HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 09 and 10 - High Grass and Weeds
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
FROM: BRUNO RUMBELOW, CITY MANAGER
ERICA MAROHNIC, PLANNING SERVICES DIRECTOR
MEETING DATE: NOVEMBER 03, 2026
SUBJECT: PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO SUBSECTION 12-111, SAME
– WEEDS, TRASH, BRUSH AND OTHER UNSIGHTLY
MATTER AND SUBSECTION 12-112, SAME – COLLECTION
OF EXPENSE OF SECTION 12, HEALTH AND SANITATION
OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES (ACCUMULATION OF
TRASH AND DEBRIS AND TALL WEEDS AND GRASS).
(AM25-01).
RECOMMENDATION:
City Council to consider amendment to the Grapevine Code of Ordinances, Chapter 12 –
Health and Sanitation, Subsection 12-111, Same – Weeds, Trash, Brush and Other
Unsightly Matter and Subsection 12-112, Same – Collection of expense, refining regulations
related to the accumulation of trash and debris and tall weeds and grass.
FUNDING SOURCE: N/A
BACKGROUND:
Subsection 12-111 of the Code of Ordinances regulates weeds, trash, brush, and other
unsightly matter, setting minimum standards for property maintenance throughout the city.
The existing ordinance is repetitive, written in long paragraphs, and has limited definitions.
The public has requested clarification to allow pollinator-friendly and native landscapes
without conflict with enforcement.
Changes Since Previous Presentation
Since the last presentation of this item to the City Council in October 2025, during which the
item was tabled, staff have made several revisions to the proposed amendments to Chapter
12. These changes are intended to provide greater clarity, consistency, and specificity in the
City’s maintenance regulations.
The former Section 12-111, which addressed tall weeds, grass, trash, brush, and other
unsightly matter in a single subsection, has been split into two distinct sections. Section 12-
111 now focuses on the accumulation of trash, rubbish, debris, and other unsightly matter,
while the new Section 12-112 specifically addresses tall weeds and grass. This division
allows for more clearly defined regulations and enforcement standards for each issue.
Staff has also added applicable definitions for both sections and revised the maintenance
requirements to offer clearer and more specific standards for property owners. The updated
AM25-01.4 1
language is designed to enhance understanding of what constitutes a violation and ensure
greater consistency in administration and enforcement.
Additionally, Section 12-112 now specifies exceptions for bona fide agricultural operations,
large residential lots located on private streets, and areas of property (and potentially whole
properties) certified by the GROW Initiative. The GROW Initiative is a program facilitated by
the City of Grapevine Parks and Recreation Department in collaboration with the Grapevine
Garden Club.
The inclusion of the Grow Initiative exception responds to concerns raised by speakers at
the October 7, 2025, City Council meeting, who requested that the City establish a program
for property owners using Texas-native plants and grasses. This program would recognize
their properties as maintained and/or preserved native landscapes consistent with the
program’s guidelines and objectives. The proposed exception provides a clear mechanism
for recognizing participating properties while distinguishing those that are not being
maintained according to the City's general standards for tall weeds and grass.
SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES
1. Structure & Format – Accumulation of trash and debris and tall weeds and grass
has been separated into two subsections and reorganized into clear sections:
Purpose, Definitions, Maintenance Requirements, and Enforcement and Penalties.
2. Definitions - expanded to include: exterior property, objectionable, unsightly or
unsanitary matter, trash, rubbish or debris, intentional and preserved plants, grass,
mulching, maintenance, plant, turf grass, and weeds. The one existing definition is
the term “developed”.
3. Clear Standards - residential properties: maximum height of 6 inches,
commercial/industrial/mixed-use: maximum of 6 inches, and large tracts (2+ acres):
buffer reduced from 100 feet to 10 feet near property lines/rights-of-way.
4. Debris & Unsightly Matter - no rubbish, brush, or bulk landscape piles. Additionally,
dead trees which pose a hazard to neighboring property or the public must be
trimmed and removed.
5. Sidewalks & Rights-of-Way - retains prohibition of grass/weeds over 6-inches
(residential) and (non-residential) properties along sidewalks, curb lines and
between the sidewalk and curbline.
6. Enforcement - language amended to shift authority from Building Official to Planning
Services Director. Ten-day notice to comply remains; city may abate and lien
property. Annual blanket notice option remains.
