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

Grapevine's Chapter 13 (Health) and Chapter 18 nuisance provisions prohibit grass, weeds, and non-ornamental vegetation over 12 inches in height on residential and commercial property within the city. This limit is common across Texas municipalities and is intended to prevent rodent harborage, snake habitat, fire hazard from dried vegetation, and general blight. Code Compliance investigates complaints and conducts neighborhood sweeps, particularly during spring and summer growing season. First action is typically a notice-to-abate letter giving the property owner 10 to 14 days to mow and remove clippings. Owners who fail to comply face city-ordered abatement: a contractor mows the property and the costs (often 200 to 500 dollars plus an administrative fee) are billed to the owner and become a lien against the property if unpaid. Ornamental tall grasses (muhly, pampas, blue stem) and approved native landscaping are exempt when they are part of a deliberate planted design; wildflowers and butterfly gardens are also generally exempt. HOA covenants often impose stricter limits (4 or 6 inches) and can lien property independently.