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Bexar County, TX Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing law
TX Health Safety Code 341, 342
Grass limit
12 inches typical threshold
Notice period
10 to 30 days to abate
Lien authority
TX Local Gov Code 342.007
Report
Bexar County 210-335-6700

Summary

Bexar County enforces property nuisance rules under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapters 341 and 342. Accumulated trash, high weeds, junked vehicles, and unsanitary conditions can trigger abatement orders and liens.

City-specific rules exist: Converse, Universal City, and San Antonio have their own property blight rules that differ from Bexar County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Sec. 343.011. PUBLIC NUISANCE. (a) This section applies only to the unincorporated area of a county.(b) A person may not cause, permit, or allow a public nuisance under this section.(c) A public nuisance is:(1) keeping, storing, or accumulating refuse on premises in a neighborhood unless the refuse is entirely contained in a closed receptacle;(2) keeping, storing, or accumulating rubbish, including newspapers, abandoned vehicles, refrigerators, stoves, furniture, tires, and cans, on premises in a neighborhood or within 300 feet of a public street for 10 days or more, unless the rubbish or object is completely enclosed in a building or is not visible from a public street;(3) maintaining premises in a manner that creates an unsanitary

Source: TX Health Safety Code 342View official code

Full Breakdown

Bexar County property blight and nuisance enforcement is anchored in Texas Health and Safety Code Chapters 341 (public health nuisances) and 342 (municipal and county abatement authority). The county Environmental Services division investigates complaints about accumulated trash, overgrown vegetation, stagnant water, rodent harborage, dilapidated structures, and other unsanitary conditions. Grass and weeds taller than 12 inches on improved lots in platted subdivisions are commonly cited as nuisances. 007. Criminal penalties also apply, with fines up to $500 for most Class C misdemeanor violations. Dangerous structures that pose collapse or fire risks can be ordered repaired or demolished through a separate administrative hearing process. HOAs often enforce more aggressive blight standards. Reports can be made to Bexar County 210-335-6700 with the property address and description of the condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall can my grass get before a fine?
Over 12 inches typically triggers a nuisance notice in platted subdivisions. Rural acreage has more flexibility.
What happens if I ignore a blight notice?
The county can clean the property and assess the cost as a lien, plus issue criminal citations.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Bexar County

All Bexar County rules

Texas rules heatmap·Compare Bexar County to another location·View the Texas property maintenance overview

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