Did you know grass taller than 12 inches can trigger a code violation in Fort Worth? Whether you own a home, manage a rental, or plan to sell, high grass can lead to city mowing, fees, and liens that slow down your closing. In this quick guide, you’ll learn the 12-inch rule, how enforcement works, what it can cost, key exceptions, and how to stay in compliance. Let’s dive in.
What the 12-inch rule means
Fort Worth treats grass or weeds over 12 inches as a public nuisance. Property owners must keep yards and the adjacent parkway at or below 12 inches. The City outlines the standard and why it matters for visibility, fire safety, and pest control on its High Grass and Weeds page.
The legal requirement is in § 11A-8 of the Fort Worth Code. The rule applies inside city limits, including vacant lots. Owners are also responsible for maintaining the parkway next to their property.
How enforcement works
Complaints are routed to Code Compliance. You can see how the City handles reports and status checks in the online reporting portal.
- Notice to correct: After a violation is observed, the City can issue a notice. You generally have 10 days from when the notice is deemed received to mow and cure the issue. See § 11A-9 for timelines and delivery methods.
- One-year warning: If you get a certified letter that includes a one-year warning, a repeat violation of the same type within one year can be abated by the City without another mailed notice. Details are in § 11A-9.
- Emergency abatement: If grass exceeds 48 inches and creates an immediate danger, the City may mow without prior notice, then notify you after. You can request an administrative hearing after abatement. See § 11A-10.
Costs and liens at closing
If you do not cure the violation within the notice period, the City can hire a contractor to mow and bill you for the cost. The City’s overview explains typical billing and notes an average mowing fee example on its High Grass and Weeds page.
If unpaid, the City can file a lien that attaches to the property when recorded with the county clerk. Interest accrues at 10% per year from the date the City paid the expense. Lien priority and filing are outlined in § 11A-11. These liens can complicate title and delay closing until resolved.
Exceptions and special cases
Some larger tracts have an exception. For parcels of two or more acres under common ownership, taller vegetation is allowed if it is at least 100 feet from any street or structure. See the full text in § 11A-8.
There is also a broader nuisance vegetation rule. Even if vegetation is not over 12 inches, it can be a violation if it creates unsanitary conditions that attract pests or conceals habitual criminal activity for more than 30 days. Defenses include agricultural crops, cultivated trees or shrubs, and managed natural habitat with periodic maintenance. See § 11A-29.
Quick homeowner checklist
- Keep grass and weeds at or below 12 inches, including the parkway.
- If you receive a notice, mow within 10 days of deemed receipt.
- If you get a certified letter with a one-year warning, avoid repeats within that year.
- If the City mows, review the invoice and pay promptly or follow the City’s listed steps to request a payoff or dispute on the High Grass page.
- Save all notices, photos, invoices, and receipts for your records and future closing.
- Set a recurring mowing schedule, especially for vacant or rental property.
Tips for buyers and sellers
- Sellers: Cure any active notices and keep the yard maintained through closing. If the City has already mowed, obtain and pay the invoice or get written payoff confirmation so it does not become a lien under § 11A-11.
- Buyers: Ask for documentation that there are no outstanding Code Compliance assessments. Have your title company check for municipal liens and recent abatements under § 11A-11.
- Investors: For multiple properties, monitor mail for notices and add periodic drive-bys or lawn service confirmations, especially in growing season.
Local resources
- City guidance and contacts: Review the City’s High Grass and Weeds page.
- Report or track a case: Use the online reporting portal.
- Tool lending: If equipment is a barrier, the City’s Fort Worth Mobile Tool Shed can help with lawn tools.
Ready for help?
Keeping your yard compliant protects your home value, avoids surprise fees, and keeps your transaction on track. If you plan to buy or sell in Fort Worth and want a smooth, compliant closing, connect with Taylor Haywood for local guidance and a clear plan.
FAQs
What is Fort Worth’s 12-inch grass rule?
- Grass or weeds over 12 inches are a nuisance that must be abated, including the parkway next to your property. See § 11A-8.
How long do I have to mow after a notice?
- You have 10 days from when the notice is deemed received to correct the violation. See § 11A-9.
Can the City mow without warning?
- Yes, in limited cases. After a prior certified notice within one year, or if grass exceeds 48 inches and poses an immediate danger. See § 11A-9 and § 11A-10.
What happens if I do not pay a mowing bill?
- The City can file a lien that attaches to the property and accrues 10% annual interest from the date the City paid the expense. See § 11A-11.
Do native plantings or gardens count as exceptions?
- Some managed uses are defenses, such as agricultural crops, cultivated trees or shrubs, and arranged natural habitat with periodic maintenance. Unmanaged vegetation that creates a hazard can still be a violation. See § 11A-29.
Does the 12-inch rule apply to large acreage?
- Parcels of two or more acres are excepted if taller vegetation is at least 100 feet from any street or structure. See § 11A-8.
