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Livestock (cattle, horses, sheep, goats, pigs) is restricted to agriculturally zoned land in Grapevine. Most residential zones prohibit all livestock. Chapter 6 of the Code enforces setback and sanitation rules.
Grapevine prohibits intentional feeding of deer, coyotes, raccoons, and other wildlife that creates nuisance or safety hazards. Bird feeders and backyard wildlife habitat are allowed with good practices.
Grapevine does not ban any specific dog breed. Texas Health and Safety Code 822 preempts breed-specific legislation statewide. Dangerous-dog classifications apply by individual behavior regardless of breed.
Grapevine allows backyard chickens with setback and coop requirements under Chapter 6 of the Code. Roosters are generally prohibited in residential zones. Livestock (cattle, horses, goats) require acreage under agricultural zoning.
Grapevine prohibits dangerous wild animals (big cats, bears, primates, venomous reptiles) under TX Health and Safety Code 822. Many other exotic species require TPWD permits. Common small exotics are allowed.
Beekeeping is allowed in Grapevine residential zones subject to setbacks and hive density limits. No city permit is required. Texas Apiary Inspection Service regulates hive movement and commercial operations.
Dogs must be leashed on all public property in Grapevine under Chapter 6 of the Code of Ordinances. Off-leash dogs can be impounded and owners cited. Dove Park has a dedicated off-leash dog park.
Industrial noise in Grapevine is regulated by Chapter 18 plus zoning conditions in industrial districts. Facilities along SH 121 and Hall Johnson must meet daytime and nighttime decibel expectations at residential property lines.
Outdoor music at venues and events in Grapevine requires a permit when it extends beyond normal operations. Main Street wineries and the Gaylord Texan operate under specific CO and SUP conditions.
Grapevine has no blower-specific ban. Gas and electric leaf blowers are legal during daytime hours and subject only to the general noise ordinance and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. residential practice.
Grapevine limits construction noise to 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday under the noise ordinance. Sunday work is restricted to emergencies absent a special permit from the Building Inspections division.
Aircraft noise at DFW is regulated federally by the FAA, not by Grapevine. The city lies under multiple DFW flight tracks and noise contours but cannot regulate overflights. Complaints go to the DFW Airport Noise Office.
Amplified music in Grapevine is regulated by the noise ordinance and special event permits. Sound must not be plainly audible at a neighboring property after 10 p.m. Historic Main Street has festival exceptions.
Grapevine primarily uses a plainly audible standard rather than fixed decibel limits. TX Penal Code 42.01 sets an 85 dB threshold for disorderly conduct. Officers may use meters in disputed cases.
Grapevine prohibits habitual barking under the Animals chapter of the Code of Ordinances. Dogs that bark continuously for 15 minutes or intermittently for 30 minutes can be cited. Maximum fine is 500 dollars per day.
Grapevine Code of Ordinances Chapter 18 regulates noise with quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily. Sound plainly audible from an adjoining property during these hours is a noise disturbance.
Grapevine requires property owners to maintain vegetation clear of structures and to remove dead brush that creates fire or pest hazards. Chapter 18 nuisance provisions and International Fire Code cover requirements.
Grapevine prohibits the sale, possession, and discharge of consumer fireworks within city limits year-round under Chapter 10. Violations are Class C misdemeanors with fines up to 2,000 dollars under state law.
Grapevine requires working smoke detectors in all dwellings under the International Residential Code and TX Property Code 92. Rentals must have detectors in every sleeping area and on every floor. Landlords must install and test.
Backyard recreational fires in Grapevine are allowed in approved pits using clean firewood with 25-foot setbacks. Burn bans issued by Tarrant County override all recreational fire allowances.
Grapevine is not designated a wildland-urban interface but has elevated fire risk near Grapevine Lake, the Cotton Belt greenbelt, and Tarrant County open space. Drought burn bans are frequent.
Grapevine prohibits outdoor burning of trash, yard waste, and construction debris under Chapter 18 and the International Fire Code. Only approved recreational fires and permitted ceremonial fires are allowed.
Grapevine allows residential fire pits subject to setbacks, fuel restrictions, and burn ban status. Natural gas and propane fire features are less restricted than wood-burning. Tarrant County burn bans override city allowances.
