Landscaping Rules in Richardson, TX (2026)
7 verified landscaping rules for Richardson, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Richardson requires tree branches and vegetation to clear seven feet above sidewalks and 14 feet above streets and alleys. Section 13-141 also makes property owners trim growth back one foot from paved alley pavement and caps encroachment into unpaved alley or utility easements at one foot.
Richardson Tree Overhang Clearance Rule
Some RestrictionsRichardson, Tex., Code of Ordinances § 13-141
(a)The minimum overhang of trees and vegetation shall be seven feet above sidewalks, and 14 feet above the street or alley surface.(b)Paved alleys. All trees and vegetation must be trimmed one foot back from the alley pavement.(c)Unpaved alleys. All trees and vegetation shall not exceed one-foot encroachment from the property line into the alley easement or utility easement.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
On nonresidential, multifamily and undeveloped property in Richardson, cutting down a protected tree (6-plus inches DBH) or a specimen tree (24-plus inches DBH) requires a permit from the development services director first. Removing one without a permit is a separate offense per tree, punishable by up to $2,000. Developed single-family and duplex homes are exempt.
Richardson Tree Removal Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsRichardson, Tex., Code of Ordinances § 22.5-6
No person, directly or indirectly, shall cut down, destroy, remove, or effectively destroy through damaging any protected tree or specimen tree within the city without first obtaining a tree removal permit, as provided in this section. Each removal of a protected tree or specimen tree without first obtaining a tree permit shall constitute a separate offense and shall upon conviction be punished...
Weed Ordinances
Richardson makes it unlawful to let grass, weeds, Johnson grass, or brush exceed 12 inches on any property within 150 feet of a street, alley, easement, or developed lot. The health department orders cutting, and if ignored the city mows and bills the owner.
Richardson Bans Grass and Weeds Over 12 Inches
Some RestrictionsRichardson Code of Ordinances § 14-116 (Growth limitations)
Except as otherwise provided in section 14-118 it shall be unlawful for any person owning, claiming, occupying or having supervision or control of any real property, occupied or unoccupied, within the city to permit grass, weeds, Johnson grass, brush or any objectionable or unsightly matter to grow to a greater height than 12 inches upon any such real property within 150 feet of any property li...
Water Restrictions
Richardson enforces its Water Conservation Plan and Water Resource Emergency Management Plan citywide, requiring every water user, including irrigation customers, to follow the stage restrictions the city manager orders. A first violation draws a warning letter; a second draws a municipal court citation and a fine up to $2,000.
Richardson Water Conservation Plan Rules
Some RestrictionsRichardson, Tex., Code of Ordinances §§ 23-268, 23-269
Sec. 23-268: "That the City of Richardson 2024 Water Conservation Plan and 2024 Water Resource Emergency Management Plan incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth in full...are hereby adopted; provided however the 2024 Water Conservation Plan shall become effective May 1, 2024 and the Water Resource Emergency Management Plan shall become effective on the date the city manager has o...
Rainwater Harvesting
Richardson allows and encourages residential rainwater harvesting. Texas Property Code 202.007 prohibits HOAs from banning rain barrels and cisterns, though reasonable location and color standards may apply.
Richardson Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsTex. Property Code Sec. 202.007 (Restrictive Covenants Prohibited - Composting, Rain Barrels, 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 rai...
Native Plants
Richardson encourages xeriscape and native-plant landscaping. Texas Property Code 202.007 prohibits HOAs from banning drought-resistant landscaping, subject to reasonable design standards.
Richardson Native Plants and Xeriscape Rules
Few RestrictionsTex. Property Code Sec. 202.007 (Restrictive Covenants Prohibited - Composting, Rain Barrels, 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 rai...
Artificial Turf
Richardson permits artificial turf in single-family rear yards and in commercial landscape applications, with standards for quality, drainage, and installation. Front-yard use may be restricted in some zoning districts or by HOAs.
Richardson Artificial Turf Rules
Few RestrictionsTex. Property Code Sec. 202.007 (Restrictive Covenants Prohibited - Composting, Rain Barrels, 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 rai...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Richardson city rules.
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