Code Compliance

The mission of Code Compliance is to educate the public and gain citizen compliance on health, safety, and quality of life issues.

Code Complaince investigates and enforces City of Abilene codes to prevent and abate violations of nuisance ordinances, substandard and dangerous building complaints, illegal dumping, lots with high weeds, graffiti, junk motor vehicles, persons living without utilities, zoning violations and right-of-way usage. Help us keep the City of Abilene beautiful and safe by becoming familiar with the City Code requirements described below and by reporting violations.

To report violations, call (325) 676-6241 or click here.

Services Handled:

• High Grass and Weeds
• General Nuisance/Unsightly Conditions
• Junked Motor Vehicles
• Fences

High Grass and Weeds

It is a violation of city code for property owners to allow grass and weeds to grow to a height of greater than twelve (12) inches. Property owners and tenants are responsible for keeping their lawns mowed and clippings mulched or cleared. Property over five (5) acres in size must be maintained for at least the first 50 feet adjacent to any public street . For more information see the City of Abilene Weed Control Requirements below .

City of Abilene Weed Control Requirements

Tall weeds are a breeding ground for rats and mice, a source of fuel for many fires, and a nuisance to the neighborhood. City Code requires property to be kept free of the uncultivated growth of grass, weeds, and brush greater than 12 inches in height. This includes all property under the owner's control, including alleyways and right-of-way areas. Property over 5 acres in size must be maintained for at least the first 50 feet adjacent to any public street.

Property identified in the Notice of Violation issued by the City must be mowed within 10 days of notice date. The property will be re-inspected after 10 days and if the property is still in violation at that time, one or both of the following will occur:

1. A contractor will mow it. The property owner will be charged a mowing fee, administrative fee, and a penalty fee. If charges remain unpaid for 30 days after the billing date, the City will file a lien on the property. The debt will accumulate interest at a rate of 10% per year from the date on which payment was due until paid.

2. The owner or occupant will be cited for violating the City Code and will have to appear in Municipal Court. Such a violation is punishable by a fine of up to $500 per occurrence plus costs.

PLEASE NOTE:

If the property is found in violation again during the same calendar year, the City is authorized to continue mowing the property at 30-day intervals thereafter, without sending the property owner additional notice.

As a courtesy, we provide a list of mowing services in the area. The City of Abilene is in no way responsible for these contractors or their work. Please click here for the Mowing Services List.

[ Return to the top ]

General Nuisance/Unsightly Conditions

Conditons which constitue a nuisance include, but are not limited to:

• Accumulation of rubbish, trash, refuse, junk and other abandoned materials.

• Any condition that provides harborage for rats, mice, snakes and other vermin.

• Any building or other structure which is in such a dilapidated condition that is unfit for human habitation.

• All appliances intended for indoor use, working or nonworking, used, stored, abandoned or junked anywhere in the public view.

• Excessive accumulation of items intended for use outdoors that are not screened from public view.

• Dead, diseased, or insect harboring trees when such trees constitute a hazard to life or property.

• Furniture intended for indoor use that is used, stored, abandoned or junked outside, including on a porch, in a yard, or under a carport.

• Vehicles in the yard of any residence excluding improved parking surfaces, or areas screened from the public view by an opaque fence.

[ Return to the top ]

Junked Motor Vehicles

Motor vehicles that are inoperative, partially dismantled and have expired license or safety stickers are considered "junk motor vehicles". These vehicles are in violation of the Abilene City Code and may be ticketed. In cases of lengthy noncompliance, the City reserves the authority to remove a vehicle and sell it for salvage. Contact the Abilene Police Department to have abandoned vehicles on the street removed. Their non-emergency phone number is 325-673-8331.

[ Return to the top ]

Fences

Fences that are in a deteriorated condition or subject to falling down due to lack of maintenance or damage or that are repaired with materials that are not comparable to the original are consider in violation. Fences must be at least 10 feet fromt he curb or edge of pavement on all streets and out of public right of way. For more information regarding the placement of fences, please contact the Development Center at (325) 676-6232.

[ Return to the top ]