Moving to Garland, TX? Here Are the Local Rules You Should Know

Garland is a mid-sized city in Dallas County, Texas, with about 246000 residents. Like most cities its size, it has a set of local rules that may differ significantly from neighboring municipalities. Here is an overview of 154 ordinances across 37 categories that affect daily life in Garland.

Code Violation Reporting

How to Report: Report code violations to Garland Code Compliance at 972-485-6400 or online through the City's service request system. Anonymous complaints accepted..

Also covered: Response Times (permissive), Common Violations (moderate). See the full code violation reporting guide for Garland for details.

Privacy & Surveillance

Privacy Screening: Residential fences in Garland may be up to 8 feet tall in rear and side yards and up to 3.5 feet in the front yard. Permit and visibility requirements apply..

Also covered: Recording & Consent Laws (moderate), Security Camera Rules (permissive). See the full privacy & surveillance guide for Garland for details.

Noise Ordinances

Leaf Blower Rules: Garland permits leaf blower use under its general noise ordinance, restricting operation to daytime hours with no specific gas-powered ban..

Also covered: Decibel Limits (moderate), Aircraft Noise (permissive), Construction Hours (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Garland for details.

Accessory Structures

Tiny Homes: Garland regulates tiny homes by foundation type and size, allowing site-built tiny homes on permanent foundations in residential zones but restricting tiny homes on wheels..

Also covered: Carport Rules (moderate), Shed Rules (moderate), Garage Conversions (strict). See the full accessory structures guide for Garland for details.

HOA Rules

Architectural Review: Garland does not regulate HOA architectural review committees. Review standards come from each HOA's CC&Rs subject to Texas Property Code limits..

Also covered: CC&R Enforcement (moderate), Board Procedures (moderate), Assessment & Dues (moderate). See the full hoa rules guide for Garland for details.

Special Events & Permits

Block Party Permits: Block parties in Garland require a free permit through Building Inspections. Residents arrange street closures through the City process..

Also covered: Park Event Permits (moderate). See the full special events & permits guide for Garland for details.

Rental Inspections

Inspection Programs: Chapter 32 requires all single-family rental properties (including duplexes) to be registered with Code Compliance with an annual $65 permit fee. Multifamily properties receive annual inspections..

Also covered: Tenant Complaint Process (moderate), Habitability Standards (strict). See the full rental inspections guide for Garland for details.

Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules

Sidewalk Repair: Per City ordinance, property owners must keep adjacent sidewalks, parkways, and driveways in safe condition. Certain Type A-E thoroughfare frontages are exceptions..

Also covered: Encroachment Permits (moderate), Obstruction Rules (strict). See the full sidewalk & pedestrian rules guide for Garland for details.

Noise from Specific Sources

Car Alarm Limits: Garland has no car-alarm-specific rule, but prolonged or repeated alarm sounding is covered under Chapter 22 unreasonable noise provisions..

Also covered: Generator Noise (moderate), HVAC & Mechanical Noise (permissive). See the full noise from specific sources guide for Garland for details.

Permit Requirements

Renovation Permits: Any structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work requires a building permit from Garland. Cosmetic paint, flooring, and like-for-like cabinets are typically exempt..

Also covered: Shed & Outbuilding Permits (moderate), Deck & Patio Permits (moderate), Fence Permits (moderate). See the full permit requirements guide for Garland for details.

Invasive Plant Rules

Bamboo Restrictions: Garland has no running bamboo ordinance. Bamboo is allowed, but owners are responsible for containment and must not let it cross property lines or damage neighbors..

Also covered: Front Yard Gardens (permissive), Prohibited Species (moderate). See the full invasive plant rules guide for Garland for details.

Fire Regulations

Fireworks: Garland prohibits the sale, possession, and discharge of all consumer fireworks within city limits under Code of Ordinances Chapter 26 (Fire Prevention), with violations enforceable as Class C misdemeanors..

Also covered: Wildfire Zones (moderate), Backyard Fires (moderate), Brush Clearance (moderate). See the full fire regulations guide for Garland for details.

