Doolittle, TX

Hidalgo County does NOT regulate fencing for single-family residential pools in unincorporated areas. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 233 limits county building-permit authority to commercial, public-accessible, and multifamily (4+ unit) structures. Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 757 (Pool Yard Enclosure Act) requires a 48-inch enclosure but applies only to multiunit rental complex pools and HOA-owned/maintained pools — not detached single-family homes. Inside McAllen, Edinburg, Mission, or Pharr, municipal building codes adopted from the IRC impose pool-barrier rules.

Hidalgo County Commissioners Court has issued repeated 90-day burn bans during drought conditions, restricting outdoor burning in unincorporated areas under Texas Local Government Code §352.051. Texas Administrative Code Title 30 Chapter 111 (§111.219) sets state outdoor-burning rules, and the County Fire Marshal's Office (956-318-2656) issues household burn permits at 1615 S. Closner, Edinburg. Violations are Class C misdemeanors with fines up to $500. The Commissioners Court may also restrict 'skyrockets with sticks' and 'missiles with fins' fireworks during Keetch-Byram drought conditions.

Hidalgo County does NOT have an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 233 limits county building-permit authority to commercial, public-accessible, and multifamily (4+ unit) structures, so single-family residential development in unincorporated areas is not subject to county zoning. The County Subdivision Rules permit no more than one single-family detached dwelling per platted lot. Cities such as McAllen, Edinburg, Mission, and Pharr regulate ADUs through their own zoning codes inside city limits.

Hidalgo County Animal Control Services impounds stray and unrestrained dogs and cats in unincorporated areas under authority of Texas Health & Safety Code §826.033. State law (HSC Chapter 822) imposes restraint and confinement requirements on dogs declared dangerous and on dogs running at large near schools. Cities (McAllen, Edinburg, Pharr, Mission) have their own leash ordinances inside city limits.

Hidalgo County has no noise ordinance with set quiet hours in unincorporated areas. Texas counties lack general police power to set noise rules outside the limited authority of Local Government Code Ch. 233. State law (Penal Code §42.01(a)(5)) governs unreasonable noise countywide. Cities (McAllen, Edinburg, Pharr, Mission) set their own quiet hours.

Hidalgo County does not regulate fence heights in unincorporated areas. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 233 limits county building-permit authority to commercial, public-accessible, and multifamily (4+ unit) structures, so single-family residential fences are not subject to county zoning. Cities such as McAllen, Edinburg, Mission, and Pharr set their own fence height limits inside city limits.

Hidalgo County faces major flood risk along the Rio Grande, Arroyo Colorado, and the Hidalgo County Master Drainage System. The County and all incorporated cities participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 General Manager serves as the Floodplain Administrator for unincorporated areas, while McAllen, Edinburg, Mission, and Pharr each have their own administrators. Land development must obtain HCDD No. 1 approval before connecting to the Master Drainage System.