Fort Bend County, TX Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Height threshold
- More than 36 inches tall
- Proximity trigger
- Within 300 feet of another building
- Enforcing agency
- FBC Health and Human Services Administrator
- Cure period
- 31 days (10 if repeat violation)
- Non-compliance cost
- $100 fee plus lien on property
Summary
Unincorporated Fort Bend County treats weeds and grass over 36 inches tall as a public nuisance when the growth sits within 300 feet of another residence or business, triggering the county's abatement process.
Weeds means all rank and uncultivated vegetable growth or matter that: 1) has grown to more than thirty-six (36) inches in height; or 2) may create an unsanitary condition or become a harborage for rodents, vermin, or other disease carrying pests, regardless of the height of weeds... Allowing Weeds to grow on Premises in a neighborhood if the Weeds are located within three hundred (300) feet of another residence or commercial establishment.
Full Breakdown
Under the county's Procedures for the Abatement of Neighborhood Nuisances, "Weeds" means rank, uncultivated vegetable growth that has reached more than 36 inches in height, or any growth, regardless of height, that creates an unsanitary condition or shelters rodents, vermin, or other pests. Letting weeds grow within 300 feet of another residence or commercial establishment in a neighborhood is a public nuisance. The Fort Bend Health and Human Services Administrator investigates complaints, serves a Notice to Abate giving the owner 31 days (or 10 business days on a repeat violation) to cut the growth, and can order county abatement plus a lien for costs if the owner fails to comply.
Violations & Fines
Failing to abate weeds after a Notice to Abate expires lets the county cut the growth itself, bill the owner, and place a lien on the property for the total abatement costs plus a $100 administrative fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can grass or weeds get before it's a violation in unincorporated Fort Bend County?
What happens if I don't cut overgrown weeds after getting a notice?
Does this rule apply inside Fort Bend County's cities?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Bend County
How Fort Bend County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Fort Bend County to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.