Building Safety

Lead Paint: Garland has no separate lead paint ordinance. Federal EPA RRP Rule and Texas DSHS rules govern renovation and abatement in pre-1978 housing..

Also covered: Pest Control (moderate). See the full building safety guide for Garland for details.

Home Business

Customer Traffic Restrictions: Garland limits customer visits to home businesses so traffic and parking remain consistent with normal residential use, with most ordinances restricting walk-in clientele entirely..

Also covered: Zoning Restrictions (moderate), Home Occupation Permits (permissive), Signage Rules (strict). See the full home business guide for Garland for details.

Fence Regulations

Retaining Walls: Garland requires a building permit for any retaining wall over 4 feet (measured from bottom of footing to top), or any wall with a surcharge load, with engineered design stamped by a licensed Texas engineer..

Also covered: Material Restrictions (moderate), Height Limits (moderate), Permit Requirements (moderate). See the full fence regulations guide for Garland for details.

Parking Rules

Driveway Rules: Garland requires vehicles parked at single-family homes to be on an approved hard surface (concrete or asphalt driveway), with parking on lawns and unimproved surfaces prohibited under the property maintenance code..

Also covered: Overnight Parking (permissive), EV Charging (permissive), Abandoned Vehicles (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Garland for details.

Short-Term Rentals

Noise Rules: Garland STRs must comply with the citywide noise ordinance: no plainly-audible amplified sound at 50 feet after 10 PM, with fines up to $500 per violation..

Also covered: Occupancy Limits (moderate), Insurance Requirements (moderate), Registration Rules (permissive). See the full short-term rentals guide for Garland for details.

Landscaping Rules

Grass Height Limits: Garland requires property owners to keep grass and weeds under 12 inches; taller vegetation is declared a nuisance and the city may abate at the owner's expense after notice..

Also covered: Water Restrictions (strict), Tree Trimming (moderate), Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (moderate). See the full landscaping rules guide for Garland for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Safety Rules: Garland enforces Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 757 plus IRC pool barrier standards, requiring self-closing gates, alarms on doors, and anti-entrapment drain covers..

Also covered: Above-Ground Pools (moderate), Hot Tub Rules (moderate), Pool Permits (moderate). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Garland for details.

Tree Protection

Tree Ordinances: Garland's tree preservation ordinance protects mature and protected-species trees on development sites, requiring permits to remove and mitigation through replanting or fees..

Also covered: Heritage & Protected Trees (moderate), Tree Removal Permits (moderate), Tree Replacement Requirements (moderate). See the full tree protection guide for Garland for details.

Animal Ordinances

Exotic Pets: Garland prohibits keeping dangerous wild animals (big cats, bears, wolves, primates, venomous reptiles) in residential areas and enforces Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 822 Subchapter E registration requirements..

Also covered: Wildlife Feeding (moderate), Breed Restrictions (moderate), Beekeeping (moderate). See the full animal ordinances guide for Garland for details.

Outdoor Cooking

BBQ & Propane Rules: Garland adopts the International Fire Code through the Garland Code of Ordinances and enforces it through Garland Fire Department. IFC Sec.

Also covered: Outdoor Kitchen Permits (moderate), Smoker Rules (permissive). See the full outdoor cooking guide for Garland for details.

Holiday Decorations

Holiday Light Rules: Garland has no citywide ordinance restricting residential holiday lights at single-family homes. Restrictions arise principally from HOA covenants under Texas Property Code Ch.

Also covered: Inflatable Display Rules (permissive), Lawn Ornament Rules (permissive). See the full holiday decorations guide for Garland for details.

Trash & Recycling

Bulk Item Disposal: Garland offers monthly bulk trash collection for large items that do not fit in standard carts. Items include furniture, appliances, mattresses, and large yard waste.

Also covered: Bin Placement Rules (moderate), Recycling Requirements (moderate), Pickup Rules & Schedules (moderate). See the full trash & recycling guide for Garland for details.