Grapevine prohibits grass and weeds over 12 inches tall in residential areas under Chapter 13 health and nuisance provisions. Notice-to-abate letters typically give 10 days to comply before city abatement.
Grapevine requires property owners to control weeds and non-ornamental vegetation under Chapter 13 health provisions. Non-native invasive species removal is encouraged. Notice-to-abate process enforces compliance.
Grapevine water restrictions follow the City of Grapevine Water Conservation Plan and drought contingency stages. Year-round watering is limited to twice per week with day-of-week schedules by address.
Grapevine allows rainwater harvesting systems on residential property. Texas Property Code 202.007 prevents HOAs from unreasonably restricting rain barrels, and state tax exemptions apply to harvesting equipment.
Grapevine's tree preservation ordinance requires permits and mitigation for removing protected trees over 8 inches in diameter. Dead or hazardous trees can be removed without permit after documentation.
Grapevine requires tree trimming over public sidewalks and streets to maintain clearance (8 feet sidewalk, 14 feet roadway). Private tree trimming generally no permit needed; protected-tree work may require review.
Grapevine encourages native and drought-tolerant plants. Texas Property Code 202.007 protects xeriscaping from HOA bans, though HOAs may require design review for aesthetic consistency.
Grapevine allows artificial turf subject to zoning and HOA review. Texas law does not preempt HOAs on synthetic turf, so CC&Rs may restrict front-yard installation while permitting back yards.
Grapevine tiny homes must meet residential building code, district lot and dwelling minimums, and foundation standards. Tiny homes on wheels are RVs and cannot be used as permanent dwellings.
Grapevine requires building permits for sheds over 200 square feet and enforces setback, height, and lot coverage limits. Smaller utility sheds may be permit-exempt but must still comply with zoning.
Grapevine does not broadly permit ADUs by right in single-family zones. Accessory living quarters may be allowed as part of a main residence but independent rental ADUs typically require a special use permit.
Garage conversions in Grapevine require a building permit and must preserve required off-street parking. Converting a required garage to living space often triggers a zoning compliance review.
Grapevine permits residential carports subject to permit, setback, and design review. Front-yard carports are closely regulated and generally must match primary structure materials.
Grapevine permits home occupations as accessory uses in residential districts subject to no-impact standards. Businesses producing traffic, signage, or outside employees must relocate to commercial zones.
Home occupations in Grapevine may not generate customer traffic beyond typical residential levels. Businesses serving walk-in clients, offering lessons to groups, or producing repeat deliveries may violate zoning.
Grapevine may require a zoning verification or certificate of occupancy for home-based businesses. Some home occupations are permit-exempt if fully inside the dwelling with no customer traffic.
Grapevine generally prohibits commercial signage for home occupations in residential districts. One small identification sign may be allowed if attached to the dwelling and non-illuminated.
Texas Cottage Food Law (Health and Safety Code 437) lets residents sell home-baked and non-hazardous foods. Grapevine cannot prohibit operations but may enforce zoning on traffic and signage.
Texas Human Resources Code 42 preempts home daycare zoning for registered and licensed family homes caring for 12 or fewer children. Grapevine cannot prohibit compliant home daycares in residential districts.
All Grapevine STRs must register annually with the city. Registration requires insurance, local contact, tax setup, and inspection, and is subject to revocation after repeated violations.
STR bookings in Grapevine are subject to 6 percent Texas state HOT, 7 percent Grapevine local HOT, and annual registration and permit fees. Failure to remit triggers penalties and interest.
Grapevine STR registrations may limit the number of bookings, guests, or nights per year in some districts. Stays of 30 or more consecutive days are generally exempt from short-term rental regulation.
Grapevine STR registration typically requires proof of commercial liability insurance of $500,000 to $1 million. Standard homeowners policies usually do not cover short-term rental activity.
Grapevine STR registrations limit occupancy by bedroom count, typically 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional, with a hard cap commonly at 10 or 12 guests. Large events are prohibited.
STR registrations in Grapevine require off-street parking in driveways and garages. On-street and lawn parking are prohibited, and the number of vehicles is tied to occupancy limits.
