Houston, TX Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Houston Code Ch. 10, Art. XI; Texas HSC Sec. 342.008
- Vegetation Limit
- 48 inches maximum height
- City Abatement
- City may mow and bill owner for costs
- Fines
- $200-$2,000 per day of violation
- No Zoning
- Vacant lots may exist in any neighborhood context
Summary
Houston requires vacant lot owners to maintain their property free of overgrown vegetation, trash accumulation, and nuisance conditions under Chapter 10, Art. XI. Weeds exceeding 48 inches must be abated. The city may mow overgrown lots and bill the 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). Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.Amended by: Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 580 (S.B. 837), Sec. 1, eff. June 14, 2013.
Full Breakdown
Under Houston Code Chapter 10, Art. XI and Texas Health & Safety Code Section 342.008, vacant lot owners must keep vegetation below 48 inches and prevent trash accumulation, junk vehicle storage, and other nuisance conditions. The city has authority to abate weeds and brush exceeding the height limit and may bill the property owner for the cost. Vacant structures on the lot must be secured from unauthorized entry with all doors, windows, and openings closed. Community Code Enforcement investigates complaints reported through 3-1-1. Fines range from $200 to $2,000 per day of violation. Since Houston has no zoning, vacant lots may exist adjacent to occupied residential and commercial properties without buffer requirements, making maintenance enforcement particularly important.
Violations & Fines
Fines of $200-$2,000 per violation. City may abate and bill owner. Each day is a separate offense. Repeat offenders may face court action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for mowing a vacant lot in Houston?
How do I report an overgrown vacant lot in Houston?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Houston
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Vacant Lot Maintenance in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Harris County handle vacant lot maintenance.