Native Plants: Houston vs Pasadena
How do native plants rules compare between Houston, TX and Pasadena, TX?
Houston and Pasadena have similar restriction levels.
Houston, TX
Harris County
Texas Property Code Sec. 202.007 protects homeowners' rights to install drought-resistant landscaping and water-conserving natural turf. Houston does not restrict native plant landscaping and encourages water conservation through its municipal programs.
View full Houston rules →Pasadena, TX
Harris County
Pasadena has no native plant requirements for residential landscaping. The Landscape Ordinance addresses commercial development planting. Texas Property Code §202.007 protects homeowners' right to use drought-resistant landscaping against HOA restrictions.
View full Pasadena rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Houston | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| State Protection | Texas Property Code Sec. 202.007 | - |
| HOA Rules | Cannot unreasonably deny drought-resistant landscaping plans | - |
| Mowing Requirement | Must mow within 10 ft of roadway, 5 ft of sidewalk | - |
| HB 517 (2025) | HOAs cannot fine for brown vegetation during water restrictions | - |
| City Requirement | - | None for native plants |
| HOA Restrictions | - | Limited by TX Property Code |
| Commercial Dev | - | Landscape Ordinance applies |
| Xeriscaping | - | Protected by state law |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Houston FAQ
Can my HOA force me to remove native plants in Houston?
No. Texas Property Code Sec. 202.007 protects your right to drought-resistant landscaping. HOAs can require plan approval but cannot unreasonably deny native plant installations.
Are there city restrictions on xeriscaping in Houston?
No municipal restrictions. Houston encourages water conservation. You must keep vegetation mowed within 10 feet of roadways and 5 feet of sidewalks to avoid nuisance violations.
Pasadena FAQ
Can I replace my lawn with native plants in Pasadena TX?
Yes. No city restrictions on native plant landscaping. Texas law protects homeowners from HOA restrictions on water-conserving and drought-resistant landscaping.
Does Pasadena require specific landscaping?
Only for commercial and multi-family development under the Landscape Ordinance. Residential landscaping is not regulated by city ordinance.
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