North Richland Hills, TX Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Grass Limit
- 12 inches
- Sight Triangle
- 25 feet at corners
- Cleanup Cost
- 200 to 500 dollars typical
- Lien Authority
- TX H and S 342.007
- Dumping Penalty
- Felony possible
Summary
Vacant lots in NRH must be kept free of tall weeds, debris, and hazards. Grass height limits (12 inches) apply to vacant parcels, and owners are responsible for mowing, debris removal, and securing the property against dumping and trespass.
Sec. 342.004. MUNICIPAL POWER CONCERNING WEEDS OR CERTAIN PUBLIC NUISANCES. The governing body of a municipality may require the owner of real property in the municipality to keep the property free from weeds, brush, and a condition constituting a public nuisance as defined by Section 343.011(c)(1), (2), or (3). Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.Amended by: Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 580 (S.B. 837), Sec. 1, eff. June 14, 2013.
Sec. 342.005. VIOLATION OF ORDINANCE. The governing body of a municipality may punish an owner or occupant of property in the municipality who violates an ordinance adopted under this subchapter. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1,
Full Breakdown
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. 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. 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.
Violations & Fines
First notice typically gives 10 days. Fines after that are up to 2,000 dollars per day, plus city-contracted cleanup costs as a lien on the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for a vacant lot's upkeep in NRH?
Can I report illegal dumping on a vacant NRH lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in North Richland Hills
Texas rules heatmap·Compare North Richland Hills to another location·View the Texas property maintenance overview
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Vacant Lot Maintenance in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Tarrant County handle vacant lot maintenance.