PILLAR: Livable
AGENDA DATE: November 10, 2026
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): Citywide
DEPARTMENT: Department of Code Compliance
PRIORITY: N/A
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
Title
An ordinance amending Chapter 18, “Municipal Solid Wastes,” of the Dallas City Code, by amending Section 18-14.1; to (1) regulate vegetation in an alley, street, or sidewalk; (2) providing a penalty not to exceed $2,000.00; (3) providing a saving clause; (4) providing a severability clause; and (5) providing an effective date - Financing: No cost consideration to the City
Body
BACKGROUND
Section 18-13(c) defines "premises" for purposes of Chapter 18, Article II, "Weeds, Grass, and Vegetation," to include the lot, plot, or parcel of land plus the parkway between the property line and the curb and the area between the property line and the center line of an adjacent alley. Litter and high grass and weeds within that area are already the responsibility of the adjacent property owner.
Section 18-14.1(a) currently makes it an offense to allow vegetation to grow on the premises so as to project "across the property line" into the right-of-way of an alley, street, or sidewalk. Because "premises" already extends beyond the property line, vegetation growing in the parkway or alley portion of the premises does not cross the property line, even when it obstructs the alley, street, or sidewalk. Responsibility currently depends on where vegetation originates rather than on whether the right of way is obstructed.
The proposed amendment removes the phrase "across the property line" and states that responsibility extends to the front curb and the rear center of the adjacent alley, consistent with the rest of Article II. It also states expressly that vegetation may not obstruct the visibility of a traffic control sign, signal, or device or interfere with garbage or trash collection, conditions currently addressed only within the defense subsection. Existing clearance standards and abatement authority under Section 18-17 are unchanged. The Department of Sanitation Services and Transportation and Public Works were consulted and support the clarification.
This update will support consistent communication and enforcement to keep alleys, streets, and sidewalks clear of vegetation overgrowth.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
This item has no prior action.
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City.