Landscaping Rules in Universal City, TX (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Universal City, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Universal City requires property owners to keep grass and weeds cut to no taller than 12 inches under its nuisance ordinance, with 7 to 10 day notice before city abatement and lien.
Universal City Grass Height Rules
Heavy RestrictionsTree Trimming
Universal City requires property owners to keep trees trimmed to maintain 8 feet clearance over sidewalks and 14 feet over streets, and to avoid pruning oak trees from February through June to prevent oak wilt spread.
Universal City Tree Trimming Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Universal City has no residential tree preservation ordinance for private lots, so homeowners may generally remove trees without a permit. New developments face mitigation under the subdivision code.
Universal City Tree Removal Rules
Few RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Universal City regulates weeds through its general nuisance and high grass ordinance, requiring owners to keep properties free of weeds over 12 inches and of noxious species that threaten public health.
Universal City Weed Ordinances
Some RestrictionsTex. Health & Safety Code Sec. 342.004, 342.008(a)
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). ... Sec. 342.008. ADDITIONAL AUTHORITY TO ABATE DANGEROUS WEEDS. (a) A municipality...
Water Restrictions
Universal City water customers follow San Antonio Water System SAWS year round conservation rules tied to the Edwards Aquifer level, with progressively tighter watering schedules during drought Stage 1 through 4.
Universal City Water Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Texas Property Code 202.007 preempts HOAs from banning rainwater harvesting systems, and Universal City does not restrict residential rain barrels. SAWS offers rebates for qualifying rainwater systems.
Universal City Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsTex. Property Code Sec. 202.007
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: ... (2) installing rain barrels or a rainwater harvesting system; ... (b) A provision that violates Subsection (a) is void. ... (6) require a property owners' association to permit a rain b...
Native Plants
Texas Property Code 202.007 prevents HOAs from banning drought tolerant landscaping, and Universal City encourages native and xeriscape plantings through SAWS rebates. Oak wilt precautions apply to Live Oak planting.
Universal City Native Plant Rules
Few RestrictionsTex. Property Code Sec. 202.007(a)-(b)
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 b...
Artificial Turf
Universal City does not prohibit residential artificial turf. Texas Property Code 202.007 limits HOA outright bans on turf used as part of a water conservation plan, though aesthetic standards may apply.
Universal City Artificial Turf Rules
Few RestrictionsTex. Property Code Sec. 202.007
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 ...
Looking for Bexar County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Universal City city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Bexar County →