Owners of vacant lots in Katy must keep weeds under nine inches and prevent rubbish, stagnant water, or pest harborage on the parcel.
Katy's nuisance rules apply equally to occupied and vacant property. Section 6.103(B) makes it unlawful for an owner to permit accumulation of rubbish, brush, filth, carrion, stagnant water, or other unsightly or unsanitary matter on any lot or parcel. The weed definition in the code targets any rank or uncultivated growth more than nine inches tall, or shorter growth that harbors rodents or pests. After written notice from the Code Enforcement Officer, owners typically have a short window to abate the condition; if they do not, the city may mow or clean the lot and place a lien for the cost. Vacant lot complaints are among the most common Katy code enforcement cases.
Leaving a vacant lot unmown above nine inches, allowing dumping or stagnant water, or ignoring an abatement notice can lead to a city mowing lien and additional fines.
See how other cities in Fort Bend County handle vacant lot maintenance.
See how Katy's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
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