North Richland Hills, TX Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Vacant and undeveloped parcels within North Richland Hills are subject to the same property maintenance and nuisance standards as occupied properties. NRH Code Chapter 42 requires owners to: mow and maintain grass, weeds, and invasive growth at or below 12 inches, remove accumulated trash, construction debris, and illegally dumped materials, remove or secure abandoned or dangerous structures, prevent stagnant water that could breed mosquitoes (especially important for West Nile and Zika prevention in Tarrant County), and address drainage issues that affect neighboring properties. Corner vacant lots must maintain sight distance triangles clear of obstructions over 2.5 feet within 25 feet of intersections. Absentee property owners must provide a current mailing address for notices. When violations occur, Code Compliance sends a 10-day notice to the owner of record. If the owner does not respond, the city may contract mowing and cleanup (typically 200 to 500 dollars plus administrative fee) with costs placed as a lien on the property under Texas Health and Safety Code 342.007. Recurring violators may be placed on a proactive mowing list. Vacant residential lots in floodplains have additional erosion and debris concerns. Illegal dumping is a separate Class C misdemeanor and felony offense under Texas Health and Safety Code 365.