County Nuisance Laws Assistance

justbn · Joined: 19 Aug 2005 Posts: 1 Location: Celina,TEXAS

I need some help with an issue concerning the Collin County Nuisance laws. I allow about 2 1/2 acres of my property to grow fallow. It has been this way for 4 years. I love that so many birds nest in the area and that I am allowing the area to recover from years of chemical farming. However, a neighbor recently filed a complaint with the county fire marshalls office. Initially, I did receive a notice that I was in violation of the "nuisance" laws (http://www.co.collin.tx.us/fire_marshal/nuisance.jsp). However, after calling and proving that I am not in nor near a "Platted Subdivision", the investigator sent me a notice saying the case is closed and I am not in violation.

Unfortunately, my neighbor will not leave it at this. She has reapplied the complaint and is considering legal action. Please understand that my property is NOT a pig stye (sp?). I mow fire breaks through it and recently increased the mowed area along all the boundaries and through the fire breaks to reduce the risk of fire. The property has tons of native flowers, grasses, etc. I've included a picture to show the area of concern. This is what it looked like BEFORE all my extra mowing.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what to do here? I am afraid the nuisance laws concerning harboring pests (mice, snakes, etc) might win the day for her. We live in the country on unpaved roads. I don't understand why she expects to live in a bug and animal free area.

Any advice or assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Tony M · Joined: 31 Mar 2003 Posts: 1087 Location: McKinney,TEXAS

I say let her take legal action. She would have to sue every farmer in the area that has a pasture.
Do you have an AG exemption? I live near you and have one on my 10 acres. Look into a wildlife exemption and you will see that to qualify for one you have to have a place looking something like yours. If they can give them out (which they do) then how can anyone say your property is a nuisance?
pm me if you need more info.
Tony M

dancebrush · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 20 Location: Mesquite

This just seems to be another example of how ridiculously petty and narrow-minded people are about nature and the health of this planet. Weeds, animals, and insects are all necessary for us to survive. That is why God made them. I've seen property in the country no where as tidy as yours and there were no problems. This individual needs to move to the city and live on a zero lot line property. Actually, she just needs to get a life. I agree with the last post. She won't get far in court.

dancebrush · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 20 Location: Mesquite

This just seems to be another example of how ridiculously petty and narrow-minded people are about nature and the health of this planet. Weeds, animals, and insects are all necessary for us to survive. That is why God made them. I've seen property in the country no where as tidy as yours and there were no problems. This individual needs to move to the city and live on a zero lot line property. Actually, she just needs to get a life. I agree with the last post. She won't get far in court.