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San Marcos, TX Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

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

Key Facts

Max height
12 inches (grass/weeds)
Correction notice
10 days after notice
Emergency threshold
48 inches, no advance notice
Abatement lien fee
$150 plus $50 filing fee
Enforced by
Environmental Health Department director

Summary

San Marcos caps weeds and uncultivated grass at 12 inches on any lot; taller growth is a nuisance the city can order removed, with lien-backed cost recovery for noncompliance.

Weeds means grass and uncultivated vegetation, other than trees and shrubs, that exceeds 12 inches in height or that is a breeding place or harborage for mosquitoes or vermin.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 41).

Full Breakdown

City Code § 34.076 defines "weeds" as grass and uncultivated vegetation over 12 inches tall, or any vegetation harboring mosquitoes or vermin. Section 34.078 makes it unlawful for an owner or occupant to let weeds, rubbish, brush, or stagnant water accumulate on a lot. The environmental health director gives ten days' notice to correct a violation; if weeds exceed 48 inches and pose an immediate health or safety threat, the city may abate without advance notice under § 34.079(d). Uncorrected violations let the city do the work itself and file a $150 abatement lien against the property, plus a $50 filing fee.

Violations & Fines

Ten days to correct after notice; city abates and bills owner, filing a $150 lien (plus $50 to record) if uncorrected. Emergency abatement above 48 inches, no advance notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall can grass or weeds get before it's a violation in San Marcos?
Under City Code § 34.076, grass and uncultivated vegetation become "weeds" once they exceed 12 inches, making the lot subject to the nuisance-abatement process in § 34.078.
What happens if I don't cut weeds after a notice?
The city can do the work itself and charge the owner, filing a $150 lien (plus a $50 recording fee) with the county clerk under § 34.080.
Can the city mow without warning me first?
Yes: if weeds exceed 48 inches and pose an immediate health or safety threat, the city may abate under § 34.079(d) before notifying the owner.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Marcos

Water RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsTree TrimmingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesLight RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSignificant Restrictions

All San Marcos rules

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

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