Mcallen, TX Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- McAllen Code § 46-27
- Height threshold
- None; ground-coverage standard
- Enforcer
- City health officer
- Abatement
- City crews or private contractors
- Cost recovery
- Charged to owner; lien filed
Summary
McAllen Code § 46-27 declares grass, weeds, or brush covering or partly covering any lot a public nuisance. The city health officer can abate it with city crews or private contractors, charge the cost to the owner, and file a lien against the property.
Whenever grass, weeds, brush, or any other plant that is not cultivated, rubbish and all other objectionable, unsightly and unsanitary matter of whatever nature shall exist, covering or partly covering the surface of any lot, parcel or other premises, the same is hereby declared to constitute a public nuisance, the prompt abatement of which is hereby declared to be a public necessity. ... The cost of abating such nuisance shall be charged against the property owner. The city shall have the right to file a lien for such charges...
Full Breakdown
Under McAllen Code § 46-27(c), uncultivated grass, weeds, brush, rubbish, and other objectionable, unsightly, or unsanitary matter covering or partly covering the surface of any lot or parcel is a public nuisance, and the lot is measured out to the centerlines of abutting streets and alleys. McAllen sets no inch-height figure; the trigger is coverage of the ground surface, not a measured height. When the city health officer finds an immediate threat, the officer abates the nuisance using city personnel or private contractors, notifies the owner within five business days, charges the abatement cost to the owner, and may file a lien under sections 46-30 through 46-40.
Violations & Fines
The city health officer abates the nuisance with city personnel or private contractors; the abatement cost is charged against the property owner and the city may file a lien on the property under sections 46-30 through 46-40.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does McAllen set a maximum grass or weed height?
What happens if I don't clear overgrowth?
How far does the rule reach past my lot line?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Mcallen
How Mcallen compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Mcallen to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
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Weed Ordinances in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Hidalgo County handle weed ordinances.