Baytown, TX Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Max Weed Height
- 12 inches
- Notice Period
- ~10 days to comply
- City Abatement
- Costs billed to owner as lien
- Vacant Lots
- Same rules apply
- Contact
- (281) 420-6585 Code Enforcement
Summary
Baytown Code of Ordinances Chapter 98 (Vegetation) and Chapter 34 (Nuisances) require property owners to control weeds and maintain properties free of overgrown vegetation. Weeds exceeding 12 inches in height are a violation. The city actively enforces weed control through proactive patrols and complaint response, with abatement at the owner's expense for noncompliance.
Sec. 342.003. MUNICIPAL POWER CONCERNING FILTH, CARRION, AND OTHER UNWHOLESOME MATTER. The governing body of a municipality may regulate the cleaning of a building, establishment, or ground from filth, carrion, or other impure or unwholesome matter. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Sec. 342.004. MUNICIPAL POWER CONCERNING WEEDS OR CERTAIN PUBLIC NUISANCES. The governing body of a municipality may require the owner of real property in the municipality to keep the property free from weeds, brush, and a condition constituting a public nuisance as defined by Section 343.011(c)(1), (2), or (3). Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.Amended by: Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 580 (S.B. 837), Sec. 1, eff. June 14, 2013.
Sec. 342.005. VIOLATION
Full Breakdown
Baytown's weed control requirements are part of the broader vegetation ordinance in Chapter 98. All weeds, wild grass, and uncultivated growth must be kept below 12 inches on every lot within the city, regardless of whether the lot is occupied or vacant. The definition of 'weeds' includes any uncultivated vegetation, excluding maintained gardens, flower beds, or intentional plantings. Code Enforcement officers patrol neighborhoods proactively during the growing season and also respond to citizen complaints. When a violation is identified, the property owner receives a written notice with a compliance deadline (typically 10 days). Properties with persistent weed problems may be placed on a regular enforcement cycle. The city can abate the violation by sending contractors to clear the property, with all costs, including mowing, administrative fees, and posting, assessed as a lien against the property. In Baytown's warm, humid climate, weed growth is aggressive from March through November.
Violations & Fines
First violation results in a notice with 10 days to comply. Failure to comply triggers city abatement at the owner's expense, typically $200–$500+ depending on lot size. Costs assessed as a lien on the property. Repeat violations in the same year may result in shortened notice periods and higher administrative fees. Fines up to $500 per day. Code Enforcement at (281) 420-6585.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as weeds under Baytown's ordinance?
How do I report weeds on a neighbor's property in Baytown?
What if I own a vacant lot in Baytown and weeds grow?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Baytown
How Baytown compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Baytown to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
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Weed Ordinances in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Harris County handle weed ordinances.