Texas Government Code Chapter 423 occupies the field of unmanned aircraft regulation. Cities and counties cannot adopt their own recreational drone ordinances, though limited municipal rules over takeoff and landing on public property remain.
Government Code Chapter 423, as amended in 2017 (HB 1424), reserves regulation of unmanned aircraft to the State of Texas. Section 423.009 explicitly preempts city, county, or special-district ordinances that purport to regulate the operation, ownership, or use of unmanned aircraft. The only authority left to local governments is to regulate takeoff and landing on city- or county-owned property and to enforce general trespass and reckless-conduct laws. State law also creates surveillance and 'no-fly' offenses around critical infrastructure, sports venues, and correctional facilities. Recreational pilots must still follow FAA rules including TRUST and Remote ID.
Unlawful surveillance or flight over critical infrastructure is a Class B misdemeanor escalating to Class A on second offense. Local rules beyond takeoff/landing are unenforceable.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Stafford, TX
Stafford does not publish a dedicated municipal 'quiet hours' chapter the way many Texas cities do. Day-to-day noise enforcement in the city relies on two la...
Stafford, TX
Stafford requires swimming pools to be enclosed by compliant barriers with self-closing, self-latching gates to prevent accidental access by children.
Stafford, TX
Stafford requires building permits for new fences and major fence replacements, with applications reviewed for height, location, and material compliance with...
Stafford, TX
Stafford limits residential fence heights, with stricter rules along front yards and corner-lot sight triangles to preserve visibility and neighborhood chara...
Stafford, TX
Stafford requires property owners to keep lots clear of high weeds, brush, and rubbish that create fire or health nuisances, enforced through the General Cod...
Stafford, TX
Stafford prohibits the possession, sale, and use of fireworks anywhere within city limits, with exceptions only for permitted professional public displays ap...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Fort Bend County.
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