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Bexar County, TX Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 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.

City-specific rules exist: Live Oak, Converse, Universal City, and San Antonio have their own weed ordinances rules that differ from Bexar County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

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).

Source: San Antonio Code of Ordinances Chapter 14View official code

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?
Cultivated wildflower areas are usually acceptable as long as height and adjacent fire risk remain reasonable, but complaints can still trigger inspection.
Who handles weed complaints?
San Antonio 311 or Code Enforcement handles city properties. Outside city limits, contact the relevant suburban city or your HOA.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Bexar County

All Bexar County rules

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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Weed Ordinances in Cities Across Bexar County