How Richardson Handles Landscaping Rules: A Practical Guide

Richardson maintains 116 local ordinances across all categories, and 7 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.

Tree Trimming

Richardson requires tree branches and vegetation to clear seven feet above sidewalks and 14 feet above streets and alleys. Section 13-141 also makes property owners trim growth back one foot from paved alley pavement and caps encroachment into unpaved alley or utility easements at one foot.

Key details: Sidewalk clearance: 7 feet minimum overhang height. Street/alley clearance: 14 feet minimum overhang height. Paved alley setback: Trim vegetation 1 foot from pavement. Unpaved alley limit: Max 1-foot encroachment into easement. Related rule: Corner sight-triangle limits, § 13-140.

A violation of the tree-overhang or alley-planting standards in section 13-141 is enforced through the Code's general penalty, section 1-8, which allows a fine of up to $500 per offense, or up to $2,000 if the encroachment is charged as a health-and-sanitation or right-of-way obstruction violation. Because the condition is ongoing, each day low-hanging branches or alley encroachment remains uncorrected can be cited as a separate offense until the property owner trims the growth back to the required clearance.

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.

Water Restrictions

Richardson enforces its Water Conservation Plan and Water Resource Emergency Management Plan citywide, requiring every water user, including irrigation customers, to follow the stage restrictions the city manager orders. A first violation draws a warning letter; a second draws a municipal court citation and a fine up to $2,000.

Key details: Governing plan: 2024 Water Conservation Plan (adopted Sec. 23-268). Plan effective date: May 1, 2024. First offense: Warning letter, educational materials. Second offense: Citation, fine up to $2,000. Irrigation tie-in: Sec. 23-295 requires conservation-promoting design.

A first violation of the Water Conservation Plan or Water Resource and Emergency Management Plan draws a warning letter and educational materials from the city, plus a reasonable correction period. A second violation is prosecutable in municipal court, and conviction carries a fine of up to $2,000 per Sec. 23-269(c).

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

On nonresidential, multifamily and undeveloped property in Richardson, cutting down a protected tree (6-plus inches DBH) or a specimen tree (24-plus inches DBH) requires a permit from the development services director first. Removing one without a permit is a separate offense per tree, punishable by up to $2,000. Developed single-family and duplex homes are exempt.

Key details: Permit required for: Protected (6"+ DBH) or specimen (24"+ DBH) trees. Applies to: Nonresidential, multifamily, undeveloped property. Fine for unpermitted removal: Up to $2,000 per tree. Removal window: 180 days, one 30-day extension. Emergency removal: Allowed, permit due next business day.

Cutting down a protected or specimen tree without a permit is punishable by a fine of up to $2,000.00 per tree under section 22.5-6(a), with each tree removed counted as a separate offense. The development services director, city building official, or another authorized representative can issue a stop-work order on activity removing trees in violation of the chapter and issue a notice of violation adjudicated in municipal court, per section 22.5-4(a); the director's interpretation of the article can be appealed to the board of adjustment.

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

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.

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

Weed Ordinances

Richardson makes it unlawful to let grass, weeds, Johnson grass, or brush exceed 12 inches on any property within 150 feet of a street, alley, easement, or developed lot. The health department orders cutting, and if ignored the city mows and bills the owner.

Key details: Height limit: 12 inches. Coverage zone: Within 150 feet of property line. Governing section: City Code § 14-116. Enforcement: Health department; abate + lien. Cure period: 7 days after written notice.

Violations are prosecuted under section 1-8 of the Code. Separately, the city recovers its mowing costs through a privileged property lien bearing ten percent annual interest, enforceable by foreclosure and recovery of reasonable attorneys' fees.

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.

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

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Richardson gives residents more room on landscaping rules. 3 of the 7 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.

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.