Grapevine requires registration, certificate of occupancy, and hotel occupancy tax compliance for short-term rentals. STRs are closely regulated due to the active tourism market around Gaylord and DFW Airport.
STR guests in Grapevine must comply with the city noise ordinance, typically quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM. Operators are responsible for guest behavior and may lose their registration after violations.
Hot tubs and spas in Grapevine require electrical and building permits, GFCI protection, and a lockable cover or compliant barrier. Federal VGB Act anti-entrapment requirements apply.
Grapevine requires 4-foot barriers with self-closing, self-latching gates around all pools over 24 inches deep, per Texas H&S Code 757 and the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code.
Federal VGB Pool and Spa Safety Act requires anti-entrapment drain covers on all public and residential pools. Grapevine inspections check drains, bonding, GFCI protection, and emergency equipment.
Above-ground pools over 24 inches deep in Grapevine require permits, setback compliance, and barrier protection. Pool walls at least 48 inches tall may serve as the barrier with a lockable ladder.
Grapevine requires a building permit for all in-ground and above-ground pools over 24 inches deep. Plans must show setbacks, electrical bonding, fencing, and anti-entrapment drains.
Grapevine requires driveways to be paved with concrete or approved hard surface, connect to a permitted driveway approach, and meet minimum width and setback standards. A driveway approach permit is required for new curb cuts, administered by the Public Works Department. Driveways in historic and floodplain areas face additional review.
Grapevine allows residential installation of Level 1 and Level 2 electric vehicle chargers as an accessory use. A building and electrical permit is required for dedicated 240-volt circuits. The city does not require EV charging in new single-family construction but encourages it in new commercial and multi-family projects through site plan review.
Under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 683 and Grapevine Code Chapter 16, a vehicle left on a public street for more than 48 hours or on private property without the owner's consent may be declared abandoned. Inoperable, unregistered, or wrecked vehicles on residential property must be stored in a fully enclosed garage or removed within 30 days.
Grapevine generally allows overnight on-street parking on residential streets for up to 24 hours, unless signs indicate otherwise. Downtown, event districts, and certain residential zones near Grapevine Lake post time-limited or permit-only restrictions. Vehicles unmoved for more than 48 to 72 hours may be tagged and towed as abandoned.
Grapevine allows on-street parking on most public residential streets subject to a 24-hour limit and posted restrictions. Downtown and event districts near Main Street enforce metered or time-limited parking, especially during Grapefest, Main Street Days, and holiday events. Parking is prohibited within 15 feet of fire hydrants and 30 feet of stop signs.
Grapevine restricts parking of recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers on residential property to side or rear yards behind the front building line, with screening where visible from the street. On-street parking of RVs and boats is prohibited except for loading and unloading up to 72 hours. Many HOAs in lake-area neighborhoods impose stricter bans.
Grapevine prohibits parking of commercial vehicles over 1 ton or 20 feet in length on residential streets and in residential driveways for extended periods. Tractor-trailers, box trucks, buses, and equipment trailers must be stored in properly zoned commercial or industrial areas. Violations can result in fines up to $500 per day.
Grapevine requires building permits for fences over 6 feet tall and for masonry walls of any height. Simple wood privacy fences under 6 feet typically do not need permits but must meet zoning rules.
Retaining walls over 4 feet tall in Grapevine require a building permit and engineered drawings. Walls affecting drainage or within easements need additional engineering review.
Grapevine fences must meet zoning setbacks, height limits, vision triangle rules, and HOA covenants. Residential fences are typically wood, masonry, or wrought iron. Electric and razor wire are prohibited.
Pool barriers in Grapevine must be at least 48 inches tall under the ISPSC. Chain link is prohibited for new enclosures. Self-closing, self-latching gates and alarms on pool-access doors are required.
Fence disputes between Grapevine neighbors are governed by Texas Property Code 26. Cost-sharing is customary but not mandated. The city does not mediate private boundary disputes; civil court handles them.
Grapevine limits residential fences to 8 feet in rear and side yards and 4 feet in front yards under the zoning ordinance. Taller fences require a variance from the Board of Adjustment.
Grapevine prohibits razor wire, concertina wire, and barbed wire in residential fences. Electric fences are restricted to commercial and agricultural zones. Chain link is limited in pool and front-yard applications.
