Richardson, TX Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit
- 12 inches
- Coverage zone
- Within 150 feet of property line
- Governing section
- City Code § 14-116
- Enforcement
- Health department; abate + lien
- Cure period
- 7 days after written notice
Summary
Richardson makes it unlawful to let grass, weeds, Johnson grass, or brush exceed 12 inches on any property within 150 feet of a street, alley, easement, or developed lot. The health department orders cutting, and if ignored the city mows and bills the owner.
Except as otherwise provided in section 14-118 it shall be unlawful for any person owning, claiming, occupying or having supervision or control of any real property, occupied or unoccupied, within the city to permit grass, weeds, Johnson grass, brush or any objectionable or unsightly matter to grow to a greater height than 12 inches upon any 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.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 35 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Section 14-116 of Chapter 14 sets the limit: grass, weeds, Johnson grass, brush, or other objectionable or unsightly matter may not grow taller than 12 inches within 150 feet of any property line abutting a street right-of-way, alley, utility easement, subdivided addition, developed property, or structure. Owners must also keep the parkway between the property line and the curb or alley clear (§ 14-117). The health director or designee gives written notice and seven days to comply (§ 14-119). If the owner fails, the city cuts the growth, charges the cost to the owner, and files a statement with the county clerk creating a privileged lien, second only to tax liens, plus ten percent annual interest (§ 14-120).
Violations & Fines
Violations are prosecuted under section 1-8 of the Code. Separately, the city recovers its mowing costs through a privileged property lien bearing ten percent annual interest, enforceable by foreclosure and recovery of reasonable attorneys' fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can grass and weeds get in Richardson?
What happens if I don't mow after a notice?
Do I have to maintain the parkway too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richardson
How Richardson compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Richardson to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
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