Universal City, TX Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Max weed height
- 12 inches
- Notice period
- 10 days to abate
- City abatement
- Cost plus admin fee liened
- Repeat offenders
- Annual notice only
- Statute
- TX Local Gov Code 342.004
Summary
Owners of vacant lots must keep weeds and grass below 12 inches, remove trash and debris, and secure the property against dumping. City can mow and lien nonpayers under state law.
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). ... Sec. 342.006. WORK OR IMPROVEMENTS BY MUNICIPALITY; NOTICE. (a) If the owner of property in the municipality does not comply with a municipal ordinance or requirement under this chapter within seven days of notice of a violation, the municipality may:(1) do the work or make the improvements required; and(2) pay for the work done or improvements made and charge the expenses to the owner of the property.
Full Breakdown
Vacant residential and commercial lots in Universal City must be maintained to the same property standards as improved parcels. Owners are responsible for mowing grass and weeds to below 12 inches, removing trash, illegal dumping, downed limbs, and tree hazards, and posting against trespass where appropriate. When the city observes violations, Code Enforcement mails a Notice of Violation to the property owner at the address on file with the Bexar Appraisal District, giving 10 days to abate the nuisance. 004 if unpaid. Repeat offenders may be notified only once per year before abatement, streamlining enforcement.
Fencing or posting against illegal dumping is encouraged but not required, however owners remain liable for removing dumped material even when not placed there by them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who maintains an empty lot next door?
Can the city mow my vacant lot without warning?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Universal City
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Universal City to another location·View the Texas property maintenance overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Vacant Lot Maintenance in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Bexar County handle vacant lot maintenance.