Bexar County, TX Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- San Antonio limit
- 12 inches, improved lots
- Abatement cost
- Lien against property
- Unincorporated
- No countywide ordinance
- HOA enforcement
- Covers many subdivisions
Summary
San Antonio enforces a 12-inch weed and rank-growth standard on improved lots with abatement and liens. Unincorporated Bexar County has no general weed ordinance, leaving enforcement to HOAs and plat restrictions.
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).
Full Breakdown
Tall weeds and rank vegetation are treated as public nuisances in San Antonio City Code Chapter 14, which allows the city to post notice, abate after 7 days, and assess costs plus administrative fees as a lien. Noxious invasive species such as Johnsongrass and bastard cabbage are flagged by the Texas Department of Agriculture, though residential enforcement is minimal outside active complaints. Unincorporated Bexar County does not have a countywide weed ordinance, so enforcement falls to subdivision HOAs, plat notes, or common-law nuisance claims. The Edwards Aquifer recharge zone does not add weed-specific rules, but property owners are encouraged to control invasive species to protect native grasslands feeding the aquifer. During drought, SAWS watering restrictions can make lush lawns impossible, and the city acknowledges dormant Bermuda and buffalograss is compliant as long as height stays under the limit and dry debris is managed. Chronic offenders face Municipal Court referrals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do seasonal wildflowers count as weeds?
Who handles weed complaints?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bexar County
How Bexar County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Bexar County to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
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