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Dallas County, TX Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Threshold
36 inches or unsanitary
State Law
TX HSC Chapter 343
Distance
Within 300 ft of residence
Enforcement
DUAS nuisance abatement

Summary

TX HSC Chapter 343 declares weeds over 36 inches within 300 ft of a residence a public nuisance. Weeds creating unsanitary conditions (mosquito/rodent habitat) are also nuisances regardless of height. Dallas County DUAS enforces nuisance abatement.

City-specific rules exist: Garland, Cedar Hill, Grand Prairie, Carrollton, Mesquite, Dallas, Irving, DeSoto, and Richardson have their own weed ordinances rules that differ from Dallas County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Sec. 343.011. PUBLIC NUISANCE. (a) This section applies only to the unincorporated area of a county. ... (c) A public nuisance is: ... (3) maintaining premises in a manner that creates an unsanitary condition likely to attract or harbor mosquitoes, rodents, vermin, or other disease-carrying pests; (4) allowing weeds to grow on premises in a neighborhood if the weeds are located within 300 feet of another residence or commercial establishment ...

Source: TX HSC Chapter 343View official code

Full Breakdown

Weed regulation in unincorporated Dallas County is governed by Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 343. Weeds are defined as all rank and uncultivated vegetable growth or matter that has grown to more than 36 inches in height or that creates an unsanitary condition likely to attract or harbor mosquitoes, rodents, vermin, or other disease-carrying pests, regardless of height. Such growth within 300 feet of another residence or commercial establishment constitutes a public nuisance. Dallas County DUAS enforces nuisance abatement: notice is given to the property owner, and if not corrected within the specified time, the county may abate the nuisance and assess costs to the owner.

Violations & Fines

TX HSC Chapter 343: county abatement with cost assessment. Civil enforcement, not criminal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What constitutes a weed violation in unincorporated Dallas County?
Uncultivated vegetation over 36 inches or growth creating unsanitary conditions within 300 feet of a residence or business. The county issues written notice before taking abatement action.
Can the county mow my overgrown lot?
Yes. If you fail to address weeds after notice, the county may abate the nuisance and charge you for the cost.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Dallas County

All Dallas County rules

How Dallas County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Dallas County to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview

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