Abilene, TX Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit
- 12 inches (5 acres or less)
- Notice to cut
- 10 days from notice
- Auto-abatement
- Over 48 inches, no notice
- Enforcement
- Code Enforcement; Class C misdemeanor
- Unpaid cost
- Lien on the property
Summary
Abilene bans grasses, weeds, or brush taller than twelve inches on any lot of five acres or less, including the adjacent parkway and alleys. Code Enforcement gives ten days' notice, then mows the lot and bills the owner, filing a lien for unpaid costs.
Grasses, weeds or brush at a height greater than twelve (12) inches on any lot, tract or parcel of land, including the adjacent parkway and alleys, which is five (5) acres or less, except as provided by section 19-16 of this chapter. ... any and all expenses incurred by the City in the abatement of a nuisance under the provisions of this chapter shall constitute a lien against the property upon which such nuisance existed, which lien shall be filed, proven and collected as provided for by law.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 14).
Full Breakdown
Section 19-15(19) declares grasses, weeds, or brush over twelve inches a nuisance on any tract of five acres or less, parkway and alleys included. Under Section 19-33(a), Code Enforcement mails a notice and the owner has ten days to cut; growth over forty-eight inches may be abated with no advance notice under Section 19-33(b). If the city mows, Section 19-31 makes the cost a lien against the property, bearing interest at the legal rate. Violations are a Class C misdemeanor under Section 19-32, with each day a separate offense. Cultivated fields, natural land, and city drainage channels are exempt under Section 19-16.
Violations & Fines
Class C misdemeanor fined under Code section 1-9, with each day a separate offense. The city mows the lot after ten days and files a lien for its abatement costs plus interest and administrative charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my grass get in Abilene?
What happens if I don't mow?
Does the 12-inch rule apply to large tracts?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Abilene
How Abilene compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Abilene to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.