Pop. 104,627 · Collin County
Allen regulates protected tree removal through the Tree Preservation Ordinance in the Allen Land Development Code. Removal of protected trees 6 inches DBH and larger on undeveloped, commercial, or multi-family property requires a permit and mitigation.
Allen is a North Texas Municipal Water District member city and enforces year-round twice-weekly outdoor watering limits. No irrigation between 10 AM and 6 PM April through October. Drought stages can further restrict to once weekly or prohibit landscape watering entirely.
Allen Code Compliance enforces weed, rank vegetation, and nuisance plant standards under City Code Chapter 8 and TX Health and Safety Code 342.004. Noxious weeds, bamboo encroachment, and ragweed accumulations are abatable nuisances.
Allen allows 8-foot rear and side yard fences and 4-foot front yard fences in residential zones under the Allen Land Development Code. Corner lots have additional visibility triangle restrictions.
Allen restricts fence materials in residential zones to wood, masonry, wrought iron, and approved composite. Chain link is prohibited in front yards. Barbed wire and electric fencing are prohibited in all residential districts.
Texas has no Good Neighbor Fence Act. Each Allen property owner is responsible for their own fence. Shared fence costs are a private civil matter unless a recorded agreement exists between neighbors.
Allen requires pool barriers of at least 48 inches around all in-ground and above-ground pools over 24 inches deep, per the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code adopted by the city. Self-closing, self-latching gates are mandatory.
Allen requires a fence permit for new construction, replacement of more than 50 percent, and any fence over 8 feet. Permit fees start at 50 dollars. HOA approval is separate and often required first.
Allen enforces a 25-foot sight visibility triangle at all corner lots and a smaller triangle at driveway approaches. Fences, hedges, and landscaping within the triangle cannot exceed 30 inches in height.
Allen prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including coyotes, raccoons, feral hogs, and deer. Bird feeders are permitted if maintained to prevent rodent attraction. Feral cat colonies require Trap-Neuter-Return coordination with Allen Animal Services.
Allen permits backyard beekeeping on residential lots of at least 1/2 acre with hives set back 25 feet from property lines. Registration with Texas Apiary Inspection Service is required for 6 or more colonies.
Allen has no breed-specific legislation. Texas Health & Safety Code Sec. 822.047 prohibits municipalities from regulating dogs based on breed. Dangerous dog determinations are behavior-based under Lillian's Law.
Allen requires dogs be leashed on all public property and in common areas. Off-leash is only permitted at the Allen Station Bark Park. Violations carry fines up to 500 dollars under Chapter 2.
Allen limits households to 4 dogs and 4 cats over the age of 4 months per residence under Chapter 2. Exceeding this requires a kennel permit and zoning compliance review. Multi-pet apartment limits are stricter.
Allen prohibits wild and dangerous exotic animals including big cats, non-human primates, venomous reptiles, and bears under Chapter 2. Texas HSC 822.101 sets state-level dangerous wild animal registration requirements.
Allen allows up to 6 hens on residential lots with coop setbacks of 25 feet from any dwelling. No roosters. Coops must be maintained sanitary and predator-resistant under Chapter 2.
Property owners in Allen must keep lots free of accumulated brush, dead vegetation, and combustible debris under City Code Chapter 8 (Health and Sanitation). Code Compliance issues notices with 10 days to abate before city-contracted cleanup and liens.
Allen is not mapped in a designated high wildfire hazard zone under Texas A&M Forest Service criteria, but the Fire Department maintains defensible-space guidance for properties abutting open space, greenbelts, and the Watters Creek corridor.
Allen adopts the 2021 IRC and IFC requiring working smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside sleeping areas, and on every story of dwellings. Rental properties must have functioning alarms at lease commencement per TX Property Code Chapter 92 Subchapter F.
Backyard recreational fires in approved containers or pits are allowed in Allen when no county burn ban is in effect. Fires must be at least 15 feet from structures, attended continuously, and use only clean seasoned wood.
