Lubbock, TX Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Code
- IPMC with local amendments
- Weed Height
- 12 inches maximum
- Abatement Notice
- 10 days typical
- City Abatement
- Cost plus fee lien
- State Law
- TX H and S Code Ch. 342
Summary
Lubbock enforces property maintenance standards through Chapter 10 of the Code of Ordinances, addressing dilapidated structures, accumulated junk, overgrown weeds, and other nuisance conditions. The city can abate at owner expense and lien the property.
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.
Full Breakdown
Lubbock adopts the International Property Maintenance Code with local amendments through Chapter 10. Code Enforcement investigates complaints and inspects for conditions including dilapidated or unsecured structures, accumulation of junk or debris, junked vehicles, overgrown weeds exceeding 12 inches, graffiti, and broken windows or doors. Owners receive written notice to abate, typically within 10 days. If not corrected, the city may abate the nuisance (mow, haul debris, board up) and assess costs plus an administrative fee as a lien on the property under TX Health and Safety Code Chapter 342. Severely dilapidated structures may be ordered demolished after Building Standards Commission hearing.
Violations & Fines
Administrative fines start around $200 per violation and can escalate. Abatement costs plus liens are added to property tax bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report blight?
Can the city clean my yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lubbock
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Lubbock to another location·View the Texas property maintenance overview
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