Common Property Violations That Will Get You Cited In Lubbock

On November 11, Lubbock's Code Administration Department made its way through the University Pines neighborhood looking for potential violations. The city does this all the time, but what a lot of people don't know is what actually counts as a violation.

So, let's see what the city will cite you for when they come through your neighborhood.

Lubbock Code Enforcement Violations

The City of Lubbock isn't doing this all just to annoy you, though some may truly believe that. The purpose of enforcing neighborhood codes is to make sure our environments are as clean, safe, and welcoming as they can be.

The four main sources of violations in Lubbock include zoning, junked vehicles, weeds, and dangerous structures.

Zoning

Really, the main things that the city looks for when it comes to zoning is whether all designated parking areas are paved and if any junk is stored outside or not.

RVs are also under this section. You can read all about RV guidelines from Lubbock's code. Essentially, parked RVs can't extend over sidewalks and other property lines, and Lubbock residents can't live or sleep in their RVs that are on private property (there are several exceptions).

man in blue denim jeans standing beside white car

Commercial properties are also under scrutiny under zoning when it comes to signs, landscaping, and other potential violations.

The good news is that, just like in University Pines, the city provides roll off dumpsters for citizens to dispose of bulky items like old furniture and large tree branches. These are always found near the field office for everyone's convenience during neighborhood inspections.

Junked Vehicles

This one's pretty straightforward. Basically, you'll get penalized if you have a vehicle on your property with expired tags that hasn't moved in over 30 days.

If you have one of these, it starts with a notice of violation prompting the property owner to take care of the vehicle under a deadline, whether that means fixing it or towing it.

Weeds

Weeds and trash are also common forms of violations here in Lubbock. You may think that just because it's on your property, it's nobody else's business. While you're right that it's your property, you're still a resident of the city and are subject to their code enforcement.

a wooden fence surrounded by tall grass and weeds

Such codes include the forbidding of weeds and junk piles that are over 8 inches tall. You can ignore the warning all you want, but just be prepared to be put on a mowers list that you'll probably have to pay all by yourself when they come a-knockin'.

Dangerous Structures

This final area of violations across the city includes any houses, barns, and other structures that are deemed too dangerous. The reasoning varies from deteriorated vacant properties to incomplete demolitions.

If property owners fail to make the proper fixes to these structures, then they are subject to charges related to the Structural Standards Commission just doing it themselves and footing you the bill.

If you're curious as to whether your property is at risk for violating Lubbock code, you can always visit the city website to learn more. You can also dial 311 and speak with a representative about city services.