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.
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.
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.
Houston, TX
Smoke alarms in Houston dwellings are governed by Tex. Health & Safety Code Chapter 766 and the Houston Fire Code, which adopts the International Fire Code (...
Houston, TX
Houston has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations on residential property. With no zoning and limited aesthetic c...
Houston, TX
Houston has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Inflatable size, location, lighting, and motor noise are governed by subdiv...
Houston, TX
Houston has no municipal ordinance regulating holiday light displays. With no zoning and limited aesthetic regulation, holiday lighting is governed by deed r...
Houston, TX
Houston requires building permits for built-in outdoor kitchens that include gas lines, plumbing, electrical wiring, or structural roofs. Standalone freestan...
Houston, TX
Houston has no specific ordinance prohibiting residential smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens. Smoke nuisance complaints may be addressed under Chapt...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Harris County.
See how other cities in Harris County handle vacant lot maintenance.
See how Houston's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.