Migratory birds, eggs, and active nests are federally protected from disturbance under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Lubbock builders, tree trimmers, and homeowners must avoid destroying active nests and may need timing restrictions on work.
The federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act prohibits taking, killing, or possessing migratory birds, their nests with eggs or young, or their feathers without a permit. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service enforces the act, and most native songbirds, raptors, and waterfowl are covered. In Lubbock, this affects tree-trimming and construction during nesting season, typically March through August, and developers near playa lakes must survey for active nests before clearing. Texas Parks and Wildlife Code also protects state-listed birds. Property owners may not destroy active nests on chimneys, eaves, or trees without USFWS authorization, even when the birds are inconvenient.
Federal misdemeanor under MBTA with substantial fines, state penalties under Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, and stop-work orders on construction or tree work that destroyed active nests.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Lubbock, TX
The City of Lubbock does not regulate yard ornaments on private property. Statuary, religious displays, and decorative landscape elements are generally allow...
Lubbock, TX
Lubbock has no city ordinance setting size, height, or hours limits for inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Wind is the primary prac...
Lubbock, TX
The City of Lubbock does not impose specific install-by or take-down-by dates for residential holiday lights. The general nuisance and right-of-way provision...
Lubbock, TX
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Lubbock require permits from the City of Lubbock Building Inspection Department for gas line installation, electrical work, plum...
Lubbock, TX
Lubbock does not have a smoker-specific ordinance for single-family residential use, but backyard smokers fall under the general nuisance provisions of the C...
Lubbock, TX
Lubbock adopts the International Fire Code through the City of Lubbock Code of Ordinances, with Lubbock Fire Rescue as enforcement authority. IFC Section 308...
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