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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Grass Limit
12 inches maximum
Applies Within
City or 5,000 feet
Owner Duty
Mow, clear trash, secure lot
Non-Compliance
City mows and liens

Summary

Tyler prohibits uncultivated vegetation taller than twelve inches on any lot, including vacant ones, inside the city or within 5,000 feet of it. Owners must control weeds, brush, and dumping, or the city mows and bills the owner.

It is unlawful for any person to allow uncultivated vegetation to grow to a height greater than twelve (12) inches on any improved lot, tract, or parcel of land within the City limits or within five thousand (5,000) feet thereof.

Source: Tyler Code of OrdinancesView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: July 2026: Including amendments through July 22, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Section 18-20 of the Tyler City Code makes it unlawful to allow uncultivated vegetation to exceed twelve inches on any improved lot within the city limits or within 5,000 feet of them. Vacant lot owners must keep weeds and grass down, remove trash and debris, and prevent fallen limbs and brush from accumulating. The owner is responsible for maintaining the property out to the curb line. Code Enforcement responds to high grass and illegal dumpsites on vacant parcels. When an owner fails to comply after notice, the city may mow or clear the lot and assess the abatement cost against the property as a lien.

Violations & Fines

Vegetation over twelve inches or accumulated debris on a vacant lot violates Section 18-20. After written notice, Tyler can mow and clean the lot and charge the owner, placing a lien on the property for unpaid abatement costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall can grass get on a vacant lot in Tyler?
No more than twelve inches. The limit applies to any lot inside the city or within 5,000 feet of the city limits.
What if I don't mow my vacant lot?
After written notice, Tyler can mow or clear it and assess the cost against you, placing a lien on the property for unpaid amounts.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Tyler

Landscaping Rules: Water RestrictionsLight RestrictionsProperty BlightSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Artificial TurfFew RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Native PlantsLight RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesLight RestrictionsHome Business: Zoning & Home Occupation PermitsSome RestrictionsHome Business: Customer Traffic RestrictionsSome Restrictions

All Tyler rules

Texas rules heatmap·Compare Tyler to another location·View the Texas property maintenance overview

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