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Stafford, TX Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

Code chapter
Chapter 38 Environment
State authority
Texas Health & Safety 342
Process
Notice, abate, lien
Department
Code Compliance

Summary

Stafford treats accumulations of weeds, brush, and rank vegetation on private property as a public nuisance subject to municipal abatement, with code officers authorized to issue notices and recover cleanup costs.

Sec. 342.004. MUNICIPAL POWER CONCERNING WEEDS OR CERTAIN PUBLIC NUISANCES. The governing body of a municipality may require the owner of real property in the municipality to keep the property free from weeds, brush, and a condition constituting a public nuisance as defined by Section 343.011(c)(1), (2), or (3). Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.Amended by: Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 580 (S.B. 837), Sec. 1, eff. June 14, 2013.

Sec. 342.005. VIOLATION OF ORDINANCE. The governing body of a municipality may punish an owner or occupant of property in the municipality who violates an ordinance adopted under this subchapter. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1,

Source: Municode LibraryView official code

Full Breakdown

Under the Stafford Code of Ordinances Chapter 38 (Environment) and authority granted by Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 342, the city declares unmaintained weeds, brush, and similar vegetation a public nuisance. After investigation, Code Compliance issues a written notice ordering the owner to abate the condition. If the owner fails to act within the stated period, the city may enter the property, remove the vegetation, and assess the cost plus administrative fees against the owner, with unpaid amounts secured by a lien.

Violations & Fines

Permitting weeds, rank vegetation, or brush to constitute a nuisance; failing to comply with abatement orders; obstructing code officers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Stafford enter my property to cut weeds?
Yes. After proper notice and the cure period elapses, the city is authorized to enter and abate nuisance vegetation, then bill the owner for the cost of work plus administrative fees.
Do I need to mow vacant land I own in Stafford?
Yes. Vacant residential and commercial lots are subject to the same nuisance vegetation standards. Owners should mow regularly or contract maintenance to avoid notices and abatement charges.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Stafford

All Stafford rules

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

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