Katy, TX Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit
- Over nine inches (9")
- Prohibition
- Sec. 6.04.003 residential/MH lots
- Notice period
- 10 days before city mows
- Cost recovery
- Fee, cost, and lien
- No-notice abatement
- Weeds over 48 inches
Summary
Katy defines weeds as rank, uncultivated growth taller than nine inches and forbids them on residential and manufactured-home lots. After a 10-day notice, the city cuts the growth, charges the owner an administrative fee plus actual cost, and files a lien.
Weeds. All rank and uncultivated vegetable growth or matter that: (1) Has grown to more than nine inches (9") in height... [§ 6.04.003] The owner of a lot or parcel of land in the city or any person entitled to possession of a lot or parcel of land within the city shall not cause, permit, or allow weeds to grow on such lot or parcel of land when such weeds: (1) Are located within an R-1, R-2, R-3 or MH district or the Old Katy zone or any planned development district...
Full Breakdown
Katy Code of Ordinances section 6.04.001 defines "weeds" as rank, uncultivated vegetable growth that has grown to more than nine inches (9") in height. Section 6.04.003 bars owners and occupants from letting weeds grow on lots of ten acres or less within R-1, R-2, R-3 or MH districts, the Old Katy zone, or any planned development district. Under section 6.04.007, if the violation is not corrected within ten days of notice, Katy Code Enforcement may cut the growth and charge the expense to the owner. Section 6.04.008 adds an administrative fee (per appendix A) on top of the actual mowing cost and gives the city a lien against the parcel. Section 6.04.009 lets the city abate weeds over 48 inches that pose an immediate danger without notice. Each day is a separate offense under section 6.04.006.
Violations & Fines
Each day weeds exceed nine inches is a separate offense, fined under general penalty section 1.01.009. Katy also mows the lot and bills the owner the cost plus an administrative fee, secured by a lien on the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can grass and weeds get in Katy before it's a violation?
What happens if I don't cut my weeds after Katy sends a notice?
Can Katy remove tall weeds without warning me first?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Katy
How Katy compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Katy to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
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Weed Ordinances in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fort Bend County handle weed ordinances.