Allen allows portable outdoor fireplaces and gas/propane fire pits on residential property under IFC 2021 Section 307 as adopted by the City. Wood-burning pits must be at least 15 feet from structures and combustibles, attended at all times, and never used during a Collin County burn ban.
Open burning of yard waste, trash, and construction debris is prohibited in Allen under TCEQ 30 TAC 111.219 and city fire code. Only small contained recreational cooking fires and ceremonial fires with Fire Marshal approval are permitted.
All consumer fireworks are banned within Allen city limits year-round under City Code Chapter 6. Possession, sale, or discharge is a Class C misdemeanor with fines up to 2000 dollars. Only licensed public displays permitted by the Fire Marshal are allowed.
Amplified music audible beyond 50 feet of a property line, or past 10 PM weeknights and 11 PM weekends, violates Allen nuisance ordinances. Allen Event Center concerts are permitted exceptions.
Allen prohibits modified exhaust, loud stereos, and engine revving under Chapter 6 and TX Transportation Code Sec. 547.605. Muffler bypass and cutout systems are illegal statewide on public roads.
Construction in Allen is permitted 7 AM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday, with no Sunday or federal holiday work allowed in residential zones. Allen Code Chapter 6 governs permitted construction noise windows.
Allen enforces quiet hours 10 PM to 7 AM weekdays and 11 PM to 8 AM weekends under Code of Ordinances Chapter 6, Article VI. Violations are Class C misdemeanors enforceable under TX Penal Code 42.01.
Commercial properties in Allen must not exceed 65 dBA at adjacent residential property lines during daytime or 55 dBA at night. HVAC, loading docks, and drive-through speakers are the most cited sources.
Allen prohibits habitual barking that disturbs neighbors under Chapter 2 (Animal Control). Owners may be cited after documented complaints. Texas HSC Chapter 822 sets state-level dangerous dog framework.
Allen sits under DFW and Love Field airspace but outside the FAA Part 150 noise contour. McKinney National Airport (TKI) traffic is the most audible source. Federal law preempts local aircraft noise regulation.
Allen permits gas and electric leaf blowers during general landscaping hours of 7 AM to 7 PM. No citywide gas ban exists, unlike several California cities. Commercial crews must observe the same daily windows under Chapter 6.
Allen requires driveways to be paved with concrete or approved hard surface. Maximum 35% of front yard may be paved. New driveways need a ROW permit for the apron crossing the sidewalk.
Allen has no blanket overnight street parking ban, but vehicles must move every 48 hours and cannot be parked on unimproved surfaces. HOAs in Allen often impose stricter overnight rules with permit systems.
Allen permits on-street parking on most residential streets but prohibits parking within 15 feet of fire hydrants, 20 feet of crosswalks, and 30 feet of stop signs. No parking on unimproved surfaces in front yards.
Allen defines an abandoned vehicle as inoperable, unregistered, or parked more than 48 hours on public property. Texas Transportation Code Chapter 683 governs. 10-day notice then tow to storage facility.
Allen encourages EV charging installation. Level 2 residential chargers require an electrical permit (about 90 dollars). Commercial EVSE installations follow 2020 NEC Article 625 and need building permits with inspection.
Allen prohibits RVs, boats, and trailers from being parked in front yards or on streets for more than 24 hours. Must be stored behind the front building line, screened from view, on an improved surface.
Allen prohibits commercial vehicles over 1 ton or 22 feet from parking in residential districts overnight. Semi-trucks, trailers, and heavy equipment must use commercial or industrial zoned property.
Allen STRs must comply with city noise ordinance quiet hours 10 PM to 7 AM. Amplified outdoor sound and pool/hot-tub use restricted overnight. Three noise violations in 12 months can revoke STR registration.
Allen requires STR operators to carry short-term rental liability insurance of at least 500,000 dollars or equivalent platform-provided coverage (Airbnb AirCover, Vrbo Liability Insurance).
Allen STR registration is address-specific, non-transferable, and must be renewed annually with current insurance, inspection proof, and tax account in good standing.
Allen STRs must provide off-street parking for all guest vehicles; guest parking on lawns or blocking sidewalks prohibited. Typical requirement is two off-street spaces plus one per bedroom over three.
