What Can Lubbock Code Enforcement Actually Make You Fix?

Think the city might be after you?

Don't panic yet.

Nobody is coming to kick down your door because a few of your flowerbeds look like they lost a fight with nature, but Lubbock Code Enforcement does have the authority to make you correct certain issues.

A few of the things they can get you for are surprisingly specific. Let's take a gander.

Can The City Get Me For My 9-Inch Grass?

Dandelion seed heads dot a sunlit green lawn.

First of all, mow your lawn...

Because, technically, yes. Uncultivated weeds and vegetation over 8 inches tall are a violation. Luckily, you generally have a week before the city can send out a private contractor to mow for you. They will hand you a lovely bill.

Take care of it now before it's too late.

Can The City Come After Me For My Junk Collection?

A large pile of scrap metal and an old bathtub.

Got a pile of crud you've been meaning to deal with?

Broken chairs. Old appliances. A mysterious stack of old building materials. Tree limbs from the Bush administration.

Lubbock considers big piles of junk like that to be improperly stored, and it could also be considered a public nuisance if it's visible from the street or the alley. Your best bet is to take care of it now before the wrong person notices.

Can The City Come After Me For The Car I've Been "Fixing?"

an old car is sitting in the grass

You know the car I'm talking about.

The one that's been sitting in the same spot for 7 years...untouched...

Lubbock considers some cars like that to be junk vehicles. If they don't run, are wrecked, abandoned, or dismantled, or if they have expired or no registration, OR if they haven't been moved from the same spot in more than a month...

If the car at your house sounds anything like that, you might not be in compliance with the rules.

Could be time to turn that "project car" into an actual project...

Read More: What Happens If You Ignore a Lubbock Parking Ticket?

Can The City Come After Me If My House Is Falling Apart?

brown and white concrete building

This one is a little more serious.

If your home becomes unsafe and you don't address the problems, things can get ugly quick. Missing a piece of siding is one minor thing...but if your house is slowly turning into a haunted ruin, you might want to make some adjustments before the city swoops in.

Check Lubbock's Code Enforcement if you think you might be in trouble.

Can The City Come After Me For Where I Park My RV?

white and brown van near green tree during daytime

Yes. Lubbock has some rules about where you can park oversized vehicles and trailers. They are worth looking into before someone complains. Nobody likes learning the hard way. Ugh.

What Happens If I Get A Violation?

girl covering her face with both hands

The process usually begins with them telling you what needs to be corrected and giving you ample time to fix it. The timeline will depend on the type of violation.

Just remember, "I've always done it this way" is not a great legal defense when the city comes knocking on your door. If you've got questions about possible code violations, the City of Lubbock invites you to contact Code Administration or call 311 for any type of service request.

And, while you're making that call, maybe mow the grass...just in case.