Wichita Falls's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Wichita Falls, Texas, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Weed Ordinances

Wichita Falls sets a hard nine-inch ceiling on grass and weeds. Section 46-186 makes any lot with growth taller than nine inches unlawful, and the city's Code Enforcement Division orders it cut, then mows it and bills the owner if they don't.

Key details: Height limit: 9 inches. Governing section: Code § 46-186. Enforcer: Code Enforcement Division. Non-compliance: City mows, bills, liens property. Owner also cuts: Right-of-way and easements.

Missing the notice deadline lets the city mow the lot and bill the owner for the cost plus an administrative charge; unpaid amounts attach as a lien against the property and citations can be filed in municipal court.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Wichita Falls requires new commercial, multifamily, and nonresidential development to meet its landscape tree counts by preserving existing trees first, and bars clearing street right-of-way trees unless no reasonable alternative exists. Single-family, duplex, and zero-lot-line homes are exempt.

Key details: Governing section: Appendix B Zoning, § 6820. Applies to: Non-residential and multifamily development. Homes exempt: Single-family, duplex, zero-lot-line. Preservation credit: Preserved canopy tree counts as two. Enforcer: Dept. of Community Development.

No building permit or certificate of occupancy issues without an approved landscape plan; the city can order owners to replace dead or dying required trees and to abate any noncompliance.

Water Restrictions

Year-round irrigation rules plus a five-stage drought plan that cuts sprinkler days as Lakes Arrowhead and Kickapoo drop.

Key details: Base rule: No spray irrigation 10 a.m.-7 p.m., any day. Stage 1 trigger: Lakes at 65% combined capacity. Stage 1 schedule: 2 days/week by address parity. Exempt methods: Hand-held hose, drip, soaker hose. Max fine: $2,000 per offense, per day.

Violating an active drought restriction is a Code violation; the Code's general penalty caps fines at $2,000 per offense, and each day of continued violation is a separate offense.

Compared to other cities, Wichita Falls takes a harder line on water restrictions. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Wichita Falls'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 Wichita Falls is broadly strict or permissive.

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