Citizens Encouraged to Keep Weeds Down This Summer

Amarillo, TX – After last year’s devastating drought, the rains this year have been much welcomed. With the rain, though, comes weeds and grass that grow quickly. That is why the City of Amarillo’s Building Safety Department would like to remind citizens the importance of managing uncultivated vegetation –better known as grass and weeds.

“All grass and weed areas should be maintained at shorter than 6 inches in height,” says Scott McDonald, building official. “Please be a good neighbor by maintaining your property and keeping it free of uncultivated vegetation. We also encourage you to help individuals that may not be able to manage uncultivated vegetation around their property.”

Uncultivated vegetation in excess of eight inches in height is a violation of City ordinance. The Department of Building Safety is responsible for ensuring all properties within the city of Amarillo are in compliance with these standards, which are designed to help prevent increased fire risk as vegetation dries out. Plus, uncultivated vegetation provides the perfect environment for disease carrying insects like mosquitoes to inhabit. Tall weeds also provide the ideal place for a variety of rodents.

To ensure public health, safety and the welfare of the residents of Amarillo, the Building Safety Department is vigilant this summer, as always, in inspecting possible violations. Because of this, Amarillo residents are encouraged to take action in order to avoid receiving a violation notice from the City. If you should receive a violation notice, please note that you are required to mow your area within 10 days of receiving the notice of violation. If you fail to do so, the City contracts to mow the property. You will be billed for the services provided in addition to an administrative fee. For more information, please call (806) 378-3041.