Allen caps STR occupancy at two persons per bedroom plus two additional, not to exceed building code limits. Daytime visitor caps apply; no weddings or large events at single-family STRs.
Allen HOT is 7 percent; combined with Texas state HOT of 6 percent, total tax on nightly rate is 13 percent. Airbnb and Vrbo auto-collect state portion but hosts must verify city HOT remittance.
Allen does not currently impose a hard annual night cap on STR rental activity. Non-owner-occupied rentals may face additional scrutiny if ordinance amendments move forward in future council sessions.
Allen requires STR operators to register with the city, obtain a Certificate of Occupancy compliance letter, and remit Hotel Occupancy Tax. City has considered stricter STR ordinance in 2024-2025 updates.
Allen allows above-ground pools over 24 inches deep with a building permit. Barrier requirements and setbacks apply identically to in-ground. Temporary inflatable pools under 24 inches exempt.
Allen requires a building permit for any in-ground or above-ground pool capable of holding water over 24 inches deep. Plans, plot plan, and equipment layout reviewed under IRC and Allen LDC setbacks.
Hot tubs and spas in Allen must have a locking, lockable, or ASTM-compliant safety cover per Texas H&S Code 757. Permit required for electrical connection and plumbing tie-ins.
Allen requires 48-inch minimum barrier around all pools per Texas Health and Safety Code Ch. 757 and IRC Appendix G. Self-closing, self-latching gates with latches at least 54 inches above grade required.
Allen enforces Virginia Graeme Baker Act compliance for anti-entrapment drain covers, GFCI protection on all pool circuits, and proper bonding of metal components. Pool alarms recommended.
Allen requires a Home Occupation registration through the Community Development Dept. No external signage, no retail foot traffic, no employees outside household, and use must be clearly incidental to residential use.
Home occupations are allowed in all Allen residential districts as an accessory use under the Allen Land Development Code. Business must be incidental to the residence, conducted by occupants only, and not change the residential character of the property.
Registered family home daycares (up to 6 children) allowed in Allen as accessory home occupation per Allen LDC Ch. 4.20. Must hold Texas HHSC registration or license under Human Resources Code Ch. 42.
Home occupations in Allen may not display any exterior signage, window advertising, or commercial vehicle graphics visible from the public right of way. The residence must appear entirely residential from the street.
Allen follows Texas Cottage Food Law under TX Health and Safety Code Chapter 437 Subchapter A. Home bakers can sell non-potentially hazardous foods direct to consumers with no city permit, up to 50000 dollars annual gross sales per household.
Customer and client visits to home occupations in Allen are strictly limited. Most interpretations cap visits at 2 to 3 clients per day during reasonable hours, with no deliveries beyond typical residential parcel volume.
Carports in Allen are regulated as accessory structures under the Allen Land Development Code. Front-yard carports are generally prohibited in single-family districts; attached side or rear carports require a permit and must meet setbacks.
Permanent tiny homes in Allen must meet full 2021 IRC standards including minimum room sizes unless built under IRC Appendix AQ for tiny houses. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as RVs and cannot be used as permanent dwellings on residential lots.
Sheds 200 square feet or less and under 8 feet in height are exempt from building permits in Allen but must still meet zoning setbacks. Rear and side setbacks are typically 3 to 5 feet; sheds cannot be in front yards or easements.
Converting a garage to living space in Allen requires a building permit, zoning review, and replacement covered parking to meet minimum off-street parking requirements. Most single-family districts mandate 2 enclosed spaces.
Allen does not permit detached accessory dwelling units as separate independent residences in single-family districts. Servants quarters or guest suites must share utilities with the primary home and cannot be rented separately under the Allen Land Development Code.
Allen enforces No Solicitation and No Trespass postings at individual residences. Clearly posted signs at the property entrance create legal notice under TX Penal Code 30.05. Solicitors who ignore posted signs commit criminal trespass.
Door-to-door solicitors in Allen must obtain a Solicitor/Peddler Permit from the Allen Police Department. Permits require a background check and application fee. Solicitation hours limited to 9:00 AM to sunset or 7:00 PM, whichever is earlier.
