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.
Mesquite, TX
Mesquite allows gas-powered leaf blowers and lawn equipment during daytime hours, generally 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., with no city-wide gas blower ban.
Mesquite, TX
Outdoor music in Mesquite is allowed but cannot be plainly audible at neighboring residences after 10 p.m.; commercial venues need special event permits.
Mesquite, TX
Commercial vehicles over 1 ton or with commercial markings cannot park on Mesquite residential streets overnight; semi-trucks and trailers face stricter limits.
Mesquite, TX
Overnight on-street parking is generally allowed in Mesquite where not signed otherwise, but vehicles cannot remain in the same spot for more than 48-72 hours.
Mesquite, TX
On-street parking in Mesquite is allowed where not signed otherwise; vehicles must park with the flow of traffic and cannot block driveways, hydrants, or sig...
Mesquite, TX
Mesquite limits residential fences to 8 feet in rear/side yards and 4 feet in front yards, with corner-lot visibility triangles enforced for traffic safety.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Dallas County.
See how Mesquite's bird protection rules stack up against other locations.
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