The Woodlands, TX Local Ordinances Guide

The Woodlands is a mid-sized city in Montgomery County, Texas, with about 118000 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 22 ordinances across 12 categories that affect daily life in The Woodlands.

Landscaping Rules

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: In The Woodlands, no living tree over six inches in diameter (measured two feet above natural grade) may be removed without prior written approval from the Township's Plan Review Committee. This is a covenant standard enforced by Covenant Administration, not a city ordinance..

Also covered: Weed Ordinances (moderate). See the full landscaping rules guide for The Woodlands for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing & Safety Requirements: Pool security barriers in The Woodlands must comply with the International Residential Code. Texas Health and Safety Code §757 requires 48-inch minimum barriers with self-latching gates.

Also covered: Pool Permits (restrictive). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for The Woodlands for details.

Short-Term Rentals

Short-Term Rental Permits: Operating a short-term rental in The Woodlands requires application and approval from the Development Standards Committee under Section 3.7 of the Residential Development Standards. Owners must pay a compliance deposit, carry insurance naming the Township, and designate a local responsible party..

Also covered: Short-Term Rental Parking Rules (moderate). See the full short-term rentals guide for The Woodlands for details.

Parking Rules

Driveway Rules: Parking on lawns, ditches, open space areas, or unpaved surfaces is expressly prohibited by The Woodlands Restrictive Covenants. Vehicles must be parked on approved paved driveways or in enclosed garages..

Also covered: Street Parking Limits (limited), RV & Boat Parking (restrictive), Commercial & Oversized Vehicles (restrictive). See the full parking rules guide for The Woodlands for details.

Noise Ordinances

Vehicle Noise: The Woodlands is unincorporated, so no local vehicle-noise ordinance applies; Texas Transportation Code Section 547.604 governs statewide, requiring every vehicle to run a working muffler and banning muffler cutouts, bypasses, and similar devices..

Also covered: Barking Dogs (permissive), Quiet Hours (limited). See the full noise ordinances guide for The Woodlands for details.

Business Licensing & Operations

Adult Entertainment: A sexually oriented business anywhere in unincorporated Montgomery County, including The Woodlands, needs a Class I permit from the Sheriff, must sit 1,500 feet from homes, schools, churches and parks, and every worker needs a Class II permit and badge..

Sign Regulations

Political Signs: The Woodlands is unincorporated, so no city sign ordinance applies. Political yard signs fall under the community's restrictive covenants and Township Development Standards, but Texas Election Code Section 259.002 protects them from 90 days before through 10 days after an election..

Mobility & Curb Rules

Red-Light Cameras: Red-light cameras are illegal in The Woodlands. Texas Transportation Code Section 707.020 bars every local authority from operating a photographic traffic signal enforcement system, and no camera ticket can issue on any street here..

Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors

Sidewalk & Mobile Vending: Since July 1, 2026, anyone dispensing food from a truck in The Woodlands must hold a Texas DSHS mobile food vendor license; Montgomery County no longer issues its own mobile food unit permit..

Fence Regulations

Height Limits: The Woodlands Restrictive Covenants allow fences up to 8 feet with RDRC approval. Criteria for specific neighborhoods may set 6-foot limits.

Also covered: Neighbor Fence Rules (moderate). See the full fence regulations guide for The Woodlands for details.

Fire Regulations

Fireworks: The Woodlands Township Restrictive Covenants strictly prohibit the sale and use of fireworks on any property within The Woodlands. Fireworks are explicitly banned at all times..

Animal Ordinances

Dog Leash Laws: Dog restraint and leash requirements in The Woodlands are enforced by Montgomery County Animal Services and the Sheriff under Texas law. The Township covenants cannot regulate this area directly..

Also covered: Breed Restrictions (permissive). See the full animal ordinances guide for The Woodlands for details.

What to Do With This Information

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