Vacant lots in unincorporated El Paso County are regulated only through the Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 343 public-nuisance process. Overgrown weeds within 300 feet of a residence or accumulated rubbish can be ordered abated by the county.
El Paso County cannot impose a vacant-lot maintenance ordinance the way a city can, but Chapter 343 of the Texas Health & Safety Code gives it public-nuisance authority over neglected land in the unincorporated area. Under Sec. 343.011(c) a vacant lot becomes a nuisance when the owner allows weeds to grow 'within 300 feet of another residence or commercial establishment,' accumulates rubbish near a public street for 10 days or more, or keeps the premises unsanitary and harboring rodents. Abatement (Sec. 343.022) requires written notice administered by a county employee. Owners near populated areas must keep weeds down and haul off debris, even though no numeric height ordinance exists. Lots inside city limits follow that city's code.
After notice, a first-time owner must abate before the 31st day; a repeat recipient before the 10th business day. If ignored, the county may abate and lien the cost; noncompliance is a Class C misdemeanor.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how El Paso County's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
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