Right of Way Maintenance

Clear the Way: Know the Rules of Right of Way Maintenance

The public right of way includes streets, sidewalks, alleys, drainage channels, and parkways between the sidewalk and the curb. It typically extends 10 feet back from the edge of a street, but can vary across the City. Individual property owners are responsible for mowing grass and maintaining trees and vegetation to the standards defined by City ordinance. 

The standards below are established by City ordinance (Sec. 16-2):

Trees & Vegetation

For a clear pathway, keep tree limbs and vegetation trimmed back from the edge of streets, alleys, and sidewalks at least 8 feet above sidewalks and at least 14 feet above streets and alleys.

Grass & Weeds

Individual property owners are responsible for mowing the grass in the right of way, from the edge of the street to the property line. Grass and weeds may not exceed 12 inches in height.


Right of Way Maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS ‘RIGHT OF WAY’?

The public right of way includes streets, sidewalks, alleys, drainage channels, and parkways between the sidewalk and the curb. It typically extends 10 feet back from the edge of a street, but can vary across the City. Right of way is used to provide a path for utilities, such as water and sewer lines or telephone and electric lines, and it may also be used for future sidewalks, bike trails, and street widening.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MOWING THE RIGHT OF WAY?

Property owners are responsible for trees and all other vegetation. An exception is granted to lots with rear frontage on streets or highways where the lot is separated from the street by a wall or fence. In these instances only, the City mows the grass in the right of way.

WHY SHOULD I CARE ABOUT KEEPING THE RIGHT OF WAY CLEAR?

Overgrown vegetation is a safety hazard and limits the use of sidewalks, trails, streets and alleys for everyone and can be an accessibility hazard for people with disabilities. It further threatens public safety when vegetation blocks the view of traffic signs, signals, vehicles, or cyclists. Trimming vegetation and caring for your trees are effective ways residents can enhance neighborhood safety and keep Cedar Hill beautiful.

WHERE CAN I REPORT OVERGROWN VEGETATION OR TALL GRASS?

To report overgrown vegetation or tall grass and weeds, residents can call Code Enforcement at 972-291-5100, ext. 1111 or visit cedarhilltx.com/request.

WHERE CAN I FIND INFORMATION ON TREE CARE AND PRUNING?

Proper pruning practices can help maintain good tree health. Find more information about pruning and tree health from the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension.

WHAT ABOUT WILDFLOWERS?

To ensure the environmental sanctity and beauty of the wildflowers in the city, mowing is prohibited from April 1 to July 15 annually in designated areas until the wildflowers have seeded out. Signs are posted in these designated areas during the prohibited time. The following is a schedule of prohibited mowing areas:


StreetFromTo
1.WintergreenU.S. 67Joe Wilson
2.Joe WilsonWintergreenNorth Cedar Hill Road
3.North Cedar Hill RoadJoe WilsonBelt Line
4.StraussF.M. 1382Main
5.Belt Line RoadMansfield RoadWest City Limit
6.Mansfield Road1000 Belt Line RoadAnderson Road
7.Robin RoadMansfield RoadSummit Place
8.Duncanville RoadSouth City LimitsBelt-line Road
9.Texas PlumeMt. Lebanon RoadCemetery
10.Mt. Lebanon RoadWest U.S. 67Dallas County Line
11.Parkerville RoadDuncanville Road800 Parkerville Road
12.Gulf ColoradoRight-of-way

Santa Fe RRWintergreen RoadBelt Line
13.Anderson RoadMansfield RoadDead End
14.North Roberts RoadEast side of a portion of the 200 block and 300 blockWildflower