A Resident's Guide to Richardson's Local Ordinances

Richardson is a mid-sized city in Dallas County, Texas, with about 121000 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 144 ordinances across 35 categories that affect daily life in Richardson.

Rental Inspections

Habitability Standards: Rental habitability in Richardson is governed by Texas Property Code Chapter 92 and the city's property maintenance code. Landlords must provide working smoke alarms, keep buildings weather-tight, and remedy conditions that materially affect tenant health and safety..

Also covered: Inspection Programs (moderate). See the full rental inspections guide for Richardson for details.

Noise Ordinances

Decibel Limits: Richardson relies primarily on a plainly-audible and nuisance-based standard rather than fixed decibel thresholds in most residential cases, though commercial and industrial districts are subject to property-line performance standards..

Also covered: Barking Dogs (moderate), Leaf Blower Rules (permissive), Aircraft Noise (permissive). See the full noise ordinances guide for Richardson for details.

Fire Regulations

Fireworks: Fireworks are prohibited within the city limits of Richardson under both state law and local ordinance. Texas Occupations Code Ch.

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

Parking Rules

Driveway Rules: Under Sec. 13-1(b) and (d), vehicles may not be parked in the front yard between the building wall and front property line or in side yards of corner lots unless on an approved parking surface.

Also covered: Commercial Vehicle Restrictions (moderate), EV Charging (permissive), Dibs & Space Saving (permissive). See the full parking rules guide for Richardson for details.

Short-Term Rentals

Permit Requirements: Richardson requires all short-term rentals (stays of 30 days or less) to register with the city under an ordinance approved by City Council in September 2022. The $100 annual registration fee applies, with a designated local responsible party required..

Also covered: Occupancy Limits (permissive), Night Caps (permissive), Insurance Requirements (moderate). See the full short-term rentals guide for Richardson for details.

Animal Ordinances

Livestock: Richardson generally prohibits livestock (cattle, horses, goats, sheep, swine) in residential zones. Limited backyard chickens (typically up to 6 hens, no roosters) may be allowed subject to coop setbacks and sanitation rules..

Also covered: Chickens & Livestock (moderate), Exotic Pets (strict), Wildlife Feeding (moderate). See the full animal ordinances guide for Richardson for details.

Fence Regulations

Pool Barriers: Under Sec. 6-212, every swimming pool, spa, or hot tub containing water over 24 inches deep must be completely surrounded by a fence, wall, or solid structure at least 4 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates.

Also covered: Height Limits (moderate), Fence Requirements (moderate), Retaining Walls (moderate). See the full fence regulations guide for Richardson for details.

Landscaping Rules

Weed Ordinances: Richardson's nuisance ordinance (Ch. 14) requires all property owners to control weeds.

Also covered: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (moderate), Water Restrictions (moderate), Grass Height Limits (strict). See the full landscaping rules guide for Richardson for details.

Home Business

Signage Rules: Richardson prohibits external signage for home occupations. Home businesses must not display any sign, nameplate, or advertising visible from the street that indicates commercial activity on the premises..

Also covered: Customer Traffic Restrictions (moderate), Home Daycare (moderate), Zoning Restrictions (moderate). See the full home business guide for Richardson for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Safety Rules: Richardson enforces the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) as adopted alongside the IBC and IFC. Pools require proper enclosures, electrical bonding, anti-entrapment drain covers, and compliance with all applicable safety standards..

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

Accessory Structures

Tiny Homes: Tiny houses must meet minimum dwelling size and IRC construction standards; RV-style tiny houses on wheels are not allowed as permanent residences..

Also covered: Garage Conversions (moderate), Carport Rules (moderate), ADU Rules (moderate). See the full accessory structures guide for Richardson for details.

Environmental Rules

Flood Zones: Richardson Code Chapter 9 (Floodplain Management) regulates development in FEMA-designated flood zones. The city participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Also covered: Grading & Drainage (moderate), Erosion Control (moderate), Stormwater Management (moderate). See the full environmental rules guide for Richardson for details.

Property Maintenance

Property Blight: Richardson enforces property maintenance standards under Chapter 14 (Nuisances) and minimum property standards. Properties must be free of trash, debris, and accumulated materials.

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

Soliciting & Door-to-Door

Solicitor Permits: Richardson requires solicitation permits under Chapter 12, Article V (Ord. No.

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

Garage & Yard Sales

Garage Sale Permits: Richardson requires every garage sale to have a free permit obtained by midnight the day of the sale under Richardson Ordinance 3857 (codified at Richardson Code of Ordinances Chapter 13). Households are limited to 3 sales per 12-month period at the same address, each sale is capped at 72 hours, and at least 4 business days must elapse between consecutive sales..

Also covered: Frequency Limits (moderate), Time Restrictions (permissive). See the full garage & yard sales guide for Richardson for details.

Tree Protection

Heritage & Protected Trees: Richardson designates trees of 24+ caliper inches as specimen trees under Ch. 22.5.

Also covered: Tree Replacement Requirements (moderate), Tree Ordinances (moderate), Tree Removal Permits (moderate). See the full tree protection guide for Richardson for details.

Building Setbacks & Zoning

Structure Height Limits: Richardson's Unified Development Code caps residential structure height at 30-35 feet in most single-family districts, with taller heights permitted in multifamily and commercial zones. Accessory structures are limited to lower heights, and airport proximity zones impose additional vertical restrictions..

Also covered: Lot Coverage Limits (moderate), Setback Rules (moderate). See the full building setbacks & zoning guide for Richardson for details.

Code Violation Reporting

How to Report: Richardson code violations can be reported to Code Enforcement at 972-744-4180, through the Express A Concern portal at cor.net, or via the 24-hour response line at 972-744-4111. Daily residential inspections also identify violations..

