Agricultural Zoning Protection: Arlington vs Fort Worth
How do agricultural zoning protection rules compare between Arlington, TX and Fort Worth, TX?
Arlington and Fort Worth have similar restriction levels.
Arlington, TX
Tarrant County
Texas Local Government Code Chapter 212 and Agriculture Code Chapter 251 limit municipal authority to zone or regulate land qualified for agricultural use appraisal. Counties have no general zoning authority, and cities face restrictions on annexing or imposing land use rules on established farms.
View full Arlington rules →Fort Worth, TX
Tarrant County
Texas Local Government Code Chapter 212 and Agriculture Code Chapter 251 limit municipal authority to zone or regulate land qualified for agricultural use appraisal. Counties have no general zoning authority, and cities face restrictions on annexing or imposing land use rules on established farms.
View full Fort Worth rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| County Zoning | Generally none | Generally none |
| Annexation Reform | HB 347 (2019) | HB 347 (2019) |
| Ag Appraisal | Tax Code 23.51 | Tax Code 23.51 |
| Farm Practices | Protected by Ch. 251 | Protected by Ch. 251 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington FAQ
Do Texas counties have zoning authority over farms?
Generally no. Counties lack comprehensive zoning power under Texas law, with limited exceptions for subdivisions, floodplains, and specific statutory grants. Most rural land use is governed only by state law.
Can cities annex farmland and impose zoning?
HB 347 (2019) ended unilateral annexation in Tier 2 counties statewide. Most annexations now require landowner consent or majority vote in the area to be annexed.
What is agricultural use appraisal?
Tax Code 23.51 valuation based on agricultural productivity rather than market value. Qualifying land receives lower property taxes and additional protections from incompatible land use rules.
Fort Worth FAQ
Do Texas counties have zoning authority over farms?
Generally no. Counties lack comprehensive zoning power under Texas law, with limited exceptions for subdivisions, floodplains, and specific statutory grants. Most rural land use is governed only by state law.
Can cities annex farmland and impose zoning?
HB 347 (2019) ended unilateral annexation in Tier 2 counties statewide. Most annexations now require landowner consent or majority vote in the area to be annexed.
What is agricultural use appraisal?
Tax Code 23.51 valuation based on agricultural productivity rather than market value. Qualifying land receives lower property taxes and additional protections from incompatible land use rules.
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