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Dallas County, TX Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

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

Key Facts

Registration
Not required
Weed Height
36 inches max (within 300 ft)
Enforcement
Dallas County DUAS
Cost Recovery
Property lien

Summary

TX HSC Chapter 343 nuisance abatement applies to vacant lots: weeds over 36 inches, rubbish accumulation, and stagnant water within 300 ft of a residence are nuisances. Dallas County DUAS enforces. No separate vacant lot registration.

City-specific rules exist: DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Richardson, Mesquite, Irving, Carrollton, Dallas, and Garland have their own vacant lot maintenance rules that differ from Dallas 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 ...

Source: TX HSC Chapter 343View official code

Full Breakdown

Vacant lots in unincorporated Dallas County are subject to public nuisance abatement under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 343. Property owners must maintain vacant lots to prevent nuisance conditions: weeds exceeding 36 inches within 300 feet of a residence, accumulation of rubbish or junk visible from a public street, and stagnant water. Dallas County DUAS enforces through notice, correction period, and county abatement with cost recovery. There is no separate vacant lot registration or inspection program.

Violations & Fines

TX HSC Chapter 343 nuisance: county abatement with cost assessment. Property lien for unpaid costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who maintains vacant lots in unincorporated Dallas County?
Property owners are responsible. If they fail to maintain, the county may abate nuisance conditions and charge the owner for costs.
How tall can grass grow on a vacant lot?
Weeds over 36 inches within 300 feet of another residence or business are a public nuisance. The county may clear the lot after giving written notice.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Dallas County

All Dallas County rules

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