Harlingen, TX Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit
- 12 inches
- Governing section
- City Code § 32-27
- Cuttings
- must be removed after cutting
- Exemption
- 1+ acre wildlife habitat area
- Max fine
- up to $500 per violation
Summary
Harlingen caps weeds and grass on any premises at 12 inches and requires cut vegetation to be removed, not left in piles.
A person commits an offense if he is an owner, occupant, or person in control of occupied and unoccupied premises in the city and: (1) Permits weeds or grass located on the premises to grow to a height greater than 12 inches; or (2) Fails to remove weeds or grass from the premises after they have been cut.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4546847; v3 updated 2025-07-16).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 32-27 makes it an offense for an owner, occupant, or person in control of occupied or unoccupied premises to let weeds or grass grow taller than 12 inches, or to cut the growth and then fail to remove it. A property stays compliant if weeds or grass are kept at or below 12 inches within 100 feet of the parcel's perimeter, or if cuttings are mulched, raked, or composted in a manner the director approves. Owners of one acre or more can petition the city commission for a wildlife-habitat-area exemption instead.
Violations & Fines
Class of offense follows the Chapter 1 general penalty (§ 1-7): fine up to $500.00 per violation. If the owner doesn't comply after notice under § 32-30, the director can have crews cut, mulch, rake, and remove the growth, with costs assessed against the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can grass legally get in Harlingen?
What happens if I cut the weeds but leave the clippings?
Can the city cut my grass for me?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Harlingen
How Harlingen compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Harlingen to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
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Weed Ordinances in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle weed ordinances.