HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 08 - Weeds, Trash and BrushTO: HONORABLE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
FROM: BRUNO RUMBELOW, CITY MANAGER
ERICA MAROHNIC, PLANNING SERVICES DIRECTOR
MEETING DATE: OCTOBER 7, 2025
SUBJECT: PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO SUBSECTION 12-111, SAME
— WEEDS, TRASH, BRUSH AND OTHER UNSIGHTLY
MATTER, OF SECTION 12, HEALTH AND SANITATION OF
THE CODE OF ORDINANCES (TALL WEEDS AND GRASS).
(AM25-01)
RECOMMENDATION:
City Council to consider amendments to the Grapevine Code of Ordinances, Chapter 12 —
Health and Sanitation, Subsection 12-111, Same — Weeds, Trash, Brush and Other
Unsightly Matter, refining regulations related to tall weeds and grass.
BACKGROUND:
Subsection 12-111 of Chapter 12 of the Code of Ordinances addresses the accumulation of
weeds, trash, brush, and other unsightly materials on property throughout the city. Both city
staff and the public have expressed concerns about the clarity and enforceability of the rules
surrounding tall weeds and grass.
The purpose of these amendments is to respond to requests for recognition and inclusion
of Texas native grasses and plants, clarify the language regarding what constitutes a weed
compared to turf grasses or native grasses specific to the region. Additionally, the
amendments more clearly state the maximum height allowed for vegetation in residential
areas versus non-residential areas and provides the city with an opportunity to reformat the
existing text, improve clarity, and add relevant definitions.
Proposed Changes:
Purpose Statement - A new purpose statement has been added to clarify the intent
of the ordinance. This statement emphasizes enhancing the overall health, safety,
and well-being of the community, reducing fire hazards and pest habitats, and
supporting pollinator habitats in accordance with the City's designation as a Bee
City USA member and a signatory to the Monarch Pledge.
Clarification of Terminology - The amendment introduces and defines several key
terms, including but not limited to: Grass vs. Weeds, Turf Grasses (both Ornamental
and Native), Ornamental Plants, and Maintenance.
AM25-01.4
Maintenance Standards - A revised section outlines clear expectations for the regular
maintenance of both native and ornamental turf grasses, plants, as well as other
vegetation.
Removal of Unsightly and Unsafe Materials - The amendments clarify a timeframe
for which dead trees which pose a hazard to other properties, brush piles,
accumulated rubbish, litter, bulk landscape material, and debris must be removed.
Enforcement and Penalties - The proposed amendments feature a clearer
enforcement structure that specifies the roles of code enforcement officers. It
outlines the procedures for issuing notices and conducting abatements, and it
details the administrative penalties for noncompliance. This includes established
timeframes for voluntary corrections and guidance on when City -initiated
abatements may take place.
These revisions aim to create a more enforceable and equitable ordinance that enhances
community aesthetics, ensures public safety, and promotes environmental stewardship.
Staff recommends considering the proposed amendments to Subsection 12-111 to update
the City's property maintenance standards so that they are modern, practical, and aligned
with current values and expectations.
/e m
AM25-01.4 2
Strikethrou /Underlim Format
Subsection 12-111, Section 12, Health and Sanitation
Sec. 12-111. Same - Weeds, trash, brush and other unsightly matter.
W a. Purpose
This ordinance aims to enhance the health, safety, and well being of Grapevine residents
by establishing minimum property maintenance standards. It requires the timelv removal
of rubbish, debris, and excessive weeds and grass to protect the public health, prevent
nuisances, and maintain the communitv's appearance. The ordinance also recognizes
the importance of native landscapes and pollinator habitats. As a Tree Citv USA, Bee Citv
USA community, and a signatory of the Mavor's Monarch Pledge, Grapevine encourages
responsible land stewardship that supports pollinators while ensuring properties are kept
safe and orderly.
b. Definitions
The following words, terms, and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the
meanings ascribed to them in this section.
Brush. scrub vegetation or dense undergrowth.