Allen does not have a snow or ice sidewalk clearing ordinance. Snow and ice events are rare in North Texas. During infrequent winter storms, the city treats major roadways but does not require property owner sidewalk clearing.
Trash and recycling carts must be stored in a location not visible from the public street on non-collection days. Violations handled by Allen Community Enhancement (code compliance) with 15-day cure period before citation.
Allen enforces the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) requiring structures to be kept in sanitary, structurally sound condition. Peeling paint, broken windows, damaged roofs, and accumulated junk are code violations subject to citation up to 2,000 dollars per day.
Vacant lots in Allen must be mowed and free of debris, high weeds, and nuisances. Grass and weeds exceeding 12 inches in height are a violation. City may mow and lien the property if owner does not comply within 10 days of notice.
Allen permits residential garage sales with a free permit from the city. Maximum of 4 sales per address per calendar year, each lasting no more than 3 consecutive days. Sales must occur between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
Recreational and medical marijuana dispensaries are prohibited in Allen because Texas does not license them. Only TCUP-licensed low-THC cannabis dispensaries may operate in Texas, and Texas currently licenses only 3 statewide operators, none in Allen.
Home cultivation of marijuana is illegal in Allen and throughout Texas. Cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance under TX Health and Safety Code Chapter 481. Cultivation of any amount is a state jail felony to second degree felony depending on quantity.
Allen limits residential structures to 35 feet or 2.5 stories in most single-family districts. Accessory structures capped at 15 feet. Commercial heights vary 35-75 feet; downtown core permits up to 100 feet with site plan approval.
Allen residential setbacks vary by zone: SF-E 30 ft front/15 ft rear/10 ft side; SF-7 25 ft front/20 ft rear/7 ft side; TH 20 ft front/15 ft rear. Corner lots need 15 ft side-street setback.
Allen limits lot coverage by all buildings to 40-50% in most single-family districts. Impervious surface (buildings plus driveways plus patios) capped at 65-75% depending on zone. Corner and cul-de-sac lots may have bonus coverage.
Federal EPA RRP Rule (40 CFR 745) applies in Allen for any renovation of pre-1978 housing disturbing more than 6 sq ft interior or 20 sq ft exterior of painted surface. Certified firms required.
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) regulates elevators under Health & Safety Code Ch. 754. Annual inspections and certificates of compliance required for all non-exempt elevators.
Allen requires scaffolding over 10 feet to meet OSHA 1926 Subpart L standards. Sidewalk encroachment needs a ROW permit from Community Services. Safety inspections required before use on commercial projects.
Allen enforces property maintenance code requiring owners to control rodents, roaches, and mosquitoes. West Nile surveillance runs May through October with targeted spraying. Standing water violations cited under Chapter 8 health code.
Allen allows food trucks in commercial and industrial zoned properties with owner permission. Prohibited in residential zones except for private events. Watters Creek and The Village at Allen host regular food truck events.
Allen requires mobile food vendors to hold a Collin County Health Permit plus Allen Mobile Vendor Permit (about 250 dollars annual). Commissary agreement required. Cannot operate on public streets except at permitted events.
The City of Allen regulates mobile food vendors (food trucks), pushcarts, and ice-cream trucks through the Allen Code of Ordinances Chapter 8 (Licenses, Business Regulations) and the Health Division. A mobile food unit must obtain an annual Allen health permit; ice-cream trucks pay $150/vehicle/year. Mobile vendors with a current permit may operate at special events with prior notice — no separate event permit required.
Allen prohibits light trespass causing nuisance to neighbors. Maximum 0.5 foot-candles at residential property line. Motion-activated security lights encouraged but must not flood neighbor windows continuously.
Allen has no formal dark-sky ordinance but requires shielded fixtures on commercial properties and limits spillover to 0.5 foot-candles at residential property lines. Parking lot lights must use full-cutoff fixtures after 11 PM.
Allen requires electrical and building permits for solar PV, typically 300-500 dollars combined. 2020 NEC and 2021 IRC Section R324 apply. Over-the-counter approval for standard residential rooftop systems within 5 business days.
