Native birds are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Texas Parks and Wildlife Code Chapter 64. Dallas County has no separate bird ordinance. Removing nests, eggs, or birds without a permit is a federal offense with substantial fines.
The federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects nearly all native bird species, prohibiting take, possession, or disturbance of birds, eggs, nests, or feathers without a US Fish and Wildlife Service permit. Texas Parks and Wildlife Code Chapter 64 layers state protection over additional species, including non-game birds. Dallas County has no separate ordinance; enforcement falls to USFWS, TPWD, and city code-compliance officers when nests appear on residential or commercial buildings. Removal during active nesting requires a federal permit; tree-trimming contractors typically schedule work outside the spring nesting window. Common conflicts involve grackles, swallows, and chimney swifts on rooftops or HVAC equipment.
MBTA violations are federal misdemeanors with fines up to fifteen thousand dollars and six months jail per offense; commercial violations can be felonies. Texas wildlife violations add state fines and license revocation; tree contractors face stop-work orders during nesting.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
DeSoto, TX
DeSoto restricts parking of commercial vehicles in residential zoning districts. Commercial vehicles over one ton rated capacity, semi-tractors, trailers ove...
DeSoto, TX
DeSoto requires all residential swimming pools with water depths over 24 inches to be fully enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches (4 feet) tall, per Texas...
DeSoto, TX
DeSoto generally permits wood, vinyl, wrought iron, chain link, masonry, and composite fences in residential zones, but each district has specific rules. Fro...
DeSoto, TX
DeSoto limits residential fence heights based on yard location. Fences in front yards are typically limited to 4 feet tall, while side and rear yard fences m...
DeSoto, TX
DeSoto requires fences to be structurally sound, properly installed, and maintained in good repair. Posts must be set in concrete footings of adequate depth ...
DeSoto, TX
Texas strongly encourages rainwater harvesting. Under Texas Water Code Chapter 11 and Texas Property Code Section 202.007, HOAs cannot prohibit rainwater har...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Dallas County.
See how DeSoto's bird protection rules stack up against other locations.
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