Bush or shrub., woodv perennial plants, tvpically with multiple stems arising at or near the
around, are usuallv smaller than a tree and larger than herbaceous plants; which have a
clearlv defined form: are intentionally planted, individually or in a group; and are kept and
maintained in a controlled, intended, non-invasive manner.
Cultivated. plant material that is intentionally grown and regularly maintained through
activities such as seasonal pruning, weeding, and cutting back to ensure the health and
appearance of the plants. These plant materials may have clear delineation and visual
separation from the rest of the vard to maintain a tidv appearance through borders,
edging, and other permanent or semi -permanent features.
Developed.- For the purpose of this seGt�,the term "developed" shall mean any
property on which a principal structure has been erected.
Grass. anv plant commonly referred to as grass, usuallv characterized by narrow,
elongated leaves such as common Bermuda, St. Augustine, Fescue, Tiff, Zovsia, Rve,
etc. The term shall not include ornamental plants, ornamental grass, shrubs, bushes, or
trPPc
Intermix or intermixed. the phvsical blending or mingling of ornamental and native plants
with grass, but excluding weeds, which are taller than the maximum allowable height of
six (6) inches in residential districts and 12 inches in non-residential districts prescribed
within this section.
Strikethr,,u /Underline Format
Subsection 12-111, Section 12, Health and Sanitation
Leaf Litter. the laver of fallen leaves, twigs, and other organic material that naturaiiv
accumulates on the ground.
Mulching: the intentional process of spreading mulch over garden soil or around plants.
Maintenance: Regular responsible care to ensure plant health, prevent invasive species,
and protect public safetv including: periodic trimming or mowing to maintain visibilitv and
prevent encroachment into rights-of-wav and sidewalks: removal of dead, diseased, or
hazardous plants that pose risks: management of invasive weeds. and care of planting
beds and native habitats to show intentional cultivation. Areas maintained as native
habitats or pollinator-friendlv landscapes may exceed standard turfgrass height limits if
activelv maintained and not hazardous, however annual plants and native Texas plants
such as bluebonnets shall be cut to the ground or removed at the end of the growing
season and/or when thev have cast their seeds.
Obiectionable. unsightly or unsanitary matter: anv matter, condition, or object, which is
unpleasant, offensive or should be obiectionable, unsightly, or unsanitary to the average
person including filth, refuse, rubbish, organic waste, etc.
Ornamental and native non -turf grasses: are maintained as part of landscaping and are
distinctly separated from the rest of the lawn or landscape by designated areas such as
garden beds, containers, or landscaped beds. These grasses are primarilv planted for
their aesthetic appeal and may also provide habitat for wildlife and attract pollinators.
Thev are intentionally planted, either individually or in groups, and are trimmed or
maintained to prevent overgrowth bevond their designated area and are kept and
maintained in a controlled and intentional manner, ensuring thev remain non-invasive and
are not intermixed with other plant types.
Ornamental plants: plants that are part of landscaping and are cleariv separated from the
rest of the lawn or landscape by designated areas such as garden beds, containers, or
landscaped beds. These plants are primarilv chosen for their aesthetic appeal and may
also provide habitat for wildlife and attract pollinators. Thev are appreciated for their color,
fragrance, or contribution to spatial structure. These plants are intentionally planted, either
individually or in groups, and are pruned or maintained to prevent overgrowth bevond
their designated area. Thev are cared for and managed in a controlled, intentional, and
non-invasive manner.
Plant: a living thing that grows in soil, planting mix or the like, and has a stem, leaves,
and roots.
Rubbish: trash, debris, useless fragments of building materials, waste, refuse, litter, and
all discarded material.
Turf grass: commoniv used in regularly cut lawns or plav areas such as, but not limited to
Bermuda grass. Fescue. St. Augustine. Zovsia and Rvegrass blends.
