Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Amarillo

Amarillo, TX Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

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

Key Facts

Max grass/weed height
8 inches
Dangerous weed threshold
48 inches (immediate abatement)
Notice period
10 calendar days
Admin fee
$75 per abatement event

Summary

Amarillo requires owners of vacant lots to keep grass and weeds below 8 inches and free of accumulated trash or debris. The city may abate violations after notice and bill the cost, plus a $75 administrative fee, to the property owner.

Sec. 342.004. MUNICIPAL POWER CONCERNING WEEDS OR CERTAIN PUBLIC NUISANCES. The governing body of a municipality may require the owner of real property in the municipality to keep the property free from weeds, brush, and a condition constituting a public nuisance as defined by Section 343.011(c)(1), (2), or (3). Sec. 342.006. WORK OR IMPROVEMENTS BY MUNICIPALITY; NOTICE. (a) If the owner of property in the municipality does not comply with a municipal ordinance or requirement under this chapter within seven days of notice of a violation, the municipality may:(1) do the work or make the improvements required; and(2) pay for the work done or improvements made and charge the expenses to the owner of the property.

Source: Amarillo Code Ch. 8-3 Garbage, Trash and Weeds (Municode)View official code

Full Breakdown

Amarillo Code of Ordinances Chapter 8-3 (Garbage, Trash and Weeds) and Chapter 4-3 § 4-3-2 (Unlawful Accumulations) govern vacant-lot maintenance. Grass and weeds exceeding 8 inches are a nuisance. Weeds over 48 inches that pose immediate health or safety danger are classified as 'dangerous weeds' and may be abated by the city without advance notice. For standard violations, the city mails a notice; owners have 10 calendar days to comply before city-contracted abatement begins. The city bills the owner for removal costs plus a $75 administrative charge for inspection, re-inspection, and bookkeeping. Unpaid bills become liens on the property. The City Marshal enforces.

Violations & Fines

Failure to abate results in city-performed cleanup billed to the owner at actual cost plus $75 admin fee; unpaid charges become property liens; repeat violations may result in Class C misdemeanor citations up to $500.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall can weeds grow on a vacant lot before the city acts?
Weeds over 8 inches trigger a notice and 10-day correction period. Weeds over 48 inches that threaten health or safety may be mowed immediately by the city without prior notice.
What happens if I don't clean up my vacant lot after receiving a notice?
The city hires a contractor to clean the lot and charges you the actual cost plus a $75 administrative fee, which becomes a lien on the property if unpaid.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Amarillo

Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsSnow & Sidewalk ClearingSome RestrictionsProperty BlightSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Dibs & Space SavingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome Restrictions

All Amarillo rules

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

Get notified when Vacant Lot Maintenance in Amarillo, TX changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.