Landscaping Rules in Denton, TX (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Denton, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Denton Code Section 17-40 requires property owners to keep grass and weeds below 12 inches on improved lots and below 18 inches on unimproved lots. Violations receive a written notice with 10 days to comply. The city may abate and lien the property for mowing costs.
Denton Grass Height Ordinance
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Denton Development Code Section 7.7.4 and Code Section 17-40 require property owners to maintain trees so limbs clear streets by 13.5 feet, sidewalks by 7 feet, and alleys by 12 feet. As of January 2025, Section 17-40(k) prohibits blowing tree debris into the street.
Denton Tree Trimming Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Denton Development Code Section 7.7.4 requires a Tree Removal Permit for all protected trees. An ISA Certified Arborist report with tree inventory and replacement plan is mandatory. Mitigation through replacement planting or donation to the city tree fund is required. Permits are valid for 180 days.
Denton Tree Removal Permits
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Denton Code Section 17-40 treats weeds the same as tall grass. Weeds exceeding 12 inches on improved lots or 18 inches on vacant lots trigger a violation notice. Noxious weeds and invasive species may be cited regardless of height if they create a public health or safety concern.
Denton Weed Ordinance
Some RestrictionsTex. Health & Safety Code Sec. 342.004 (Municipal Power Concerning Weeds or Certain Public Nuisances)
Sec. 342.004. MUNICIPAL POWER CONCERNING WEEDS OR CERTAIN PUBLIC NUISANCES. The governing body of a municipality may require the owner of real property in the municipality to keep the property free from weeds, brush, and a condition constituting a public nuisance as defined by Section 343.011(c)(1), (2), or (3). Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.Amended by: Acts 2013, 83...
Water Restrictions
Denton operates its own municipal water utility supplied primarily from Lake Ray Roberts and Lake Lewisville. Year-round twice-per-week landscape watering on designated days with no watering between 10 AM and 6 PM from April through October. Four drought stages impose progressively stricter limits up to a complete outdoor watering ban.
Denton Water Restrictions
Some RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Texas under TX Water Code Section 16.0121. Texas Property Code 202.007 prohibits HOAs from banning rainwater collection systems. Denton imposes no permit requirement for residential rainwater collection barrels or cisterns used for landscape irrigation.
Denton Rainwater Harvesting
Few RestrictionsTex. Property Code Sec. 202.007 (Certain Restrictive Covenants Prohibited - Rainwater, Drought-Resistant Landscaping)
Sec. 202.007. CERTAIN RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS PROHIBITED. (a) A property owners' association may not include or enforce a provision in a dedicatory instrument that prohibits or restricts a property owner from:(1) implementing measures promoting solid-waste composting of vegetation, including grass clippings, leaves, or brush, or leaving grass clippings uncollected on grass;(2) installing rain bar...
Native Plants
Texas Property Code 202.007 prohibits HOAs from banning water-conserving natural landscaping including native plants and xeriscaping. Denton encourages native and drought-tolerant plantings through its water conservation program. No city ordinance restricts native plant use in residential landscaping.
Denton Native Plants Landscaping
Few RestrictionsTex. Prop. Code Sec. 202.007 (Certain Restrictive Covenants Prohibited)
Sec. 202.007. CERTAIN RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS PROHIBITED. (a) A property owners' association may not include or enforce a provision in a dedicatory instrument that prohibits or restricts a property owner from:... (4) using drought-resistant landscaping or water-conserving natural turf. (b) A provision that violates Subsection (a) is void.... (d-1) A property owners' association may not unreasonab...
Artificial Turf
Denton does not prohibit artificial turf in residential landscaping. Texas Property Code 202.007 prevents HOAs from requiring natural grass or banning water-conserving landscaping alternatives. Artificial turf installations do not require a building permit but must comply with drainage and stormwater requirements.
Denton Artificial Turf Regulations
Few RestrictionsTex. Prop. Code Sec. 202.007 (Certain Restrictive Covenants Prohibited)
Sec. 202.007. CERTAIN RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS PROHIBITED. (a) A property owners' association may not include or enforce a provision in a dedicatory instrument that prohibits or restricts a property owner from:... (4) using drought-resistant landscaping or water-conserving natural turf. (b) A provision that violates Subsection (a) is void. (c) A property owners' association may restrict the type o...
Looking for Denton County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Denton city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Denton County →