. Codes Enforcement can order clearing; if you don't comply, the city abates it and liens the cost against your property.
Las Cruces has no California-style defensible-space or brush-clearance ordinance, but overgrown lots are controlled through the nuisance code. Sec. 18-1 defines weeds and rank vegetation as unintended, unmaintained, invasive plants that are a public-health nuisance (pigweed, Russian thistle, kochia, tumbleweed, and similar). Sec. 18-2 lists weeds and accumulations of rubbish, junk, and combustible debris as declared nuisances. Codes Enforcement issues a notice to abate; owners get a set period to clear the property. If they fail, the city clears it under Sec. 18-7 and files a lien for costs under Sec. 18-8. Dry vegetation near structures also raises fire-code concern in the desert climate.
Petty misdemeanor summons under Sec. 18-4; if unabated, city clears the lot and assesses costs as a lien on the property under Sec. 18-8.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Las Cruces's brush clearance rules stack up against other locations.
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