How Richardson Handles Landscaping Rules: A Practical Guide

Richardson maintains 144 local ordinances across all categories, and 8 of those deal specifically with landscaping rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Richardson falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Weed Ordinances

Richardson's nuisance ordinance (Ch. 14) requires all property owners to control weeds. Vegetation exceeding 12 inches is a violation. The city abates non-compliant properties and charges costs to the owner.

Key details: Maximum Height: 12 inches. Code Section: Chapter 14. Vacant Lots: Also subject to enforcement. Abatement: City may remove and lien property.

Weed violations carry fines up to $2,000 per day. City abatement costs are charged to the owner with potential lien on the property.

Compared to other cities, Richardson takes a harder line on weed ordinances. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Richardson adopted a tree mitigation and preservation ordinance (Ch. 22.5) in May 2024. Protected trees are 6+ caliper inches; specimen trees are 24+ caliper inches. Removal requires replacement of 1:1 for protected and 2:1 for specimen trees. Penalty is $2,000 per tree per day.

Key details: Protected Trees: 6–24 caliper inches. Specimen Trees: 24+ caliper inches. Protected Replacement: 1:1 caliper inch ratio. Specimen Replacement: 2:1 caliper inch ratio.

Unauthorized tree removal carries a penalty of $2,000 per tree per day of violation. Replacement mitigation is required.

Water Restrictions

Richardson receives water from the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD). Water use restrictions follow NTMWD conservation stages, which may include landscape watering schedules limiting irrigation to specific days and times based on address.

Key details: Water Source: NTMWD. Normal Schedule: Twice per week by address. Prohibited Hours: Typically 10 AM – 6 PM in summer. Conservation: GreenCOR program.

Water waste violations may result in warnings and escalating fines. During drought stages, violations carry higher penalties.

Grass Height Limits

Richardson Code Chapter 14 requires residents to maintain grass and weeds below 12 inches on their property, including adjacent parkways and alley easements. Violations are subject to city abatement with costs charged to the owner.

Key details: Maximum Height: 12 inches. Includes: Property, parkways, alley easements. Enforcement: Daily inspections. Abatement: City may mow and lien property.

Violations are subject to citations with fines up to $2,000. The city may mow and charge costs to the owner. A lien may be placed on the property for unpaid abatement costs.

Compared to other cities, Richardson takes a harder line on grass height limits. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Tree Trimming

Richardson requires trees and bushes to be trimmed to maintain 7 feet clearance above sidewalks, 14 feet above streets and alleys, and 1 foot back from alley pavement. Vegetation must not obstruct motorist or pedestrian visibility.

Key details: Sidewalk Clearance: 7 ft above. Street/Alley Clearance: 14 ft above. Alley Setback: 1 ft from pavement. Visibility: Must not obstruct motorist/pedestrian views.

Failure to maintain required clearances results in Code Enforcement citations with fines up to $2,000. The city may perform the trimming and charge costs to the property owner.

Rainwater Harvesting

Richardson allows and encourages residential rainwater harvesting. Texas Property Code 202.007 prohibits HOAs from banning rain barrels and cisterns, though reasonable location and color standards may apply.

Key details: Authority: Rain barrels under 50 gallons need no city permit. Rule: Cisterns connected to plumbing require backflow prevention and a plumber. Authority: TX Property Code 202.007 blocks HOA bans on rainwater harvesting. Animal: HOAs may impose aesthetic and location standards. Vehicle: North Texas Municipal Water District promotes conservation rebates.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Richardson code enforcement](https://library.municode.com/tx/richardson/codes/code_of_ordinances) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

The rules around rainwater harvesting in Richardson lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Artificial Turf

Richardson permits artificial turf in single-family rear yards and in commercial landscape applications, with standards for quality, drainage, and installation. Front-yard use may be restricted in some zoning districts or by HOAs.

Key details: Permit/License: Artificial turf permitted in rear yards citywide. Note: Front-yard use may be restricted by zoning district or HOA. Requirement: Installations must drain freely and not pond on neighbors. Requirement: Pile height typically 1.5 in minimum; UV-stabilized material required. Note: TX Property Code 202.007 limits outright HOA bans on water-conserving turf.

Native Plants

Richardson encourages xeriscape and native-plant landscaping. Texas Property Code 202.007 prohibits HOAs from banning drought-resistant landscaping, subject to reasonable design standards.

Key details: Prohibition: No city rule mandates turf grass; native landscapes are permitted. Authority: TX Property Code 202.007 blocks HOA bans on xeriscape. Vegetation: HOAs may require approval of a landscape plan. Vegetation: Texas SmartScape and WaterMyYard.org provide free plant guidance. Authority: Weeds over 12 inches are a code violation regardless of plant choice.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Richardson gives residents more flexibility on native plants.

The Bottom Line

Richardson's landscaping rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Richardson is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Richardson can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.