Curfew Laws

Juvenile Curfew: Garland enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 17. Nighttime curfew runs from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM on school nights and midnight to 6:00 AM on weekends.

Also covered: Park Curfew (strict). See the full curfew laws guide for Garland for details.

Building Setbacks & Zoning

Setback Rules: Garland's Development Code establishes setback requirements by zoning district. Standard single-family residential lots typically require a 25-foot front setback, 5-foot side setbacks, and a 5-foot rear setback.

Also covered: Structure Height Limits (moderate), Lot Coverage Limits (moderate). See the full building setbacks & zoning guide for Garland for details.

Garage & Yard Sales

Time Restrictions: Garland garage sales should be held during daylight hours. The city's noise ordinance applies to setup and sale activities.

Also covered: Garage Sale Permits (permissive), Frequency Limits (moderate). See the full garage & yard sales guide for Garland for details.

Property Maintenance

Property Blight: Garland actively enforces property maintenance standards through its Code Compliance Division. Properties must be kept free of junk, debris, high weeds, abandoned vehicles, and dilapidated conditions.

Also covered: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (permissive), Trash Bin Storage (moderate), Vacant Lot Maintenance (moderate). See the full property maintenance guide for Garland for details.

Cannabis Regulations

Home Cultivation: Marijuana cultivation is illegal in Texas. There is no legal home cultivation for recreational or medical marijuana.

Also covered: Dispensary Zoning (strict). See the full cannabis regulations guide for Garland for details.

Environmental Rules

Flood Zones: Garland regulates floodplain development under Article VII of Chapter 31 of the City Code (Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance). The city participates in the NFIP and enforces FEMA flood zone designations along Duck Creek, Rowlett Creek, and Lake Ray Hubbard shoreline areas.

Also covered: Erosion Control (moderate), Coastal Development (permissive), Stormwater Management (moderate). See the full environmental rules guide for Garland for details.

Solar Energy

HOA Restrictions: Texas Property Code Section 202.010 prohibits HOAs from banning solar energy devices. HOAs in Garland may adopt reasonable aesthetic guidelines but cannot effectively prohibit solar panel installation.

Also covered: Panel Permits (moderate). See the full solar energy guide for Garland for details.

Sign Regulations

Political Signs: Texas Election Code Section 259.002 protects political sign display on private property. Garland cannot prohibit political signs on residential property.

Also covered: Garage Sale Signs (moderate), Holiday Displays (permissive). See the full sign regulations guide for Garland for details.

Outdoor Lighting

Dark Sky Rules: Garland has outdoor lighting standards in the Development Code requiring shielded fixtures for new commercial and multi-family development. Lighting must be directed downward to minimize glare and sky glow.

Also covered: Light Trespass (moderate). See the full outdoor lighting guide for Garland for details.

Rental Property Rules

Rent Control: Garland has NO local rent control ordinance. Tex.

Also covered: Just Cause Eviction (permissive), Rental Registration (permissive). See the full rental property rules guide for Garland for details.

Drone Rules

Recreational Drones: Recreational drone use in Garland is governed by FAA regulations. Texas Government Code Chapter 423 restricts drone surveillance over private property.

Also covered: Commercial Drones (moderate). See the full drone rules guide for Garland for details.

Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors

Food Truck Permits: Garland requires mobile food vendors to obtain a city permit and a Dallas County Health Department food service permit. Food trucks must pass health inspections and maintain food handler certifications.

Also covered: Vending Zones (moderate). See the full food trucks & mobile vendors guide for Garland for details.

Soliciting & Door-to-Door

No-Knock Registry: Garland maintains a no-knock/no-soliciting registry that residents can join. Solicitors who ignore posted No Soliciting signs or contact registered addresses face fines.

Also covered: Solicitor Permits (moderate). See the full soliciting & door-to-door guide for Garland for details.

What to Do With This Information

This overview covers the big picture, but the details matter. Each ordinance page for Garland includes the full text, violation penalties, and frequently asked questions. Use those pages when you need specifics.