Texas Property Code 202.010 preempts HOA solar bans statewide. Allen HOAs cannot prohibit solar but may impose reasonable aesthetic restrictions. Panels must be on rear or non-street-facing roof if equivalent production available.
Allen operates a single-stream recycling program accepting paper, cardboard, plastics 1-5 and 7, metal cans, and glass. Recycling is not mandatory but is provided as part of the base sanitation fee. Contamination may result in cart not being serviced.
Trash and recycling carts must be stored out of public view between collection days, typically behind a fence or in a side yard. Carts placed at the curb no earlier than 6:00 PM the evening before collection.
Allen provides weekly bulk item collection on the regular trash day. Residents may set out up to 4 cubic yards of bulk items per week including furniture, appliances (Freon removed), and bundled brush. No advance scheduling required.
Allen contracts with CWD (Community Waste Disposal) for weekly residential trash and recycling collection. Service includes one trash cart and one recycling cart collected on the same day. Set out by 7:00 AM on collection day.
Allen-area HOAs can levy assessments per CC&Rs. Texas Property Code 209.0064 requires itemized account statements within 30 days of owner request. Late fees and interest must be reasonable.
Texas Property Code 209.007 requires HOAs to offer an alternative dispute resolution process before pursuing enforcement litigation. Homeowners can request a hearing before the board.
Texas Property Code 209.006 requires written notice and opportunity to cure before HOA can fine or suspend privileges. Uniform enforcement required; selective enforcement creates defense.
Allen HOAs operate under Texas Property Code Ch. 209 (POA Act). Boards must hold at least one annual meeting, keep minutes available to members, and provide 10-day notice for member meetings.
HOA ACC approval required for exterior changes. Texas Property Code 202 protects solar panels, rain barrels, xeriscape, religious displays, and standby generators from blanket HOA bans, with reasonable aesthetic conditions permitted.
Political signs are protected speech under the First Amendment and Texas Election Code. Allen allows political signs on private property with owner consent. Signs may not exceed 36 square feet per Texas Transportation Code and must be removed within 10 days after the election.
Temporary holiday decorations and displays on private residential property are generally exempt from the Allen Sign Ordinance. Displays should not create traffic hazards, block sight triangles at intersections, or exceed reasonable duration (typically 60 days around the holiday).
Garage sale signs are prohibited in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, street signs, or traffic control devices in Allen. Signs are allowed only on the property hosting the sale, with owner permission on other private property. Signs must be removed within 24 hours after the sale ends.
Rent control is preempted statewide. TX Local Government Code 214.902 prohibits Texas cities from enacting rent control except during declared housing emergency with Governor approval. Allen has no rent control and cannot adopt any.
Allen follows Texas state eviction law under Property Code Chapter 24. Texas is a landlord-friendly state with no just-cause eviction requirement. Landlords may terminate month-to-month tenancies with 30 days notice for any non-discriminatory reason.
Allen does not operate a general rental registration or inspection program for long-term residential rentals. Short-term rentals under 30 days are subject to the city hotel occupancy tax. Landlords must still comply with Texas Property Code habitability standards.
Allen requires erosion and sediment control on all construction sites over 1 acre per TCEQ CGP. Silt fence, rock construction entrance, and inlet protection mandatory. Inspections at key milestones and after half-inch rain events.
Allen requires grading permits for any lot alteration moving over 50 cubic yards of soil. Positive drainage away from structures mandatory - minimum 5% slope for 10 feet. No redirecting water onto adjacent properties.
Allen operates under TCEQ MS4 Phase II permit (TXR040000). New development over 1 acre requires SWPPP, detention pond, and water quality BMPs. No discharge of pollutants to storm drains - only rain goes down the drain.
Allen participates in NFIP and has floodplains along Rowlett Creek and East Fork Trinity River tributaries. FEMA Zone AE requires BFE plus 2 feet finished floor elevation. No habitable structures in floodway. CRS Class 7 for 15% premium discount.
Allen city parks are closed from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM daily unless a permitted event or lighted athletic facility reservation extends the hours. Entering or remaining in a closed park is criminal trespass under TX Penal Code.