Also covered: Common Violations (moderate). See the full code violation reporting guide for Richardson for details.

Permit Requirements

Deck & Patio Permits: Richardson requires building permits for decks and patios that are attached to the home or raised above ground. Construction must comply with the adopted International Building Code (2021 Edition) and setback requirements..

Also covered: Renovation Permits (moderate), Shed & Outbuilding Permits (moderate), Fence Permits (moderate). See the full permit requirements guide for Richardson for details.

Curfew Laws

Park Curfew: Richardson parks are governed by Chapter 15 (Parks and Recreation). Parks generally close at a designated evening hour.

Also covered: Juvenile Curfew (permissive). See the full curfew laws guide for Richardson for details.

Trash & Recycling

Bin Placement Rules: Richardson uses Community Waste Disposal (CWD) for curbside service; bins may be placed at the curb after 6 p.m. the evening before pickup and must be removed by 7 p.m.

Also covered: Recycling Requirements (permissive), Pickup Rules & Schedules (moderate), Bulk Item Disposal (permissive). See the full trash & recycling guide for Richardson for details.

Sign Regulations

Holiday Displays: Temporary holiday lighting and decorations in Richardson are exempt from sign permits but must comply with electrical safety, setback, and noise rules..

Also covered: Political Signs (permissive), Garage Sale Signs (moderate). See the full sign regulations guide for Richardson for details.

Rental Property Rules

Rental Registration: Richardson requires multifamily properties to register and inspect units through its Multifamily Inspection Program; single-family rentals are not registered..

Also covered: Just Cause Eviction (permissive), Rent Control (permissive). See the full rental property rules guide for Richardson for details.

Special Events & Permits

Block Party Permits: Richardson residents may hold block parties with a street closure permit from the Police Department, typically requested 10-14 days in advance. The permit allows temporary barricaded closure of a residential street for a neighborhood gathering..

Also covered: Park Event Permits (moderate). See the full special events & permits guide for Richardson for details.

Outdoor Lighting

Dark Sky Rules: Richardson does not have IDA dark-sky certification but regulates glare, upward light, and fixture shielding through its zoning and property maintenance code..

Also covered: Light Trespass (moderate). See the full outdoor lighting guide for Richardson for details.

Noise from Specific Sources

Bar & Nightclub Noise: Bars, restaurants, and nightclubs in Richardson must comply with the general noise ordinance at receiving property lines and with any conditions in their zoning or specific-use permit. Amplified outdoor sound is tightly regulated in mixed-use areas..

Also covered: Car Alarm Limits (moderate), HVAC & Mechanical Noise (moderate), Generator Noise (moderate). See the full noise from specific sources guide for Richardson for details.

Filming & Production

Street Closures: Street closures for film productions in Richardson require advance coordination with Police and Traffic, a traffic control plan, and off-duty officers for active closures. Minor rolling closures are permitted only with police support..

Also covered: Production Noise (moderate), Location Permits (moderate). See the full filming & production guide for Richardson for details.

Street Vending

Vendor Permits: Street vendors in Richardson generally must obtain a peddler or solicitor permit from the Police Department and, for food, a health permit from Environmental Health. Vending from public right-of-way is restricted, and most operations occur on private property with owner consent..

Also covered: Cart & Stand Rules (moderate), Vending Zones (moderate). See the full street vending guide for Richardson for details.

Drone Rules

Commercial Drones: Commercial drone operators in Richardson must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and comply with all FAA airspace rules. Richardson's proximity to Addison Airport and DFW Class B airspace makes LAANC authorization essential for most commercial flights within city limits..

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

Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules

Sidewalk Repair: Richardson Code Chapter 20 (Streets and Sidewalks) governs sidewalk maintenance. Property owners are generally responsible for maintaining sidewalks adjacent to their property.

Also covered: Obstruction Rules (moderate). See the full sidewalk & pedestrian rules guide for Richardson for details.

Building Safety

Scaffold & Sidewalk Shed: Scaffolding on Richardson construction sites is governed by federal OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L. Scaffolds over 10 feet require fall protection, and scaffolds erected in public right-of-way need a city permit and pedestrian protection..

Also covered: Lead Paint (moderate), Elevator Maintenance (strict), Pest Control (moderate). See the full building safety guide for Richardson for details.

HOA Rules

CC&R Enforcement: CC&R enforcement in Richardson is governed by Texas Property Code Chapter 209, which requires recorded enforcement policies, reasonable notice, and graduated remedies. Unrecorded or selectively enforced restrictions can be challenged under state law..

Also covered: Board Procedures (moderate), Dispute Resolution (moderate), Assessment & Dues (strict). See the full hoa rules guide for Richardson for details.

Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors

Food Truck Permits: Food truck operators in Richardson, TX must obtain a City Health Permit from Environmental Health Services and comply with Dallas County or Collin County mobile food unit rules. Permits require commissary agreement, food manager certification, and vehicle inspection..

Also covered: Vending Zones (moderate). See the full food trucks & mobile vendors guide for Richardson for details.

Cannabis Regulations

Dispensary Zoning: Only state-licensed low-THC Compassionate Use dispensaries are legal in Texas; Richardson zoning does not establish recreational or medical marijuana dispensary categories..

Also covered: Home Cultivation (strict). See the full cannabis regulations guide for Richardson for details.

Solar Energy

Panel Permits: Residential rooftop solar installations require a Richardson building and electrical permit, with structural review for mounting and NEC compliance for wiring..

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

What to Do With This Information

This overview covers the big picture, but the details matter. Each ordinance page for Richardson includes the full text, violation penalties, and frequently asked questions. Use those pages when you need specifics.