Vacant lots in unincorporated Travis County must be kept free of public health nuisances per TX Health & Safety Code §343.011. Austin Code Compliance requires vacant lot maintenance under §10-8-211, including grass under 12 inches.
Texas Health & Safety Code §343.011 defines public nuisance to include weeds over 48 inches (or 12 inches where population exceeds 50,000) and accumulated debris on vacant parcels. Travis County may send a notice of violation, and if not abated within 30 days, contract abatement and lien the property. Austin imposes stricter 12-inch grass limit on vacant lots and requires fencing around abandoned pools and open excavations. Wildfire fuel management: Travis County Fire Marshal encourages 30-foot defensible space around structures per TX Forest Service guidelines, especially in western Hill Country lots.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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See how Travis County's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
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