Arlington, TX Landscaping Rules: Grass Height Limits (2026)

The City of Arlington Code of Ordinances requires property owners to keep weeds, grass, and rank vegetation cut to a height not exceeding 12 inches. The requirement applies to the entire property including front, side, and rear yards, plus the parkway strip between the sidewalk and curb and any adjacent alley right-of-way up to the center line. Code Compliance inspectors investigate complaints and may also conduct proactive sweeps during summer months when St. Augustine, Bermuda, and weed species grow rapidly under North Texas conditions. When a violation is observed, the city issues a notice giving the owner a short period, typically seven to ten days, to cut and remove the excess vegetation. If the owner does not comply, the city may contract to abate the nuisance and place a lien on the property for the cost of mowing plus administrative fees. Vacant lots, foreclosed properties, and absentee-owned homes are frequent targets of enforcement. Natural areas designed as xeriscape or wildscape are not exempt from the height limit unless specifically approved through a landscape plan.