Killeen, TX Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Section 342.004 of the Texas Health and Safety Code lets a home-rule city's governing body require the owner of real property to keep it free from weeds, brush and a nuisance condition. Killeen exercises that authority in Code of Ordinances Chapter 18, which reaches vacant, unimproved lots specifically. Section 18-27, Care of Premises, makes it unlawful for an owner, lessee, occupant or person in control of any lot to use the property for open storage of abandoned vehicles, abandoned appliances, building rubbish, tires or other supplies, or for open storage of dead trees, limbs, brush or weeds, unless screened from public view under the city's screening standards. Section 18-21 sets the companion 12-inch weed and grass height limit that applies whether or not the lot carries a structure.

Before the city can act, Section 18-41 requires the code enforcement director to give the owner seven days' written notice to remove, abate or cure the violation; Section 18-42 lets that notice go by personal delivery, mail to the address on the appraisal district records, or, if service fails, publication or posting on the property. If the owner still does not comply, Section 342.006 of the state code authorizes the city to do the work itself and charge the owner for it, and Section 18-45 lets the code enforcement director file a lien against the property with the county clerk for unpaid abatement costs. A second violation of the same kind within twelve months lets the city skip the notice step entirely under Section 18-43.