Strikethrei irrh/Underline Format
Subsection 12-111, Section 12, Health and Sanitation
Weeds. Vegetation growing where it is not wanted, tvpically an invasive wild species,
spreading rigorously in competition with cultivated plants and interfering with propertv
maintenance.
c. Maintenance Requirements
The Citv acknowledges, encourages, and supports the use of both cultivated and
native, naturallv occurring grasses, plants, and trees for their manv benefits. These
landscapes enhance environmental sustainability, promote biodiversity, conserve
resources, and contribute to the Iona -term health of our community. Thev also
create a positive visual impact and help increase propertv values, strengthening
the economic vitalitv of entire neighborhoods. At the same time, the Citv requires
that such landscaping be responsibly maintained so that it does not become
overgrown or neglected in a wav that diminishes environmental quality,
undermines neighborhood aesthetics, or creates conditions of visual blight that
negatively affect surrounding properties.
-1�() It shall is unlawful for anyone, including person, fi„ffl, GGFPGF
partnership, assoniatinn of persons owners, agents, or occupants of a lot or
parcel of land, within the city limits to allow the accumulation of grass, weeds,
plants, rubbish, brush, dead trees which pose a hazard to anv property, and
other unsightly materials. The following requirements apply to all properties, or
anyone ha ino isien OF nen+rel of any let traGt paFGel of land er portion
0 0
thereof, whether occupied or unoccupied, improved or unimproved, to suffer or
permit_
i. gGrass; and weeds or any plant that is net n„I+i„ated to grew te-a shall not
be allowed to grow qreater height than 12 inches in height upon said
premises for commercial, industrial, or mixed use zoned, developed or
undeveloped properties, and along, upon or across the curb and/or
sidewalk, and between the curb and sidewalk: on an average id
prernisoc. It chall be unlawful for any person firm nernnro+ion, partner
aSsec+ation of persons, owner, -agent, a oupont,or-anyone s
�aI isien OF Gentrel of any let, traGt, rGel of land or portion thereof,
GGGUpied oru„GGGUpied,-IGGated ithin anY residentially zened-a;etFiGt
within th9 Erato Iimitc of the -city, iN"rich hoc been developed, and all
nrnnor+ios
properties nen+ig lei is +e and/er Within 'I (1(1 foot of si inh developeddeveloped
within the limite of the Gity, to suffer or permit grass, weeds, Gr
any punt that is not ^„I+i„ated to grew to a greater height thin cilc inehes en
an average linen said premises
• t• • ��• • 1911MMlit
t t•
Strikethro irrh/Underline. Format
Subsection 12-111, Section 12, Health and Sanitation
ii. ITT -shall be -unlawful for any person fiffn,r GEWPOFat+on, partnership,
aaaoc+ationn of person, ownrer, agent, E)GGUpar}f,---or anYone }�.hayinn
GG�I t� .sion nr GO trel of any Int rGel of Ian nr I Tr thereBT,
nnni spied er unGGG ipierl0 to IGGated within anY residentially wed distrint
within the Orperato limitc of�cit��- "Rc�i h s b .. deuek3p�^'� a;a
properties nnntog ins is to andic)r within 100 foot of sL IGh developed properties
within the ^nrperate limits of the pity, � iffto suffer er permit grass er weeds, to
grroni in' along, upen er aGrOSs the sidewalk, or in the area between the
p�r�np�erty line and the GGrh line to a height greater then Grass and weeds
rv--rrr-r� -a-rT �accrcrrTr
shall not be allowed to prow greater than six (6) inches on an average in
height upon said premises located within anv residentially zoned,
developed or undeveloped properties, and along, upon or across the curb
and/or sidewalk, and between the curb and sidewalk:-
iii. No dead tree, rubbish, brush, debris, bulk landscaping material piles (such
as mulch) or and all any etom reasonably objeGtionohleunsightly or
unsanitary matter of whatever nature to may accumulate or be present upon
any s lot property, traGt er pornel of land longer than three weeks (21
days) in anv calendar quarter. Dead trees that pose a hazard to anv
property shall be trimmed or removed:
iv. No plantings, landscaping materials, or other vegetation shall be installed
or maintained within the street rights-of-wav, between the back of curb and
the back of sidewalk, that obstructs or impairs pedestrian accessibility or
vehicular visibilitv:
v. Leaf litter and debris shall be treated as landscape material if managed, or
as refuse if not maintained, and must be handled in a sanitary and orderly
way,
vi. Vegetation that detracts from the visual character of the surrounding area
or contributes to the appearance of neglect: and
vii. With respect to For lots, tracts or parcels of land that are of two (2) or more
acres or larger and under single ownership, the maximum height
restrictions for uncultivated grass or weeds apply only to the portion of the
property isinns of this se on Mall be applliGahle to only the area
within 108 feet from any adjacent property that is under different
ownership -and to any adiacent street rights -of -way.
