What McKinney Regulates: A Complete Ordinance Overview

McKinney is a mid-sized city in Collin County, Texas, with about 199000 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 124 ordinances across 28 categories that affect daily life in McKinney.

Trash & Recycling

Recycling Requirements: McKinney provides single-stream recycling through CWD with weekly curbside collection. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, metal cans, plastics #1-#5, and glass bottles.

Also covered: Bin Placement Rules (moderate), Pickup Rules & Schedules (moderate), Bulk Item Disposal (moderate). See the full trash & recycling guide for McKinney for details.

Noise Ordinances

Amplified Music & Events: Amplified music audible beyond property lines after 10 PM violates McKinney Code Chapter 62. Historic Downtown McKinney entertainment venues require a special events permit for outdoor amplified sound past 10 PM..

Also covered: Vehicle Noise (moderate), Quiet Hours (moderate), Leaf Blower Rules (permissive). See the full noise ordinances guide for McKinney for details.

Animal Ordinances

Dog Leash Laws: Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet whenever off the owner property under McKinney Code Chapter 14. Off-leash allowed only in designated dog parks (Bonnie Wenk Dog Park).

Also covered: Wildlife Feeding (moderate), Pet Limits (moderate), Chickens & Livestock (moderate). See the full animal ordinances guide for McKinney for details.

Building Safety

Elevator Maintenance: Elevators in McKinney multi-family, commercial, and public buildings are regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 754, requiring annual inspections and state-licensed mechanics..

Also covered: Scaffold & Sidewalk Shed (moderate), Lead Paint (moderate), Pest Control (moderate). See the full building safety guide for McKinney for details.

Fire Regulations

Smoke Detectors: McKinney adopts the 2021 International Residential Code requiring smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every floor including basements. Interconnection and hardwiring required in new construction..

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

Environmental Rules

Stormwater Management: McKinney operates under a TCEQ MS4 Phase II stormwater permit (TXR040000). Development over 1 acre must submit a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and file a Notice of Intent with TCEQ.

Also covered: Grading & Drainage (moderate), Erosion Control (strict), Flood Zones (strict). See the full environmental rules guide for McKinney for details.

Accessory Structures

ADU Permits: McKinney restricts accessory dwelling units in single-family residential districts. Under the McKinney Zoning Ordinance, an accessory living quarters or guest house may be permitted as incidental to the principal dwelling but cannot be rented as a separate household.

Also covered: Tiny Homes (strict), Carport Rules (moderate), ADU Owner Occupancy (strict). See the full accessory structures guide for McKinney for details.

HOA Rules

Assessment & Dues: McKinney HOAs must follow TX Property Code §209.0064 for assessment collection: certified mail notice of default, 30-day cure period, payment plan offer, and strict prerequisites before foreclosure, which requires court order under §209.0092..

Also covered: Board Procedures (moderate), CC&R Enforcement (moderate), Dispute Resolution (moderate). See the full hoa rules guide for McKinney for details.

Building Setbacks & Zoning

Setback Rules: McKinney residential setbacks vary by zoning district. Typical SF-5 (single-family 5,000 sf lot): 20 ft front, 7 ft side, 15 ft rear.

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

Outdoor Lighting

Light Trespass: McKinney prohibits light trespass exceeding 0.5 footcandles at the property line of residentially zoned adjacent parcels. Complaints handled by Code Compliance as a nuisance violation.

Also covered: Dark Sky Rules (moderate). See the full outdoor lighting guide for McKinney for details.

Sign Regulations

Garage Sale Signs: McKinney prohibits garage sale signs in public rights-of-way, on utility poles, street signs, and medians. Signs allowed only on private property with owner consent and must be removed within 24 hours after the sale..

Also covered: Political Signs (permissive), Holiday Displays (permissive). See the full sign regulations guide for McKinney for details.

Curfew Laws

Juvenile Curfew: McKinney enforces a juvenile curfew under Code of Ordinances Chapter 58 prohibiting persons under 17 from being in public places between 11 PM and 6 AM on weekdays and midnight to 6 AM on weekends..

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

Cannabis Regulations

Home Cultivation: Home cannabis cultivation is illegal in McKinney under Texas state law. TX Health and Safety Code §481.121 classifies marijuana possession as a criminal offense regardless of quantity or purpose..

