Shenandoah, TX Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit
- 12 inches average
- Curbline overhang limit
- 4 inches past curb
- Notice before city acts
- 7 days written notice
- Enforcing official
- Police chief
- Lien interest rate
- 10% per year
- Amending ordinance
- Ord. No. O-15-016 (2015)
Summary
Shenandoah, Texas caps uncultivated weeds, grass or plants at 12 inches average height under Code of Ordinances § 38-161, and also bars growth extending more than four inches past the curbline. Violations are a public-health nuisance the police chief can order cut, with the city recovering removal costs as a lien on the property.
It shall be unlawful for any owner, occupant or agent in charge of any occupied or unoccupied premises within the city to permit weeds, grass or plants that are not cultivated to grow on such premises to a height greater than 12 inches, on average, or to grow in rank profusion upon such premises, or to extend past curblines more than four inches. Any such premises on which any weeds, grass or plants grow above 12 inches or in rank profusion, or extend past curblines more than four inches shall be deemed a nuisance and dangerous to the public health and calculated to increase the fire hazard within the city.
Full Breakdown
Section 38-161, in Chapter 38, Article III, Division 4 of the Shenandoah Code of Ordinances (originally Code 1993, § 78-26, amended by Ord. No. O-15-016 on May 27, 2015), makes it unlawful for any owner, occupant or agent in charge of occupied or unoccupied premises to permit uncultivated weeds, grass or plants to grow past 12 inches on average, to grow in rank profusion, or to extend more than four inches past the curbline. Any premises exceeding those limits is deemed both a nuisance and a fire hazard.
Section 38-162 puts the duty to mow or clear on the owner, occupant or agent, and § 38-163 directs every police officer who spots a violation to report it immediately to the police chief. 006, or by newspaper publication up to twice within ten consecutive days if the owner can't be located. 007 until paid. A cross-reference in the division's footnotes also ties overgrown vegetation causing traffic hazards to § 70-49.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the 12-inch average height, letting growth reach rank profusion, or extending more than four inches past the curbline is a nuisance under § 38-161. After seven days' notice under § 38-164, the city can mow or clear the lot itself and record a lien for the cost, plus 10% annual interest, against the property under § 38-165.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can grass or weeds get in Shenandoah before it's a violation?
How much notice do I get before the city cuts my grass?
Will the city bill me if it has to mow my lot?
Does this apply to vacant lots too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shenandoah
How Shenandoah compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Shenandoah to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
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