Houston, TX Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Houston Code Ch. 10, Art. XI
- Weed Height Limit
- 48 inches maximum
- Vacant Buildings
- Must be secured from unauthorized entry
- Fines
- $200-$2,000 per violation
- Reporting
- Call 3-1-1 or Houston 3-1-1 app
Summary
Houston Code Chapter 10, Art. XI (Neighborhood Nuisances) and Community Code Enforcement address property blight including overgrown lots, graffiti, trash accumulation, dangerous buildings, and junked vehicles. Fines range from $200 to $2,000.
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 condition likely to attract or harbor mosquitoes, rodents
Full Breakdown
Under Houston Code Chapter 10 (Buildings and Neighborhood Protection), Community Code Enforcement responds to neighborhood complaints related to overgrown lots (vegetation over 48 inches under Sec. 10-453 and Texas Health & Safety Code Sec. 342.008), dangerous buildings, trash accumulation, junk motor vehicles, graffiti/visual blight, and materials stored in public view. Unauthorized graffiti or visual blight visible from public property or another's private property is a violation. Vacant structures must be secured from unauthorized entry with all doors and windows closed and secured. Fences and accessory structures must be maintained in structurally sound condition. Sewage connections must be maintained in good condition. Houston 3-1-1 handles all blight complaints.
Violations & Fines
Fines range from $200 to $2,000 per violation. Each day of continued violation is a separate offense. The city may abate weeds and bill the property owner for costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report property blight in Houston?
How tall can weeds grow before Houston takes action?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Houston
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Houston to another location·View the Texas property maintenance overview
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Property Blight in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Harris County handle property blight.