DeSoto, TX Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Maximum height
- 12 inches
- Applies to
- Occupied or unoccupied premises
- Enforcer
- DeSoto Code Enforcement
- Pay window before lien
- 60 days
- Lien interest
- 10 percent
Summary
DeSoto forbids weeds or grass taller than twelve inches on any premises, occupied or unoccupied. Code Enforcement issues written notice; ignore it and the city cuts the lot, bills the owner, and files a lien for unpaid costs.
§ 6.501: It shall be unlawful for any person, owner or occupant of any premises, occupied or unoccupied, to permit weeds or grass located on any premises in the city to grow to a height greater than twelve (12) inches... § 6.505: The city may assess expenses incurred under Section 6.504... against the real property on which the work is done... The lien attaches upon the filing of the lien statement with the county clerk... interests accruing at the rate of 10 percent (10%) on the amount due.
Full Breakdown
City Code § 6.501 makes it unlawful to let weeds or grass on any premises in the city grow taller than twelve (12) inches. DeSoto Code Enforcement gives the owner written notice to abate. If the lot is not cleared, § 6.504 lets the city do the work and § 6.505 assesses the cost, plus an administrative fee, against the property. The owner has sixty (60) days to pay before the city files a lien with the Dallas County clerk. That lien accrues interest at 10 percent, is inferior only to tax and street-improvement liens, and the city may foreclose to recover its expenditures.
Violations & Fines
Ignore the cut-notice and DeSoto's crew mows the lot, then bills you the work plus an administrative fee. Unpaid after sixty days, the city files a lien with the Dallas County clerk that accrues 10 percent interest and can be foreclosed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can grass get in DeSoto before it's a violation?
What happens if I don't mow after getting a notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in DeSoto
How DeSoto compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Texas rules heatmap·Compare DeSoto to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
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Weed Ordinances in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle weed ordinances.