Property Abatement of Nuisances

About the Property Abatement of Nuisance Ordinance  

The Property Abatement of Nuisances Ordinance aims to provide a process to abate properties within the Village limits that are a nuisance and constitute a safety hazard and public health risk. Salado's Property Abatement of Nuisance Ordinance declares the following items, conditions, or actions to be a nuisance.

High Weeds, Grass, or Brush

It is unlawful for any owner, occupant, or person in control of any lot, parcel of land, or premise within the city limits to allow the accumulation of high weeds, grass, or brush to exist in excess of the height limitations provided below. Such a violation is considered a health and fire hazard and is declared a public nuisance. 

  • Property two acres or less shall not exceed a height of more than 18 inches. 
  • Undeveloped property over two acres shall not exceed a height of more than 18 inches within 50 feet adjacent to and along any dedicated public street or right-of-way or adjacent to any lot that is occupied by a residence or business. 

Accumulation of Litter, Trash, or Rubbish

It is unlawful for any owner, lessee, occupant, or person in control of any lot, parcel of land, or premise within the city limits to allow the accumulation of any litter, trash, or rubbish. All litter shall be kept in an approved receptacle designed to contain litter in a manner so as not to allow it to be blown, carried, or deposited by the wind upon any private or public property of any right-of-way. Such violation is considered a health and fire hazard and, as such, is hereby declared to be a public nuisance. 

Allowing Stagnant Water to Accumulate

It is unlawful for any owner, lessee, occupant, or person in control of any lot, parcel of land, or premise within the city limits to allow holes, containers, or other various receptacles that contain stagnant water that may produce disease to exist on such lot, parcel of land, or premises. The Village building official may require an inspection of the premises and may require the filling, draining, and regulation of the unsanitary condition. 

Allowing Unsanitary Conditions 

It is unlawful for any owner, lessee, occupant, or person in control of any lot, parcel of land, or premise within the city limits to allow any unwholesome unsanitary condition that may produce disease to exist on such lot, parcel of land, or premise. The building official may require an inspection of the premises and may require the filling, draining, and regulation of the unsanitary condition. 

Care of Premises 

It is unlawful for any owner, lessee, occupant, or person in control of any lot, parcel of land, or premise within the city limits to utilize such property for the open storage of any of the following:

  • Abandoned vehicles such as motor or non-motorized vehicles, boats, trailers, and similar items and parts thereof. 
  • Abandoned domestic or non-domestic applicants and parts thereof. 
  • The open storage of building materials, building rubbish, tires, or any accumulation of any other product or supplies. (Does not prohibit the storage of building materials associated with a city-permitted construction project)
  • The open storage of dead trees, limbs, brush, or weeds. 

Civil and Criminal Penalties

Please refer to the Property Abatement of Nuisance Ordinance for information regarding fee schedules and civil and criminal penalties.