aoipal-otruro-hGGb (Relocated to new Subsection b., Definitions)
(b) It ch
d-impr
ithin-th9-limit ermit-anJ, Hand train
(Relocated to new Subsection c.1.iii., Maintenance Requirements)
Strikethreuo/Underlinc-•
Subsection - • • •
It c,�a!l be the duty of any person, fiffn, GOrperation, partnorch.ip, aSSE)Giatien of
persons, owner, agent, GGGUpant, or anyone having sup - _i_i_ - 3entrel of any
let, traGt, paFGel of land or portion thereof, GGGUpied or unGGGUpied, improved E).r
1, within the o - - to be Gut, and
weeds,brush,- eGtionable, unsi
er unsanitary matter of whatevor nature as eftenbe neGessary
with the provisions of this seGtien.-
•) Enforcement and • -abatement
(1) In the event that If the owner of any lot, tract, or parcel of land or a portion thereof
situated within the nnrnerafe limits of the city limits shall fails to comply with these
regulations this sectien, tier► the Git„'s building nffiGial Planning Services Director
or his their designee, &h,9 4 will notify sash the owner by letter addressed to him
at the address shown on the last approved tax rolls of the city by letter. er at any
resi e or bUc�.ness ctn anti ire Ienated en suhienf property er of the lost known
address. The moiling of nntine� on aGGE)r�Ge with any of the above
this provision. In the alternative, the Gity may notify the said owner by hbI Gation
,n the Gity'S OffiGial newspaper en one n^^asinn At the cxpirL�ion e# After ten
days after frrnm notification or publisation, the city may enter the open SUGh
premises and may de SUGh werL as to perform necessary work -
same to be done in of or that the to ensure compliancey with ##e
regiireme its set forth herein A. st-atement of the The owner will receive a bill for
the costs incurred by the Gity to abate S„^h nnndition shall he mailed to the Owner
of said premises which statement shall he must be paid within 30 days of the
dote of the moiling thereof Inln f �rit that rcNa statement hoc If not been paid
within GPI^hcn peri a, the city's Planning Services Director manager may can file a
statement of expenses with the Tarrant County clerk, establishing a lien on the
property for the amount due, plus a of the expensesin-urred-to-abate SUGh
rendition en said premises and the pity shall havo a privileged lien en any, let
trant�aFGel of land i pen whiabSUGh expense is incuurred fnnether yfith ten
..�a�rr rr-rccr,
10% penalty. peFGent en the delinquent amountfrom the date s;_,Gh payment
due Cer any, SUGh expenditure and interoco%t zc rzfefesaid, C/Jit the
i i he institted
aun re.every eerrea�rre c hadOnthe FnaTamme of the Eity andthe statemT ncn s�v
made as aforesaid er a nee., thereof shall he This statement serves as prima
facie proof of the costs incurred by the city for corrective and anv legal action
amount exFended in any SUGh work performed by the city takes to recover
expenses.
(2) The Planning Services Director , or his their designee, may give
the nefine provided for herein on issue an annually notice before, „�o the
grass -growing season, staffing in u,ashnGtise t reminding property owners
shall to maintain grass and weeds on the property owned by them at a specified
height. in annerdanne with paragraph (a) above of all times and that in the event
sash If owners neglect this responsibility, fail to do s the city shall may enter
upon the property and to mow samo at uunh intervals necessary as needed
during such annual the growing season, in the event SUGh owner fails fe nempl.,
Strikethr, uo/Underling Format
Subsection 12-111, Section 12, Health and Sanitation
with thic ceEtien, and that thereafter +ho with costs Of S„^h mewing shall ho
charged against to the owner and the property. horoin provided The gi„inrr of
suGh This annual notice shall be her eGe with the terms
fulfills the requirements of this section.
