The Dallas City Council unanimously adopted on July 28 an amendment to the city’s noxious‑vegetation code that raises presumptive fines for repeat violations and preserves the city’s authority to abate hazards.

Codes staff said repeat vegetation violations on a subset of properties have imposed a disproportionate administrative burden, prompting a change to the municipal code. Under the approved changes (General Ordinance No. 25‑1416), the presumptive fine schedule becomes: first violation — $165 (up to $500 at the court’s discretion); second violation in a 12‑month period — $265 (up to $1,000); third or subsequent violation in a 12‑month period — $440 (up to $2,000). Codes staff confirmed abatement costs and the city’s existing administrative fees remain payable in addition to any fine assessed.

Nikki Lesich, codes enforcement officer, said the city has been fielding roughly 25–30 recurring vegetation cases in which property owners repeatedly require municipal intervention for hazards such as puncture vine (goat head) and invasive plants. She noted abatement costs can exceed several thousand dollars for properties with dense vegetation and said the new fines are intended to deter repeat noncompliance while preserving the court’s discretion for occasional, benign oversights. “Puncture vine — goat head — yes. It’s a monster,” Lesich said when asked which plants are most problematic.

Council discussion covered enforcement fairness, existing abatement and administrative fees, the city’s current process for notification and reinspection, and comparative approaches used by neighboring jurisdictions. Staff explained that homeowners who fail to remedy violations after notice are subject to contractor abatement and billing and that the city’s new fine schedule is intended to improve compliance rather than penalize owners who promptly correct issues after notification.

The ordinance passed after a motion by Councilor Richardson, seconded by Councilor Randall.

Why it matters: City staff and the fire service flagged tall, dry vegetation and invasive plant growth as potential fire hazards and public‑safety concerns; repeat noncompliance requires staff time and contractor abatement and can shift costs to the city if properties are not maintained.

What comes next: The code change is effective now; codes staff will continue enforcement under the amended schedule and may return to council if further changes are needed.