Grapevine, TX

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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 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'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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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 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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 209.00505 requires HOA architectural committees to have written standards and fair procedures. Grapevine HOAs may review exterior changes but must apply standards consistently.

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 Health and Safety Code 754 requires annual inspections of elevators, escalators, and similar equipment by licensed inspectors. TDLR administers the program statewide.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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'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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.