Grapevine's Unified Development Code establishes minimum front, side, and rear setbacks by zoning district. Typical single-family residential setbacks are 25 to 35 ft front, 5 to 10 ft side, 25 ft rear.
Grapevine limits residential structure height to 35 feet in most single-family districts under the Grapevine Zoning Ordinance (Appendix D of the City Code). Historic downtown overlay and special districts carry stricter limits, and airport approach surfaces near DFW impose additional height restrictions on properties beneath flight paths.
Grapevine residential zoning districts cap building lot coverage between 40 and 50 percent depending on district, with additional open space and impervious surface limits in floodplain and tree preservation areas. Lot coverage is measured as the footprint of all principal and accessory buildings divided by total lot area.
Texas Structural Pest Control Service (TDA SPCS) licenses commercial pest control. Grapevine code compliance enforces nuisance rules for infestations, wood-destroying insects, and stagnant water.
Texas Health and Safety Code 754 requires annual inspections of elevators, escalators, and similar equipment by licensed inspectors. TDLR administers the program statewide.
Federal EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule applies to homes built before 1978. Grapevine contractors must be EPA-certified and follow lead-safe practices for renovations disturbing paint.
OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L governs construction scaffolding nationwide, including Grapevine job sites. Local rules require permits for scaffolding in the public right-of-way.
Portions of Grapevine lie within FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas around Grapevine Lake, Denton Creek, Silver Lake Creek, and Big Bear Creek. The city participates in the NFIP and Community Rating System. New construction in the 1-percent-annual-chance floodplain must have the lowest floor elevated at least 1 foot above base flood elevation.
Grapevine requires grading and drainage to direct stormwater away from structures and not impose runoff onto adjacent properties. A grading plan is required for new construction, substantial additions, and any earthwork that alters drainage patterns. Pools, retaining walls, and landscaping cannot redirect water onto neighbors or block drainage easements.
Grapevine operates an MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) under a TPDES permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Property owners must not discharge pollutants into storm drains. Construction sites over 1 acre require SWPPP (Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans). Illicit discharges carry fines up to $500 per day.
Grapevine requires erosion and sediment control measures on all construction and land-disturbing activities to prevent sediment from entering streets, storm drains, and waterways. Silt fencing, inlet protection, and stabilized construction entrances are required before grading begins. Violations can trigger stop-work orders and fines up to $500 per day.
Tarrant County is inland — no coastal jurisdiction or Texas General Land Office Open Beaches Act rules apply. Waterfront development along the Trinity River, Eagle Mountain Lake, Lake Worth, and Lake Arlington is regulated through Tarrant County's NFIP floodplain permit program and the controlling lake authority (Tarrant Regional Water District or USACE).
Grapevine's residential solid waste and recycling service is provided by Republic Services under contract with the city. Residents receive weekly trash and recycling collection on assigned days. Containers must be placed at the curb by 7 a.m. on collection day and removed by the end of that day or the morning after.
Grapevine residents must place trash and recycling carts at the curb with at least 3 feet of clearance from obstructions, handles facing the house, and lids closed. Carts cannot be placed in the street or block sidewalks. On non-collection days, carts must be stored out of public view, typically behind the front building line or screened.
Grapevine offers monthly bulk trash and yard waste collection on residents' regular service day under their Republic Services contract. Items such as furniture, appliances, and large yard waste are collected with size and weight limits. Construction debris, hazardous waste, and tires are not eligible for bulk pickup.
Grapevine provides single-stream curbside recycling weekly through Republic Services. Accepted items include clean paper, cardboard, aluminum cans, steel cans, and specific plastics (#1 and #2 bottles and jugs). Plastic bags, shredded paper, styrofoam, and contaminated food containers are not accepted and cause load rejection.
Grapevine requires trash and recycling carts to be stored out of public view from the street on non-collection days, typically behind the front building line, in a garage, or screened from view. Leaving carts at the curb more than 24 hours after pickup is a code violation subject to fines.
Grapevine does not have a snow removal ordinance because significant snowfall is rare in North Texas. Property owners are, however, responsible for keeping sidewalks adjacent to their property clear of obstructions such as vegetation, branches, and debris year-round. Ice from rare winter storms is generally not an enforced requirement.
