Landscaping Rules in Rowlett, TX (2026)
9 verified landscaping rules for Rowlett, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
In Rowlett, grass and weeds 12 inches or higher are a code violation. The City's Neighborhood Services enforces this under the Rowlett Code of Ordinances (Sec. 22-121(a) and 22-122) and the International Property Maintenance Code. Uncut lawns can be mowed by the City and billed to the owner.
Rowlett Grass and Weed Height Limit
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Rowlett requires that trees, shrubs, and plants not obstruct sidewalks, streets, or alleys or block the view of any traffic sign or intersection. This 'Overhanging Vegetation/Obstruction' rule is a life-safety code violation under Rowlett Code (ORD-015-21, IPMC Subsection 302.11). Routine pruning of your own yard tree needs no permit.
Rowlett Tree Trimming and Overhanging Vegetation
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Rowlett protects trees with an 8-inch caliper or larger trunk (measured at DBH, 4.5 feet above ground) that are not invasive species. Removing a protected tree is regulated under the Development Code (Sec. 77-504), and removal generally triggers replacement planting or a fee-in-lieu of $121.67 per caliper inch paid to the City Reforestation Fund.
Rowlett Tree Removal and Mitigation
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Rowlett requires owners to keep property free of high weeds, brush, trash, and other nuisances. Weeds 12 inches or higher are prohibited (Sec. 22-121(a) and 122(1)), and trash, rubbish, and stagnant water are nuisances under Sec. 22-123. The City enforces under its Code of Ordinances and Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 342.
Rowlett Weeds, Brush and Nuisance Vegetation
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Rowlett is a North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) member city with year-round watering rules. From November 1 to March 31 residents may water a maximum of once per week; the rest of the year (typical Stage 2) watering is allowed up to twice a week with no sprinkler watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Rowlett Watering Schedule and Water Restrictions
Some RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is allowed in Rowlett and encouraged by NTMWD. Texas law protects it: Local Government Code Sec. 580.004 bars cities from denying a permit solely for rainwater harvesting, and Property Code Sec. 202.007 prevents HOAs from banning rain barrels. Systems over 500 gallons connected to a public supply need backflow protection.
Rowlett Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Rowlett's landscape standards favor native and adapted plants: required plant material must be native to or adaptable to the North Central Texas environment under the Development Code (Sec. 77-504) and the City's Approved Plant List. Statewide, Texas Property Code Sec. 202.007 stops HOAs from banning drought-resistant landscaping.
Rowlett Native and Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Rowlett's published code does not specifically prohibit artificial turf on residential property, but the Development Code's landscape standards (Sec. 77-504) emphasize live, native/adapted plant material, so synthetic turf generally cannot satisfy required landscape areas on regulated sites. For HOA-governed yards, Texas Property Code Sec. 202.007 limits bans where the turf qualifies as water-conserving landscaping.
Rowlett Artificial Turf Rules
Some RestrictionsComposting
Rowlett does not prohibit backyard composting, and Texas law protects it: Property Code Sec. 202.007 voids any HOA rule banning composting of vegetation such as grass clippings, leaves, or brush. Compost must still be managed so it does not create a nuisance (odors, vermin, or stagnant water) under Rowlett Code Chapter 22.
Rowlett Composting Rules
Few RestrictionsLooking for Dallas County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Rowlett city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Dallas County →