Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

McKinney, TX Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Maximum height
12 inches
Code section
Sec. 70-56, Ch. 70, Art. III
Notice before city mows
Minimum 7 days, written
Fine
Up to $2,000 per day
Enforcement
City mows, bills, files lien

Summary

McKinney bans weeds, grass, or brush over 12 inches within 150 feet of any property line abutting streets, easements, or developed lots. The Chief Building Official gives at least seven days' written notice; the city then mows and bills the owner, and unpaid costs become a lien.

Sec. 70-56. Weeds, brush, and other objectionable or unsightly matter, etc. (a) It shall be unlawful for any person owning, claiming, occupying or having supervision or control of any real property, occupied or unoccupied, within the corporate limits of the city, to permit weeds, brush, or any objectionable or unsightly matter to grow to a greater height than 12 inches upon such real property within 150 feet of any property line which abuts street rights-of-way, alleys, utility easements, subdivided additions, developed property or any buildings or other structures.

Full Breakdown

Section 70-56(a) makes it unlawful to let weeds, brush, or unsightly vegetation exceed 12 inches within 150 feet of any property line abutting street rights-of-way, alleys, utility easements, subdivided additions, or developed property; owners must also clear to the curbline. The Chief Building Official or inspector issues a minimum of seven days' written notice under Section 70-59, and on non-compliance the city does the mowing and charges the owner. Weeds grown higher than 48 inches may be abated without notice under Section 70-60. Unpaid abatement costs are perfected as a lien on the property under Section 70-61. Regularly cultivated row crops and agricultural-exempt hay are excepted.

Violations & Fines

Failing to comply after notice is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $2,000.00 per day under Section 70-63, on top of city abatement costs assessed against the property as a lien; each day is a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall can my grass be in McKinney?
No taller than 12 inches within 150 feet of any property line abutting a street, alley, easement, subdivided addition, or developed lot. Taller growth is an unlawful nuisance under Section 70-56.
What happens if I don't mow after a notice?
After at least seven days' written notice, the city mows for you and bills the cost, which becomes a lien on your property. You can also be fined up to $2,000 per day.
Are farms or crops exempt?
Regularly cultivated row crops and hay on land with an agricultural property tax exemption are excepted, but they cannot grow in a public right-of-way or block intersection visibility.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in McKinney

All McKinney rules

How McKinney compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Texas rules heatmap·Compare McKinney to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview

Get notified when Weed Ordinances in McKinney, TX changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Weed Ordinances in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Collin County handle weed ordinances.

Plano, TX
Light Restrictions
Allen, TX
Some Restrictions
Frisco, TX
Some Restrictions