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AM25-01.4 2
Sec. 12-111. Accumulation of trash, rubbish, debris and other unsightly matter.
(a) Purpose
This section shall govern the minimum conditions for maintenance of exterior
property by enhancing the health, safety, and well-being of Grapevine residents
through establishing minimum property maintenance standards. It requires the timely
removal of trash, rubbish, debris, filth, refuse, organic waste and other objectionable
unsightly or unsanitary matter to protect the public health, prevent nuisances, and
maintain the community’s appearance
(b) Definitions
The following words, terms and phrases when used in this article, shall have the
meanings ascribed to them in this section.
Exterior property: all portions of a premises located outside of enclosed buildings or
structures, including but not limited to yards, courts, driveways, parking areas,
sidewalks, landscaping, retaining walls, fences and all other exterior area and
improvements that require maintenance under this code.
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 trash, rubbish, debris, filth, refuse, organic waste, etc.
Trash, rubbish, or debris: discarded, abandoned, broken, deteriorated, nonfunctional,
or unwanted materials or items, including household food waste, refuse, junk, litter,
yard waste, construction materials, damaged or discarded furniture, appliances,
vehicle parts, and similar accumulations.
(c) Maintenance Requirements
(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 trash, rubbish, debris,
filth, refuse, and any waste which poses a hazard to any property. The following
requirements apply to all properties in the city and the city requires that exterior
property be responsibly maintained in a clean, sanitary and safe condition.
(i) Exterior property shall be kept free from the accumulation of trash,
rubbish, junk, debris, refuse, discarded materials, and other unsightly or
nuisance conditions that may adversely affect the public health, safety,
welfare, or the appearance of the surrounding neighborhood.
(ii) Property owners and occupants shall maintain exterior areas in a
manner that prevents deterioration, blight, and conditions that attract
vermin or create fire, safety, or environmental hazards.
(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 by letter at the address shown on the last approved tax rolls of the city.
After ten (10) days from notification, the city may issue a citation and 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 ten percent (10%) penalty per year. 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.
Sec. 12-112. Tall grass and weeds
(a) Purpose
The purpose of this section is to protect the public health, safety, welfare, and appearance
of the community by requiring the proper maintenance of grass, plants and vegetation to
prevent nuisance conditions and to preserve neighborhood character. Property owners
and residents participating in the City's GROW Initiative shall identify all types of annual
and biennial seeding or vegetation established on the property and the applicable seeding
or planting dates for each species, as required for City approval including placement of
an approved signifying marker indicating participation in the GROW Initiative. Planting
areas that meet the standards of the GROW Initiative shall be certified by the City and
must continue to meet the applicable standards to retain certification.
(b) Definitions
The following words, terms, and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the
meanings ascribed to them in this section.
Intentional and Preserved Plants: vegetation that is intentionally planted or preserved and
actively maintained through recognized landscaping, gardening, agricultural, habitat
management, or land stewardship practices.
Developed: any property on which a principal structure has been erected.
Grass: Grasses are usually herbaceous plants belonging to the family Poaceae
(excluding bamboo, subfamily Bambusoidea) characterized as monocotyledonous with
hollow or solid stems and fine, fibrous root systems. The term shall not include
ornamental plants, ornamental grass, shrubs, bushes, or trees.
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, mowing, or edging to maintain
visibility and prevent encroachment into rights-of-way and sidewalks, and up to and
around designated planting area/s; removal of dead, diseased, or hazardous plants that
pose risks.
Plant: a living botanical organism that grows in soil, planting mix or the like, and has a
stem, leaves, and roots.
Turf grass: grass grown, selected and intensively maintained to form a dense, walkable
mat 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 species,
spreading rigorously in competition with intentional and preserved plants and interfering
with property maintenance.
(c) Maintenance Requirements
The City requires that 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, and/or dead trees which pose a hazard to any property. 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 six (6) 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;
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. Dead trees that pose a hazard to any property shall be trimmed or removed
after inspection and a determination by a certified arborist or urban forester;
iv. No plantings, landscaping materials, or other vegetation shall be installed
or maintained that obstructs or impairs pedestrian accessibility or vehicular
visibility;
(d) Exceptions
(1) Agricultural: The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to property actively
devoted to a bona fide agricultural use, including the production of crops,
livestock, hay, timber, or other agricultural products, provided the use is lawful
and conducted in accordance with state law, provided that a maintained and
mowed area of not less than ten (10) feet in width is provided along all public
rights-of-way and adjacent property lines.