Grapevine allows residential garage sales without a permit, limited to 3 sales per address per year and 3 consecutive days per sale. Signs may be placed on the property during the sale and must be removed immediately after. Signs in the public right-of-way or on utility poles are prohibited.
Vacant lots in Grapevine must be maintained to the same standards as occupied properties. Owners must mow vegetation below 12 inches, remove debris, secure against dumping, and ensure the property is not a harbor for vermin. Code Enforcement may abate chronic vacant lot nuisances and file liens against the property for costs.
Grapevine's property maintenance code treats blighted conditions, including peeling paint, rotting wood, broken windows, accumulated junk, inoperable vehicles, and overgrown vegetation, as public nuisances. Owners receive notice to abate within 10 to 30 days. Failure can result in city-performed cleanup with costs billed to the owner and property liens.
Grapevine allows one garage sale sign on the property conducting the sale during its active hours. Signs in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, in medians, or on other private property without consent are prohibited. All signs must be removed within 24 hours after the sale ends or face confiscation.
Under Texas Election Code and Property Code Section 202.009, Grapevine cannot prohibit residents from displaying political signs on their private property. Signs are limited in size (generally 36 square feet or less) and height (8 feet), and must be removed within 10 days after the election. HOA restrictions are limited by statute.
As the Christmas Capital of Texas, Grapevine is known for elaborate holiday displays. The city allows residential holiday lights, inflatables, and decorations between November 1 and January 15 without permits. Displays should not create traffic hazards, trespass light onto neighbors, or violate HOA rules. Commercial displays may need temporary sign permits.
Grapevine's Zoning Ordinance limits light spillover at property lines, typically 0.5 foot-candles at the boundary of any residential property. Lights that directly illuminate another property, shine into windows, or create glare visible from public roads can be declared a nuisance. Complaints are handled by Code Enforcement.
Grapevine is not a designated International Dark Sky Community but has adopted lighting standards in the Zoning Ordinance that require full-cutoff fixtures for most commercial and multi-family development and limit spillover onto adjacent residential properties. Residential lighting is less regulated but cannot cause a nuisance for neighbors.
Grapevine parks and public open spaces are generally closed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., with some facilities closing earlier. Being in a city park after closing is a Class C misdemeanor with fines up to $500. Special event permits can authorize after-hours use. Grapevine Lake and Corps of Engineers parks follow federal rules and separate hours.
Grapevine enforces a juvenile curfew ordinance restricting minors under 17 from being in public places or businesses between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 12:30 a.m. to 6 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Daytime curfew applies during school hours for truancy. Exceptions include accompanied by parent, work, emergency, and First Amendment activity.
Grapevine does not have rent control. Texas state law (Local Government Code 214.902) preempts Texas cities from enacting rent control ordinances on private residential property, except in limited circumstances tied to a declared housing emergency with gubernatorial approval. Landlord-tenant matters are governed by Texas Property Code Chapter 92.
Grapevine requires short-term rentals (less than 30 days) to register with the city and collect hotel occupancy tax, but does not currently operate a citywide long-term rental registration or annual inspection program. Multi-family properties must comply with building and fire code inspections triggered by complaints or construction activity.
Grapevine does not have a just cause eviction ordinance. Texas is a no-cause state at lease end, meaning a landlord may choose not to renew a lease without stating a reason. During a lease, evictions require grounds such as non-payment, lease violation, or holdover, and must follow Texas Property Code Chapter 24 procedures.
Food truck vending in Grapevine is generally limited to commercial and business park zones on private property with owner consent, and to sanctioned special events such as Grapefest and Main Street Fest. Vending on public streets is prohibited except during permitted events. Proximity rules keep trucks away from brick-and-mortar restaurants.
Food trucks operating in Grapevine must obtain a city Mobile Food Vendor permit, pass Tarrant County Public Health inspections, and carry fire suppression where cooking is involved. Operations in the Historic Township require additional approval and are often limited to special events and sanctioned festivals.
Texas Property Code 209.007 requires HOAs to hold a hearing before issuing most fines. Members may pursue mediation, arbitration, or district court for unresolved disputes.