(Ord. No. 72-6, § 6, 2-15-72; Ord. No. 82-27, §§ 1, 2, 5-4-82; Ord. No. 87-91, § 1, 12-
15-87; Ord. No. 2000-65, § 1, 2, 7-18-00; Ord. No. 2002-58, § 2[A], 8-20-02; Ord. No.
2011-37, § 2, 8-16-11)
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-069
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GRAPEVINE, TEXAS AMENDING THE GRAPEVINE CODE
OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 12, HEALTH AND
SANITATION SUBSECTION 12-111, SAME — WEEDS,
TRASH, BRUSH AND OTHER UNSIGHTLY MATTER, OF
RELATIVE TO TALL WEEDS AND GRASS (AM25-01);
PROVIDING A PENALTY, NOT TO EXCEED TWO
THOUSAND DOLLARS ($2,000.00); REPEALING
CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; PROVIDING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
WHEREAS, the City of Grapevine is authorized to adopt ordinances to protect the
health, safety, and welfare of its citizens; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Grapevine desires to promote and
protect the public health, safety, and welfare of its residents through effective property
maintenance standards; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 12, "Health and Sanitation" of the Code of Ordinances
contains Section 12-111, which regulates the presence of weeds, trash, brush, and other
unsightly matter on properties within the City limits; and
WHEREAS, the City has received public requests for clarification and distinction
between undesirable weed growth and the intentional use of Texas native grasses and
plants in landscape maintenance and design; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds it necessary to distinguish between native and
non-native vegetation, including turf grasses, weeds, and pollinator -friendly plant species,
in order to ensure enforceability while supporting environmentally responsible
landscaping practices; and
WHEREAS, the proposed amendment establishes clearly defined maximum
vegetation height thresholds based on residential and non-residential zoning and use
categories; and
WHEREAS, the City Council also finds this amendment provides an appropriate
opportunity to improve the format, structure, and clarity of Section 12-111, including the
addition of relevant definitions to support better understanding and consistent
enforcement; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that these changes are in the best interest of
the public and will enhance the clarity, equity, and effectiveness of the City's code
enforcement efforts; and
WHEREAS, the City of Grapevine has determined that it is a necessity to regulate
the activities and entities as provided for herein to safeguard the public; and
WHEREAS, the City of Grapevine is authorized by law to adopt the provisions
contained herein, and all constitutional and statutory prerequisites for the approval of this
Ordinance have been met, including but not limited to the Open Meetings Act; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that amendment to Chapter 12,
Health and Sanitation, of the Code of Ordinances is in the best interest of the health,
safety, and welfare of the City of Grapevine and the public.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GRAPEVINE, TEXAS:
Section 1. That all matters stated hereinabove are found to be true and correct and
are incorporated herein by reference as if copied in their entirety.
Section 2. Chapter 12, Health and Sanitation, Article VI. Nuisances, Division 2.
Cleanliness and Sanitation of Premises, Section 12-111. Same - Weeds, trash, brush and
other unsightly matter. is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced, to read as follows:
a. Purpose
This ordinance aims to enhance the health, safety, and well-being of Grapevine
residents by establishing minimum property maintenance standards. It requires the
timely removal of rubbish, debris, and excessive weeds and grass to protect public
health, prevent nuisances, and maintain the community's appearance. The ordinance
also recognizes the importance of native landscapes and pollinator habitats. As a Tree
City USA, Bee City USA community and a signatory of the Mayor's Monarch Pledge,
Grapevine encourages responsible land stewardship that supports pollinators while
ensuring properties are kept safe and orderly.
b. Definitions
The following words, terms, and phrases,
meanings ascribed to them in this section.
when used in this article, shall have the
Brush: scrub vegetation or dense undergrowth.
Bush or shrub: woody perennial plants, typically with multiple stems arising at or near
the ground, are usually smaller than a tree and larger than herbaceous plants; which
Ordinance No. 2025-069 2
/_18MIX$yl
have a clearly defined form; are intentionally planted, individually or in a group; and are
kept and maintained in a controlled, intended, non-invasive manner.