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

Landscaping Rules

Weed Ordinances: McKinney Chapter 42 declares tall weeds, rank vegetation, and accumulations of objectionable matter public nuisances. Same 12-inch standard and 10-day abatement process as grass..

Also covered: Native Plants (permissive), Artificial Turf (moderate), Rainwater Harvesting (permissive). See the full landscaping rules guide for McKinney for details.

Property Maintenance

Property Blight: McKinney enforces International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) with local amendments through Code Services. Blighted properties face citations for peeling paint, broken windows, sagging gutters, and structural deterioration..

Also covered: Trash Bin Storage (moderate), Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (permissive), Garage Sale Rules (moderate). See the full property maintenance guide for McKinney for details.

Parking Rules

Abandoned Vehicles: McKinney defines abandoned vehicles as those left on public property over 48 hours or inoperable vehicles in public view over 72 hours. Enforcement follows Texas Transportation Code Chapter 683.

Also covered: Overnight Parking (permissive), EV Charging (moderate), Street Parking Limits (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for McKinney for details.

Garage & Yard Sales

Garage Sale Permits: McKinney requires a free permit for each garage sale under Code Chapter 110. Residents are capped at 3 sales per calendar year, each limited to 3 consecutive days during daylight hours..

Swimming Pools & Spas

Pool Permits: McKinney requires a building permit and multiple inspections for any in-ground pool or spa; permits cover structural, electrical, plumbing, and barrier compliance under the 2021 IRC as adopted by the city..

Also covered: Hot Tub Rules (moderate), Fencing Requirements (strict), Safety Rules (strict). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for McKinney for details.

Short-Term Rentals

Noise Rules: STR guests must comply with McKinney's 10 PM to 7 AM residential quiet hours; operators are strictly liable for guest-generated noise and amplified outdoor sound is prohibited after 10 PM..

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

Home Business

Signage Rules: No business signage allowed on residential properties for home occupations in McKinney. Zoning Chapter 146 home occupation standards prohibit any display or sign visible from the street..

Also covered: Home Occupation Permits (moderate), Home Daycare (moderate), Cottage Food Operations (permissive). See the full home business guide for McKinney for details.

Drone Rules

Commercial Drones: Commercial drone operations in McKinney require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and LAANC authorization for TKI controlled airspace. Commercial filming on city property requires a separate Parks and Recreation permit..

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

Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors

Vending Zones: McKinney allows food trucks on private property with owner permission in commercial zoning districts. Operation on public right-of-way requires a special event permit.

Also covered: Food Truck Permits (moderate), Sidewalk & Mobile Vending (moderate). See the full food trucks & mobile vendors guide for McKinney for details.

Fence Regulations

Pool Barriers: Swimming pools in McKinney must be enclosed by a minimum 48-inch fence with self-closing self-latching gates per 2021 IRC Appendix G adopted by the city. Pool barriers inspected before final CO issuance..

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

Soliciting & Door-to-Door

Solicitor Permits: McKinney requires door-to-door solicitors to obtain a Peddler or Solicitor Permit from the city before engaging in sales. Applications include background checks and 100 dollar fee under Code Chapter 110..

Also covered: No-Knock Registry (moderate). See the full soliciting & door-to-door guide for McKinney for details.

Solar Energy

Panel Permits: McKinney permits solar panel installation on residential and commercial properties. Building and electrical permits required.

Also covered: HOA Restrictions (permissive). See the full solar energy guide for McKinney for details.

Rental Property Rules

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

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

Outdoor Cooking

Outdoor Kitchen Permits: Outdoor kitchens in McKinney require separate trade permits from Building Inspections: building permit for structural elements, mechanical permit for gas lines, plumbing permit for water/sinks, and electrical permit for outdoor outlets. McKinney enforces the International Codes with Texas amendments.

Also covered: Smoker Rules (permissive), BBQ & Propane Rules (moderate). See the full outdoor cooking guide for McKinney for details.

Holiday Decorations

Lawn Ornament Rules: McKinney's zoning and property maintenance codes do not restrict residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays at single-family homes. Political signs are protected as free speech and by Texas Election Code §259.002.

Also covered: Holiday Light Rules (permissive), Inflatable Display Rules (permissive). See the full holiday decorations guide for McKinney for details.

What to Do With This Information

Whether you are renting, buying, or renovating in McKinney, knowing the local rules upfront saves headaches later. Dig into the individual ordinance pages linked above for the complete picture, including fines and exemptions.