Texas Property Code 209 governs HOA assessments, late fees, and collection. Grapevine HOAs may place liens and foreclose only after statutory notice and alternative payment plans.
Grapevine HOAs enforce deed restrictions per Texas Property Code 202 and 209. State law limits enforcement of certain items (solar, flags, xeriscaping, religious displays) and requires due process.
Texas Property Code 209.00505 requires HOA architectural committees to have written standards and fair procedures. Grapevine HOAs may review exterior changes but must apply standards consistently.
Texas Property Code 209 and 22 govern HOA board elections, meetings, and records. Grapevine HOAs must hold open meetings, provide notice, and maintain records for member inspection.
Under Texas Property Code Section 202.010, HOAs in Grapevine cannot outright prohibit solar energy devices on single-family homes. They may impose reasonable aesthetic restrictions on panel color, conduit routing, and placement, but only if alternatives do not reduce estimated energy production by more than 10 percent or cost more than 10 percent more.
Grapevine requires building and electrical permits for residential solar photovoltaic installations. Rooftop solar must meet 2021 International Residential Code and NEC requirements including structural capacity review, rapid shutdown, and setbacks for firefighter access. Permit packages can be submitted electronically through the Grapevine Citizen Access Portal.
Unincorporated Tarrant County has no bar or nightclub noise ordinance. TABC license conditions and state disorderly conduct law are the only sound-related controls in rural areas.
Tarrant County has no generator noise ordinance. Standby and portable generators may run without time limits. TX Penal Code 42.01 is the only backstop for extreme persistent noise.
Tarrant County does not regulate HVAC condenser or chiller noise in unincorporated areas. The International Mechanical Code governs installation but noise output is not addressed.
Recreational drones in Tarrant County are governed by FAA 14 CFR Part 107 and 49 USC 44809. Drones 250 grams or more must register. Texas Government Code Chapter 423 restricts surveillance over private property.
Texas Government Code Chapter 423 preempts local commercial drone rules and FAA Part 107 governs commercial flight nationwide. Texas cities cannot require their own drone permits or fees for Part 107 operators delivering or surveying.
Most unincorporated Tarrant County roads have no public sidewalks. Where sidewalks exist, repair responsibility typically falls to the adjacent property owner or the HOA under Texas common law.
Texas Transportation Code Section 552.006 prohibits obstructing sidewalks in unincorporated Tarrant County. Common violations include trash bins, vehicles, basketball goals, and overgrown vegetation.
Tarrant County code enforcement is handled by individual municipalities. In unincorporated areas, complaints go to Tarrant County Development Services. Fort Worth residents use the MyFW app or call 817-392-1234. Arlington uses the Arlington Cares app or 817-459-5474.
Code enforcement response times in Tarrant County vary by municipality and violation severity. Fort Worth prioritizes health and safety hazards for same-day response, while routine violations like tall grass are typically investigated within 3-7 business days.
The most common code violations in Tarrant County include tall grass and weeds exceeding 12 inches, junk vehicles, illegal dumping, substandard structures, and zoning violations such as unpermitted home businesses or accessory structures.
Tarrant County and its municipalities do not have specific ordinances banning or restricting bamboo. If bamboo spreads onto neighboring properties, it may be addressed under general nuisance ordinances or through civil action between neighbors.
Tarrant County defers to the Texas Department of Agriculture's noxious weed list for prohibited species. The state list includes giant salvinia, water hyacinth, and certain thistles. Local municipalities do not maintain separate prohibited plant lists.
Texas HB 1686 (effective 2023) prohibits HOAs and municipalities from banning front-yard vegetable gardens. Tarrant County residents can grow edible gardens in their front yards, though cities may still regulate height, maintenance, and setback standards.
Residential security cameras are legal in Tarrant County without a permit. Texas law allows recording video on your property and publicly visible areas. Cameras must not be directed into areas with a reasonable expectation of privacy such as neighbors' bedrooms or bathrooms.
Texas is a one-party consent state for audio recording. Only one party to a conversation must consent. Video recording in public spaces is legal, but recording in private areas where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy is a state jail felony.
Privacy fences in Tarrant County are generally allowed up to 8 feet in rear and side yards and 4 feet in front yards. Fort Worth requires permits for solid fences over 6 feet. The finished side must face outward toward neighbors.
