DeSoto, TX Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Dimensions
- 12-inch grass height limit
- Restriction
- Inoperable vehicles prohibited in public view
- 10-day Compliance
- 10-day compliance notices typical
- Liens For
- Liens for abatement costs
- Enforcement
- Municipal court enforcement
Summary
DeSoto enforces a property maintenance code to prevent blight, protect public health and safety, and preserve neighborhood property values. The code prohibits accumulation of junk, trash, inoperable v
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
Full Breakdown
DeSoto enforces a property maintenance code to prevent blight, protect public health and safety, and preserve neighborhood property values. The code prohibits accumulation of junk, trash, inoperable vehicles, discarded appliances, tires, construction debris, and scrap metal on residential properties. Structures must be maintained with weather-tight roofs, sound walls, functional doors and windows, painted or finished exterior surfaces free of peeling paint or graffiti, and proper drainage. Overgrown grass and weeds exceeding 12 inches in height are violations subject to abatement. Dead trees, broken fences, and collapsed structures must be remediated. The code authorizes DeSoto Code Compliance to issue notices of violation with compliance deadlines (typically 10 days), followed by citations, administrative fines, municipal court action, and city abatement with lien attached to the property for cost recovery. Habitual violators may face escalating penalties and criminal charges for repeat offenses.
Violations & Fines
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Desoto code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my DeSoto grass get before it's a violation?
What happens if I ignore a DeSoto Code Compliance notice?
Can DeSoto tow an inoperable vehicle from my driveway?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in DeSoto
Texas rules heatmap·Compare DeSoto to another location·View the Texas property maintenance overview
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