Cultivated: plant material that is intentionally grown and regularly maintained through
activities such as seasonal pruning, weeding, and cutting back to ensure the health and
appearance of the plants. These plant materials may have clear delineation and visual
separation from the rest of the yard to maintain a tidy appearance through borders,
edging, and other permanent or semi -permanent features.
Developed: any property on which a principal structure has been erected.
Grass: any plant commonly referred to as grass, usually characterized by narrow,
elongated leaves such as common Bermuda, St. Augustine, Fescue, Tiff, Zoysia, Rye,
etc. The term shall not include ornamental plants, ornamental grass, shrubs, bushes, or
trees.
Intermix orintermixed: the physical blending or mingling of ornamental and native plants
with grass, but excluding weeds, which are taller than the maximum allowable height of
six (6) inches in residential districts and 12 inches in non-residential districts prescribed
within this section.
Leaf Litter. the layer of fallen leaves, twigs, and other organic material that naturally
accumulates on the ground.
Mulching: the intentional process of spreading mulch over garden soil or around plants.
Maintenance: Regular responsible care to ensure plant health, prevent invasive species,
and protect public safety including: periodic trimming or mowing to maintain visibility and
prevent encroachment into rights -of -way and sidewalks; removal of dead, diseased, or
hazardous plants that pose risks; management of invasive weeds; and care of planting
beds and native habitats to show intentional cultivation. Areas maintained as native
habitats or pollinator -friendly landscapes may exceed standard turfgrass height limits if
actively maintained and not hazardous, however annual plants and native Texas plants
such as bluebonnets shall be cut to the ground or removed at the end of the growing
season and/or when they have cast their seeds.
Objectionable, unsightly or unsanitary matter. any matter, condition, or object, which is
unpleasant, offensive or should be objectionable, unsightly, or unsanitary to the average
person including filth, refuse, rubbish, organic waste, etc.
Ornamental and native non -turf grasses: are maintained as part of landscaping and are
distinctly separated from the rest of the lawn or landscape by designated areas such as
garden beds, containers, or landscaped beds. These grasses are primarily planted for
their aesthetic appeal and may also provide habitat for wildlife and attract pollinators.
They are intentionally planted, either individually or in groups, and are trimmed or
maintained to prevent overgrowth beyond their designated area and are kept and
Ordinance No. 2025-069 3 AM25-01
maintained in a controlled and intentional manner, ensuring they remain non-invasive
and are not intermixed with other plant types.
Ornamental plants: plants that are part of landscaping and are clearly separated from
the rest of the lawn or landscape by designated areas such as garden beds, containers,
or landscaped beds. These plants are primarily chosen for their aesthetic appeal and
may also provide habitat for wildlife and attract pollinators. They are appreciated for their
color, fragrance, or contribution to spatial structure. These plants are intentionally
planted, either individually or in groups, and are pruned or maintained to prevent
overgrowth beyond their designated area. They are cared for and managed in a
controlled, intentional, and non-invasive manner.
Plant: a living thing that grows in soil, planting mix or the like, and has a stem, leaves,
and roots.
Rubbish: trash, debris, useless fragments of building materials, waste, refuse, litter, and
all discarded material.
Turf grass: commonly used in regularly cut lawns or play areas such as, but not limited
to Bermuda grass, Fescue, St. Augustine, Zoysia and Ryegrass blends.
Weeds: Vegetation growing where it is not wanted, typically an invasive wild species,
spreading rigorously in competition with cultivated plants and interfering with property
maintenance.
(c) Maintenance Requirements
The City acknowledges, encourages, and supports the use of both cultivated and
native, naturally occurring grasses, plants, and trees for their many benefits. These
landscapes enhance environmental sustainability, promote biodiversity, conserve
resources, and contribute to the long-term health of our community. They also
create a positive visual impact and help increase property values, strengthening
the economic vitality of entire neighborhoods. At the same time, the City requires
that such landscaping be responsibly maintained so that it does not become
overgrown or neglected in a way that diminishes environmental quality,
undermines neighborhood aesthetics, or creates conditions of visual blight that
negatively affect surrounding properties.
