Temple, TX Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit
- 9 inches
- Applies to
- Lots ≤2 acres or with a structure
- Notice period
- 10 days before City abates
- Danger threshold
- 48 inches, no notice needed
- Wildflower exception
- Up to 18 inches, Mar 1–Jul 15
Summary
Temple bans letting weeds, grass, or other rank growth exceed nine inches on lots two acres or smaller, or on any lot with a structure.
It shall be unlawful for any owner, occupant, or tenant to allow weeds, grass, or other rank or uncultivated vegetable growth to exceed nine (9) inches in height on any lot that is two (2) acres in size or less or that contains one or more structures.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Reformat).
Full Breakdown
Under Chapter 40, Article V of Temple's Code of Ordinances, owners, occupants, or tenants may not let weeds, grass, or other rank or uncultivated vegetable growth exceed nine inches in height on any lot two acres or less, or on any lot that has one or more structures on it regardless of size. Larger unstructured or agricultural-exempt lots get a fire-break rule instead: nine inches within 50 feet of a property line or structure, 48 inches max on the rest. Code enforcement gives 10 days' written notice to abate before the City can mow and bill the owner; growth over 48 inches deemed an immediate danger can be abated without notice.
Violations & Fines
Failure to abate after 10 days' notice lets the City mow and assess the cost as a lien on the property; unabated high grass/weeds is also a prosecutable offense under the chapter's general nuisance penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my grass legally get in Temple?
What happens if I don't cut it?
Is there an exception for wildflowers?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Temple
How Temple compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Temple 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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Weed Ordinances in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Bell County handle weed ordinances.