Tarrant County Weed Ordinances Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know
Few RestrictionsKey Facts
- County Weed Ordinance
- None — not authorized by state law
- Grass Height Limit
- None in unincorporated areas
- Property Maintenance Code
- Not adopted by county
- Drainage Maintenance
- Required under subdivision regulations
- HOA Enforcement
- May apply under deed restrictions
- Fort Worth Comparison
- Grass over 12 inches is a violation within city
The Short Version
Unincorporated Tarrant County does not have a weed ordinance or property maintenance code. Texas counties lack the general police power needed to regulate vegetation height or property upkeep. Most counties have no authority to sanction property owners whose lands fill with weeds and trash. The only county-level requirement related to property maintenance is keeping drainage ways clean under the subdivision regulations.
Full Breakdown
Texas counties do not have "home rule" authority and whatever powers they enjoy are specifically granted by the state. Most counties have no authority to sanction property owners whose lands fill with weeds and trash, as the Texas Legislature has not conferred this power on county governments. Tarrant County has not adopted a weed ordinance or property maintenance code for unincorporated areas.
This means there is no county-level requirement to mow grass to a specific height, remove weeds, or maintain landscaping in unincorporated Tarrant County. For comparison, the City of Fort Worth requires property owners to keep grass and weeds below 12 inches, but this ordinance applies only within Fort Worth's city limits.
The one exception related to property maintenance in unincorporated Tarrant County comes from the county's subdivision regulations (Court Order No. 81591 and subsequent amendments). Homeowners in platted subdivisions are required to keep adjacent drainage ways traversing their property clean and free of debris, silt, or other substances that would result in unsanitary conditions. Additionally, the Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 78 provides for the creation of Noxious Weed Control Districts, though no such district currently operates in Tarrant County. Residents in subdivisions should also check HOA deed restrictions, which commonly include landscaping and property maintenance standards.
What Happens If You Violate This?
There are no county-level penalties for overgrown vegetation or property maintenance issues in unincorporated Tarrant County. Failure to maintain drainage ways as required under subdivision regulations could result in enforcement action by the county. HOA violations for landscaping standards carry separate penalties under the HOA's governing documents. If property conditions create a health hazard, the Tarrant County Public Health Department may be able to intervene.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Tarrant County have a weed ordinance for unincorporated areas?
Can the county fine me for overgrown grass in an unincorporated area?
What property maintenance is required in unincorporated Tarrant County?
Sources & Official References
Related Ordinances in Tarrant County
How does Tarrant County compare?
See how Tarrant County's weed ordinances rules stack up against other locations.