Travis County, TX Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing rule
- Travis County Code § 261.009
- Covers
- Vacant land, same as built lots
- Weed threshold
- Over 36 inches, within 300 ft
- Notice period
- 31 days to clear lot
- First-offense fine
- $50 to $200
- Lien terms
- Cost plus $100 fee, 10% interest
Summary
Any vacant or unimproved lot in unincorporated Travis County must be kept free of stagnant water, weeds over 36 inches, rubbish, garbage, and trash under Code Section 261.009, which defines 'Premises' to include vacant land. Ignoring a 31-day abatement notice brings county cleanup, a lien, and fines.
The Commissioners Court hereby orders that it shall be unlawful for an owner, occupant, tenant, resident or person in control of any lot or parcel of ground within Travis County to: 1. cause, permit, or allow a public nuisance on any premises; or 2. fail to keep the property owned or occupied by them or under their control free from stagnant water, weeds, rubbish, garbage, brush, trash or any other objectionable, unsightly or unsanitary matter of whatsoever nature; or 3. fail to keep the sidewalk easement adjacent to such property free and clear from the above listed matter... or 4. fail to fill up, drain or regrade any lots, ground or yards... which shall be unwholesome or have stagnant water thereon... Premises means all privately owned property, including vacant land or a building designed or used for residential, commercial, business, industrial, or religious purposes.
Full Breakdown
001 definition of Premises expressly includes vacant land, so an empty lot is covered exactly like a built-on one. An owner, tenant, or anyone in control of the parcel must keep it free of stagnant water, weeds, rubbish, garbage, brush, and trash, keep the adjoining sidewalk easement clear of the same matter, and cannot leave the lot in a condition, such as standing water or poor drainage, likely to breed disease or become unwholesome. 001(r) add that weeds over 36 inches tall, or shorter weeds that could harbor rodents or vermin, are a public nuisance if the lot sits within 300 feet of a residence or commercial building.
Before the county can act, the Health Authority must send written notice describing the exact condition, and the owner (or, if different, whoever is actually causing the problem) gets until the 31st day after receiving it to clear the lot or request a hearing within 10 days. 00 administrative fee and 10 percent yearly interest starting the 31st day after the county assesses the charge.
Violations & Fines
Letting a vacant lot stay unabated past the 30-day notice period is a misdemeanor: $50 to $200 for a first offense, $200 to $1,000 plus up to 6 months in jail for a repeat conviction, with every day of the violation charged separately. The county can also clear the lot itself and lien the property for the cost, a $100.00 fee, and 10 percent annual interest until paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Travis County regulate weeds and trash on a vacant lot I own?
How tall can weeds get on an unimproved lot before it's a violation?
What happens if I ignore a notice to clean up my vacant lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Travis County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Travis County to another location·View the Texas property maintenance overview
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