(2) Large residential lots on certain streets: Single-family residential properties
containing two (2) acres or more under common ownership shall be exempt from
the mowing and vegetation maintenance requirements adjacent to property lines
and rights-of-way, provided that:
i. The property has legal frontage and access from a private street, private drive,
access easement, or similar private and lawful means of access;
ii. The property is developed and occupied for single-family residential use;
iii. No portion of the property is maintained as a homeowner’s association
common area, mobile home park, manufactured home community, school,
daycare, church or religious institution, or similar assembly, educational,
commercial, or institutional use; and
iv. The property does not create any health hazard, fire hazard, traffic visibility
obstruction, drainage obstruction, or other public nuisance conditions.
Nothing herein shall prohibit the City from requiring the removal of noxious weeds, state-
listed nuisance vegetation, or vegetation that creates a threat to public health, safety, or
welfare.
(3) Certified “GROW Initiative” participant: certified designated planted areas on a
property, in good standing shall receive an exception to stated maintenance
requirements of this section, provided the certified designated planted areas are
maintained per program standards as facilitated and determined by the City of
Grapevine’s Parks and Recreation Department.
i. A participant in the City's GROW Initiative shall identify all types of annual and
biennial seeding or vegetation established on the property and the applicable
seeding or planting dates for each species, as required for City approval
including placement of a yard sign denoting participation in the program.
ii. A participant is considered in good standing when the property maintains an
active certification and consistently complies with all program requirements,
including adherence to approved planting and maintenance practices and
responsiveness to any city program-related notices or corrective actions.
iii. A participant shall have a sign that is visible from the right-of-way, issued by
the City of Grapevine’s Parks and Recreation Department as a certified
participant in the GROW Initiative.
iv. The City of Grapevine’s Parks and Recreation Department shall provide the
Planning Services Department with a list of certified participants on a quarterly
basis.
v. This exception is subject to ongoing compliance and may be revoked.
(e) 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 by letter at the address shown on the last approved tax rolls of the
city. After ten (10) days from notification, the city may issue a citation and 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 ten percent (10%) penalty per year. 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.
(3) A participant with the GROW Initiative whose property is not in good standing,
after review with the City of Grapevine’s Parks and Recreation Department will
be removed as a participant. Upon removal, the property shall be subject to
abatement and mowing in accordance with this section.
Sec. 12-113. Same—Collection of expense.
The city manager or city health officer shall file a statement of such expenses
incurred under sections 12-107, 12-108, 12-109, 12-110, 12-111, and 12-112, as the case
may be, giving the amount of such expenses, the date on which said work was done or
improvements made, with the county clerk; and the city shall have a privileged lien on
such lots or real estate upon which said work was done or improvements made to secure
the expenditures so made, in accordance with the provisions of, Texas Health and Safety
Code § 342.001 et seq., which lien shall be second only to tax liens and liens for street
improvements; and said amount shall bear a ten percent (10%) penalty per year from the
date said statement was filed. Further, for any such expenditures, and interest, as
aforesaid, suit may be instituted and recovery and foreclosure of said lien may be had in
the name of the city; and the statement of expenses so made, as aforesaid, or a certified
copy thereof, shall be prima facie proof of the amount expended for such work or
improvements.
Secs. 12-114—12-121. Reserved.
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-077
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GRAPEVINE, TEXAS AMENDING THE GRAPEVINE CODE
OF ORDINANCES, AMENDMENTS TO SUBSECTION 12-
111, SAME – WEEDS, TRASH, BRUSH AND OTHER
UNSIGHTLY MATTER AND SUBSECTION 12-112, SAME –
COLLECTION OF EXPENSE OF SECTION 12, HEALTH
AND SANITATION OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES
(ACCUMULATION OF TRASH AND DEBRIS AND 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 renamed, deleted in its entirety and replaced, to read as
follows:
*****
Sec. 12-111. Accumulation of trash, rubbish, debris and other unsightly matter.
(a) Purpose
This section shall govern the minimum conditions for maintenance of exterior
property by enhancing the health, safety, and well-being of Grapevine residents
through establishing minimum property maintenance standards. It requires the timely
removal of trash, rubbish, debris, filth, refuse, organic waste and other objectionable
unsightly or unsanitary matter to protect the public health, prevent nuisances, and
maintain the community’s appearance
(b) Definitions
The following words, terms and phrases when used in this article, shall have the
meanings ascribed to them in this section.
