Mesquite has no blanket ban on feeding songbirds or squirrels, but feeding that attracts rats, stray animals, or nuisance wildlife can be cited as a public nuisance.
The City of Mesquite does not prohibit backyard bird feeders, hummingbird feeders, or routine wildlife watching. However, the city's nuisance and sanitation provisions allow Code Enforcement and Animal Services to act when feeding practices attract rats, feral cat colonies, raccoons, opossums, or coyotes in numbers that create a health or safety hazard. Ground feeding of large quantities of corn or pet food, unsecured pet food left outdoors overnight, and feeding stations that spill into neighboring yards are the most common triggers for complaints. Texas Parks and Wildlife Code Chapter 62 prohibits baiting or feeding game animals in ways that interfere with hunting regulations, and state law bans feeding of certain wildlife including coyotes in urban areas when it creates a public safety risk. Feeding feral hogs or any threatened species requires specific permits.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Mesquite code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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 other cities in Dallas County handle wildlife feeding.
See how Mesquite's wildlife feeding rules stack up against other locations.
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