8 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 4 cities in Bexar County, Texas.
Verified from official government sources
San Antonio limits grass and weeds to 12 inches on improved lots with lien-backed abatement. Unincorporated Bexar County has no height limit, though plats and HOAs often enforce one.
Texas oak wilt experts advise avoiding oak pruning from February through June to prevent disease spread. Paint all fresh cuts immediately. San Antonio protects heritage and significant trees.
Unincorporated Bexar County does not require tree-removal permits. San Antonio's UDC regulates significant and heritage trees on development sites with mitigation when removed.
San Antonio enforces a 12-inch weed and rank-growth standard on improved lots with abatement and liens. Unincorporated Bexar County has no general weed ordinance, leaving enforcement to HOAs and plat restrictions.
Tex. Health & Safety Code Sec. 342.004 (Abatement of Weeds)
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).
SAWS enforces tiered drought rules tied to the J-17 Edwards Aquifer well. Stage 1 limits landscape watering to one day per week by address, with deeper stages tightening further.
Texas encourages rainwater harvesting. Property Code 202.007 limits HOA restrictions on rain barrels, and SAWS offers rebates. Indoor plumbing tie-ins require backflow prevention.
Texas Property Code 202.007 protects drought-resistant and xeriscape landscaping from outright HOA prohibition. SAWS promotes native plants like Texas sage, Gulf muhly, and live oak through WaterSaver landscape coupons.
Texas Property Code Sec. 202.007 (Drought-Resistant Landscaping; HOA limits)
Sec. 202.007. 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. ... (d) This section does not: ... (4) prohibit a property owners' association from regulating the inst...
Artificial turf is legal across Bexar County. HOAs can regulate appearance under Texas Property Code 202.007 but cannot broadly prohibit drought-tolerant alternatives.
Texas Property Code Sec. 202.007 (Certain Restrictive Covenants Prohibited)
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: ... (3) implementing efficient irrigation systems, including underground drip or other drip systems; or (4) using drought-resistant landscaping or water-conserving natural turf. (b) A provi...
4 cities in Bexar County have their own landscaping rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
4 verified rules • Artificial Turf, Native Plants
8 verified rules • Artificial Turf, Grass Height Limits
8 verified rules • Artificial Turf, Grass Height Limits
8 verified rules • Artificial Turf, Grass Height Limits
See every category we cover for Bexar County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Bexar County Ordinance Hub →