Exterior property: all portions of a premises located outside of enclosed buildings or
structures, including but not limited to yards, courts, driveways, parking areas,
sidewalks, landscaping, retaining walls, fences and all other exterior area and
improvements that require maintenance under this code.
Ordinance No. 2026-077 2 AM25-01
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 trash, rubbish, debris, filth, refuse, organic waste, etc.
Trash, rubbish, or debris: discarded, abandoned, broken, deteriorated, nonfunctional,
or unwanted materials or items, including household food waste, refuse, junk, litter,
yard waste, construction materials, damaged or discarded furniture, appliances,
vehicle parts, and similar accumulations.
(c) Maintenance Requirements
(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 trash, rubbish, debris,
filth, refuse, and any waste which poses a hazard to any property. The following
requirements apply to all properties in the city and the city requires that exterior
property be responsibly maintained in a clean, sanitary and safe condition.
(i) Exterior property shall be kept free from the accumulation of trash,
rubbish, junk, debris, refuse, discarded materials, and other unsightly or
nuisance conditions that may adversely affect the public health, safety,
welfare, or the appearance of the surrounding neighborhood.
(ii) Property owners and occupants shall maintain exterior areas in a
manner that prevents deterioration, blight, and conditions that attract
vermin or create fire, safety, or environmental hazards.
(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 by letter at the address shown on the last approved tax rolls of
the city. After ten (10) days from notification, the city may issue a citation and
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 ten percent (10%) penalty per year. 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.
*****
Section 3. Chapter 12, Health and Sanitation, Article VI. Nuisances, Division 2.
Cleanliness and Sanitation of Premises, Section 12-112. Same – Collection of Expense.
is hereby renamed, deleted in its entirety and replaced, to read as follows:
*****
Ordinance No. 2026-077 3 AM25-01
Sec. 12-112. Tall grass and weeds
(a) Purpose
The purpose of this section is to protect the public health, safety, welfare, and appearance
of the community by requiring the proper maintenance of grass, plants and vegetation to
prevent nuisance conditions and to preserve neighborhood character. Property owners
and residents participating in the City's GROW Initiative shall identify all types of annual
and biennial seeding or vegetation established on the property and the applicable seeding
or planting dates for each species, as required for City approval including placement of
an approved signifying marker indicating participation in the GROW Initiative. Planting
areas that meet the standards of the GROW Initiative shall be certified by the City and
must continue to meet the applicable standards to retain certification.
(b) Definitions
The following words, terms, and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the
meanings ascribed to them in this section.
Intentional and Preserved Plants: vegetation that is intentionally planted or preserved and
actively maintained through recognized landscaping, gardening, agricultural, habitat
management, or land stewardship practices.
Developed: any property on which a principal structure has been erected.
Grass: Grasses are usually herbaceous plants belonging to the family Poaceae
(excluding bamboo, subfamily Bambusoidea) characterized as monocotyledonous with
hollow or solid stems and fine, fibrous root systems. The term shall not include
ornamental plants, ornamental grass, shrubs, bushes, or trees.
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, mowing, or edging to maintain
visibility and prevent encroachment into rights-of-way and sidewalks, and up to and
around designated planting area/s; removal of dead, diseased, or hazardous plants that
pose risks.
Plant: a living botanical organism that grows in soil, planting mix or the like, and has a
stem, leaves, and roots.
Turf grass: grass grown, selected and intensively maintained to form a dense, walkable
mat 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 species,
spreading rigorously in competition with intentional and preserved plants and interfering
with property maintenance.
Ordinance No. 2026-077 4 AM25-01
(c) Maintenance Requirements
The City requires that 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, and/or dead trees which pose a hazard to any property. 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 six (6) 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;
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. Dead trees that pose a hazard to any property shall be trimmed or removed
after inspection and a determination by a certified arborist or urban forester;
iv. No plantings, landscaping materials, or other vegetation shall be installed
or maintained that obstructs or impairs pedestrian accessibility or vehicular
visibility;
(d) Exceptions
(1) Agricultural: The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to property actively
devoted to a bona fide agricultural use, including the production of crops,
livestock, hay, timber, or other agricultural products, provided the use is lawful
and conducted in accordance with state law, provided that a maintained and
mowed area of not less than ten (10) feet in width is provided along all public
rights-of-way and adjacent property lines.