(1) It is unlawful for anyone, including owners, agents, or occupants of a lot or
parcel of land, within the city limits to allow the accumulation of grass, weeds,
plants, rubbish, brush, dead trees which pose a hazard to any property, and
other unsightly materials. The following requirements apply to all properties,
whether occupied or unoccupied, improved or unimproved, to suffer or permit:
i. Grass and weeds shall not be allowed to grow greater than 12 inches in
height upon said premises for commercial, industrial, or mixed use zoned,
developed or undeveloped properties, and along, upon or across the curb
and/or sidewalk, and between the curb and sidewalk;
Ordinance No. 2025-069 4 AM25-01
ii. Grass and weeds shall not be allowed to grow greater than six (6) inches in
height upon said premises located within any residentially zoned,
developed or undeveloped properties, and along, upon or across the curb
and/or sidewalk, and between the curb and sidewalk;
iii. No rubbish, brush, debris, bulk landscaping material piles (such as mulch)
or any unsightly or unsanitary matter may accumulate or be present on any
property, longer than three weeks (21 days) in any calendar quarter. Dead
trees that pose a hazard to any property shall be trimmed or removed;
iv. No plantings, landscaping materials, or other vegetation shall be installed
or maintained within the street rights -of -way, between the back of curb and
the back of sidewalk, that obstructs or impairs pedestrian accessibility or
vehicular visibility;
v. Leaf litter and debris shall be treated as landscape material if managed, or
as refuse if not maintained, and must be handled in a sanitary and orderly
way;
vi. Vegetation that detracts from the visual character of the surrounding area
or contributes to the appearance of neglect; and
vii. For lots, tracts, or parcels of land that are two (2) acres or larger and under
single ownership, the maximum height restrictions for grass and weeds
apply only to the portion of the property within 10 feet of an adjacent
property that is under different ownership, and to any adjacent street rights -
of -way.
(d) Enforcement and penalties:
(1) If the owner of any lot, tract, or parcel of land within the city limits fails to comply
with these regulations, the Planning Services Director or their designee will
notify the owner at the address shown on the last approved tax roll of the city
by letter. After ten (10) days from notification, the city may enter the premises
to perform necessary work to ensure compliance. The owner will receive a bill
for the costs incurred, which must be paid within 30 days. If not paid, the city's
Planning Services Director can file a statement of expenses with the Tarrant
County clerk, establishing a lien on the property for the amount due, plus a
10% penalty. This statement serves as prima facie proof of the costs incurred
by the city for corrective and any legal action the city takes to recover
expenses.
(2) The Planning Services Director, or their designee, may issue an annual notice
before the grass -growing season, reminding property owners to maintain
grass and weeds at a specified height. If owners neglect this responsibility, the
city may enter the property to mow as needed during the growing season, with
costs charged to the owner and the property. This annual notice fulfills the
requirements of this section.
Ordinance No. 2025-069 5 AM25-01
Section 3. Any person violating any of the provisions of this ordinance shall be
deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be fined in a sum not
to exceed Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) for each offense and a separate offense
shall be deemed committed each day during or on which an offense occurs or continues.
Section 4. All ordinances or any parts thereof in conflict with the terms of this
ordinance shall be and hereby are deemed repealed and of no force or effect.
Section 5. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance
shall for any reason be held to be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the
remaining portions of this ordinance.
Section 6. The fact that the present ordinances and regulations of the City of
Grapevine, Texas are inadequate to properly safeguard the health, safety, morals, peace
and general welfare of the inhabitants of the City of Grapevine, Texas, creates
undesirable conditions for the preservation of the public business, property, health, safety
and general welfare of the public which requires that this ordinance shall become effective
from and after the date of its passage, and it is accordingly so ordained.
PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAPEVINE,
TEXAS on this the 7th day of October, 2025.
APPROVED:
William D. Tate
Mayor
ATTEST:
Tara Brooks
City Secretary
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Matthew C.G. Boyle
City Attorney
Ordinance No. 2025-069 6 AM25-01