Little Elm, TX Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Code
- Ch. 34 Health and Sanitation
- Max Weed Height
- 12 inches
- Notice Period
- 10 days
- Repeat Violator
- No additional notice required within 12 months
- Vacant Lots
- Same standards apply
Summary
Ch. 34 declares weeds and brush over 12 inches a public nuisance. Ten-day abatement notice issued. Town clears and liens cost if owner does not comply. Vacant lots included.
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). Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.Amended by: Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 580 (S.B. 837), Sec. 1, eff. June 14, 2013.
Sec. 342.005. VIOLATION OF ORDINANCE. The governing body of a municipality may punish an owner or occupant of property in the municipality who violates an ordinance adopted under this subchapter. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1,
Full Breakdown
Little Elm Code of Ordinances Chapter 34 (Health and Sanitation) addresses weeds, brush, rubbish, and rank vegetation as public nuisances when they exceed 12 inches in height or create conditions that harbor vermin, constitute a fire hazard, or endanger public health. Code Enforcement issues written notice giving property owners 10 days to abate the condition. If the owner fails to act, the town may enter the property, clear the vegetation, and bill the cost to the owner. Unpaid charges attach as a lien against the property.
During drought conditions common in Denton County, dry weeds and brush present elevated fire risk, prompting more frequent enforcement patrols. Vacant lots, drainage easements, and properties in pre-development stages receive the same level of enforcement as occupied residential lots. Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 342 authorizes municipalities to declare weeds and rank growth a health hazard. Repeat violators within a 12-month period may have their property abated without additional notice under the repeat violator provision.
Violations & Fines
10-day notice, then town abatement at owner cost. Lien placed on property. Fine up to $500 per offense. Repeat violations within 12 months: abatement without additional notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as a weed violation?
Can the town mow my property without permission?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Little Elm
How Little Elm compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Little Elm to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
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Weed Ordinances in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Denton County handle weed ordinances.