In most Tarrant County cities, storage sheds under 120 square feet do not require a building permit. Sheds over 120 square feet require a permit and must comply with setback requirements. All sheds must be in the rear yard.
Fence permits are required in Fort Worth for fences over 6 feet tall. Standard residential fences of 6 feet or less in rear and side yards do not require a permit but must comply with zoning setbacks and materials standards.
Decks over 30 inches above grade require a building permit in most Tarrant County cities. Ground-level patios on grade generally do not require a permit. Attached decks must comply with the building code for structural connections.
Most renovation work in Tarrant County requires a building permit if it involves structural changes, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work. Cosmetic work like painting, flooring, and cabinetry typically does not require a permit.
Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 487 limits cannabis dispensing to a small number of state-licensed Compassionate Use Program providers. There are no recreational dispensaries anywhere in Texas, and cities cannot license additional ones.
Texas Health & Safety Code 481.121 makes it a crime to possess or grow marijuana anywhere in the state. Home cultivation is illegal in every Texas city and county regardless of plant count or medical status.
Texas Labor Code Section 62.0515 expressly preempts municipal and county minimum wage ordinances. The state minimum wage equals the federal floor of $7.25 per hour, and political subdivisions cannot require private employers to pay more, except for their own contracts.
Texas appellate courts have struck down municipal paid sick leave ordinances in Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio as preempted under the Texas Minimum Wage Act. HB 2127 (2023) further codifies preemption by barring local regulation of employment benefits and leave policies.
HB 2127 (2023), the Texas Regulatory Consistency Act, preempts municipal predictive or fair workweek scheduling ordinances. Texas cities cannot require employers to provide advance schedule notice, predictability pay, or rest periods between shifts beyond state law.
Texas authorizes License to Carry (LTC) holders to carry concealed handguns statewide under Government Code Chapter 411. Since 2021, permitless constitutional carry under HB 1927 also allows most adults 21 and older to carry without a license, with municipalities preempted from added restrictions.
Texas Local Government Code Section 229.001 broadly preempts municipal regulation of firearms, ammunition, knives, and related accessories. Cities cannot adopt or enforce ordinances regulating the transfer, ownership, possession, transport, or discharge of firearms beyond narrow exceptions for discharge in densely populated areas.
Texas authorizes open carry of holstered handguns statewide for adults 21 and older under Penal Code 46.02 and HB 910 (2015). Long guns may be openly carried subject to disorderly conduct limits. Municipalities cannot impose additional open carry restrictions.
Texas Penal Code 46.02(a-1) lets any non-prohibited adult lawfully carry a handgun inside a personally-owned or leased motor vehicle or watercraft without a License to Carry, provided the firearm is not in plain view and the person is not engaged in criminal activity or gang membership.
Texas Government Code Chapter 673 requires every state agency and any business that contracts with a state agency to register for and use the federal E-Verify system to confirm the work eligibility of new employees. Private-sector E-Verify use is generally voluntary statewide.
Texas Government Code Chapter 752, enacted by Senate Bill 4 in 2017, prohibits any local entity, campus police department, or jail from adopting sanctuary policies. Local officials must honor federal immigration detainer requests and may not bar officers from inquiring about immigration status.
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.
The Texas Right to Farm Act, Agriculture Code Chapter 251, protects established agricultural operations from nuisance lawsuits and local regulations after one year of operation. SB 1421 (2023) significantly strengthened protections, preempting municipal ordinances that restrict generally accepted agricultural practices.
The Texas Supreme Court in City of Laredo v. Laredo Merchants Association (2018) held that Health and Safety Code Section 361.0961 preempts municipal plastic bag bans. Cities and counties cannot prohibit or restrict retail use of plastic checkout bags as containers or packages.
Health and Safety Code Section 361.0961 also preempts municipal bans on polystyrene foam containers used for food service. The same statute that struck down plastic bag bans prevents Texas cities from prohibiting expanded polystyrene cups, plates, and takeout packaging.
Plastic straw bans by Texas municipalities are preempted under Health and Safety Code Section 361.0961 and reinforced by HB 2127 (2023). Cities cannot prohibit or restrict food service businesses from offering single-use plastic straws to customers.