Allen maintains a juvenile curfew ordinance. Minors under 17 are prohibited from being in public places Sunday through Thursday 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM, and Friday/Saturday midnight to 6:00 AM. Daytime school hours curfew applies 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM during school days.
Commercial drone operations in Allen require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification. Operations over people, at night, or beyond visual line of sight require specific FAA waivers. Allen does not have a city commercial drone ordinance beyond park restrictions.
Recreational drone operation in Allen is governed by FAA Part 107 and TX Government Code Chapter 423. Drones may not be flown in Allen city parks without a permit per Parks and Recreation rules. Launching or landing on city property requires authorization.
Texas Labor Code Section 62.0515 expressly preempts municipal and county minimum wage ordinances. The state minimum wage equals the federal floor of $7.25 per hour, and political subdivisions cannot require private employers to pay more, except for their own contracts.
Texas appellate courts have struck down municipal paid sick leave ordinances in Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio as preempted under the Texas Minimum Wage Act. HB 2127 (2023) further codifies preemption by barring local regulation of employment benefits and leave policies.
HB 2127 (2023), the Texas Regulatory Consistency Act, preempts municipal predictive or fair workweek scheduling ordinances. Texas cities cannot require employers to provide advance schedule notice, predictability pay, or rest periods between shifts beyond state law.
Texas authorizes License to Carry (LTC) holders to carry concealed handguns statewide under Government Code Chapter 411. Since 2021, permitless constitutional carry under HB 1927 also allows most adults 21 and older to carry without a license, with municipalities preempted from added restrictions.
Texas Local Government Code Section 229.001 broadly preempts municipal regulation of firearms, ammunition, knives, and related accessories. Cities cannot adopt or enforce ordinances regulating the transfer, ownership, possession, transport, or discharge of firearms beyond narrow exceptions for discharge in densely populated areas.
Texas authorizes open carry of holstered handguns statewide for adults 21 and older under Penal Code 46.02 and HB 910 (2015). Long guns may be openly carried subject to disorderly conduct limits. Municipalities cannot impose additional open carry restrictions.
Texas Penal Code 46.02(a-1) lets any non-prohibited adult lawfully carry a handgun inside a personally-owned or leased motor vehicle or watercraft without a License to Carry, provided the firearm is not in plain view and the person is not engaged in criminal activity or gang membership.
Texas Government Code Chapter 673 requires every state agency and any business that contracts with a state agency to register for and use the federal E-Verify system to confirm the work eligibility of new employees. Private-sector E-Verify use is generally voluntary statewide.
Texas Government Code Chapter 752, enacted by Senate Bill 4 in 2017, prohibits any local entity, campus police department, or jail from adopting sanctuary policies. Local officials must honor federal immigration detainer requests and may not bar officers from inquiring about immigration status.
Texas Local Government Code Chapter 212 and Agriculture Code Chapter 251 limit municipal authority to zone or regulate land qualified for agricultural use appraisal. Counties have no general zoning authority, and cities face restrictions on annexing or imposing land use rules on established farms.
The Texas Right to Farm Act, Agriculture Code Chapter 251, protects established agricultural operations from nuisance lawsuits and local regulations after one year of operation. SB 1421 (2023) significantly strengthened protections, preempting municipal ordinances that restrict generally accepted agricultural practices.
The Texas Supreme Court in City of Laredo v. Laredo Merchants Association (2018) held that Health and Safety Code Section 361.0961 preempts municipal plastic bag bans. Cities and counties cannot prohibit or restrict retail use of plastic checkout bags as containers or packages.
Health and Safety Code Section 361.0961 also preempts municipal bans on polystyrene foam containers used for food service. The same statute that struck down plastic bag bans prevents Texas cities from prohibiting expanded polystyrene cups, plates, and takeout packaging.
Plastic straw bans by Texas municipalities are preempted under Health and Safety Code Section 361.0961 and reinforced by HB 2127 (2023). Cities cannot prohibit or restrict food service businesses from offering single-use plastic straws to customers.