(2) Large residential lots on certain streets: Single-family residential properties
containing two (2) acres or more under common ownership shall be exempt from
the mowing and vegetation maintenance requirements adjacent to property lines
and rights-of-way, provided that:
i. The property has legal frontage and access from a private street, private drive,
access easement, or similar private and lawful means of access;
ii. The property is developed and occupied for single-family residential use;
iii. No portion of the property is maintained as a homeowner’s association
common area, mobile home park, manufactured home community, school,
Ordinance No. 2026-077 5 AM25-01
daycare, church or religious institution, or similar assembly, educational,
commercial, or institutional use; and
iv. The property does not create any health hazard, fire hazard, traffic visibility
obstruction, drainage obstruction, or other public nuisance conditions.
Nothing herein shall prohibit the City from requiring the removal of noxious weeds, state-
listed nuisance vegetation, or vegetation that creates a threat to public health, safety, or
welfare.
(3) Certified “GROW Initiative” participant: certified designated planted areas on a
property, in good standing shall receive an exception to stated maintenance
requirements of this section, provided the certified designated planted areas are
maintained per program standards as facilitated and determined by the City of
Grapevine’s Parks and Recreation Department.
i. A participant in the City's GROW Initiative shall identify all types of annual and
biennial seeding or vegetation established on the property and the applicable
seeding or planting dates for each species, as required for City approval
including placement of a yard sign denoting participation in the program.
ii. A participant is considered in good standing when the property maintains an
active certification and consistently complies with all program requirements,
including adherence to approved planting and maintenance practices and
responsiveness to any city program-related notices or corrective actions.
iii. A participant shall have a sign that is visible from the right-of-way, issued by
the City of Grapevine’s Parks and Recreation Department as a certified
participant in the GROW Initiative.
iv. The City of Grapevine’s Parks and Recreation Department shall provide the
Planning Services Department with a list of certified participants on a quarterly
basis.
v. This exception is subject to ongoing compliance and may be revoked.
(e) 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 by letter at the address shown on the last approved tax rolls of the
city. After ten (10) days from notification, the city may issue a citation and 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 ten percent (10%) penalty per year. 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
Ordinance No. 2026-077 6 AM25-01
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.
(3) A participant with the GROW Initiative whose property is not in good standing,
after review with the City of Grapevine’s Parks and Recreation Department will
be removed as a participant. Upon removal, the property shall be subject to
abatement and mowing in accordance with this section.
*****
Section 4. Chapter 12, Health and Sanitation, Article VI. Nuisances, Division 2.
Cleanliness and Sanitation of Premises, Section 12-113. Reserved. is hereby renamed,
deleted in its entirety and replaced, to read as follows:
*****
Sec. 12-113. Same—Collection of expense.
The city manager or city health officer shall file a statement of such expenses
incurred under sections 12-107, 12-108, 12-109, 12-110, 12-111, and 12-112, as the case
may be, giving the amount of such expenses, the date on which said work was done or
improvements made, with the county clerk; and the city shall have a privileged lien on
such lots or real estate upon which said work was done or improvements made to secure
the expenditures so made, in accordance with the provisions of, Texas Health and Safety
Code § 342.001 et seq., which lien shall be second only to tax liens and liens for street
improvements; and said amount shall bear a ten percent (10%) penalty per year from the
date said statement was filed. Further, for any such expenditures, and interest, as
aforesaid, suit may be instituted and recovery and foreclosure of said lien may be had in
the name of the city; and the statement of expenses so made, as aforesaid, or a certified
copy thereof, shall be prima facie proof of the amount expended for such work or
improvements.
*****
Section 5. Chapter 12, Health and Sanitation, Article VI. Nuisances, Division 2.
Cleanliness and Sanitation of Premises, Sections 12-114-121. Reserved. is hereby
renamed and replaced, to read as follows:
*****
Secs. 12-114—12-121. Reserved.
*****
Section 6. 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 7. 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.
Ordinance No. 2026-077 7 AM25-01
Section 8. 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 9. 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 3rd day of November 2026.
APPROVED:
________________________________
William D. Tate
Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Tara Brooks
City Secretary
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_________________________________
Matthew C.G. Boyle
City Attorney
Ordinance No. 2026-077 8 AM25-01