Landscaping Rules in McKinney, TX

If you live in McKinney or are thinking about moving there, landscaping rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. McKinney has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting encouraged in McKinney and protected by Texas Property Code Section 202.007 which bars HOAs from prohibiting rain barrels or cisterns. Sales tax exempt under Tax Code 151.355.

Key details: Small Barrels: No permit. HOA Protection: TX Property 202.007. Tax Exempt: Tax Code 151.355. Indoor Connect: Permit required.

McKinney is more permissive than most cities when it comes to rainwater harvesting. That said, there are still limits.

Artificial Turf

Artificial turf allowed in McKinney single-family rear and side yards. Front-yard artificial turf subject to Zoning Chapter 146 landscape standards; some districts restrict it. HOA rules often apply and are not overridden by state law for artificial turf.

Key details: Rear Yard: Allowed. Front Yard: District-dependent. HOA: May restrict. Drainage: Required.

Code violation for front-yard noncompliance: up to 500 dollars per day. HOA enforcement separate.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find McKinney gives residents more flexibility on artificial turf.

Weed Ordinances

McKinney bans weeds, grass, or brush over 12 inches within 150 feet of any property line abutting streets, easements, or developed lots. The Chief Building Official gives at least seven days' written notice; the city then mows and bills the owner, and unpaid costs become a lien.

Key details: Maximum height: 12 inches. Code section: Sec. 70-56, Ch. 70, Art. III. Notice before city mows: Minimum 7 days, written. Fine: Up to $2,000 per day. Enforcement: City mows, bills, files lien.

Failing to comply after notice is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $2,000.00 per day under Section 70-63, on top of city abatement costs assessed against the property as a lien; each day is a separate offense.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

McKinney regulates tree removal citywide under its Unified Development Code, Article 4. Critically altering a protected tree requires a Tree Permit from the Planning Department, and removed trees must be replaced by ratio or paid into the Tree Reforestation Fund.

Key details: Governing code: UDC Ch. 150, Article 4. Protected (single-family): 27 inches DBH or greater. Protected (commercial/multi-family): 6 inches DBH or greater. Specimen tree: 42 inches DBH or greater. Enforcing agency: Planning Dept / Director of Planning.

A violation is critically altering a preserved or protected tree without authorization. Each tree is a separate occurrence, and every 1,200 square feet of canopy removed counts as one occurrence, each triggering a Reforestation Fund payment set in the Appendix A Schedule of Fees.

Compared to other cities, McKinney takes a harder line on tree removal & heritage trees. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, McKinney gives residents more room on landscaping rules. 2 of the 4 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

These rules come from McKinney's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.