Dallas County, TX HOA Rules: Architectural Review (2026)
Key Facts
- Governed By Tx
- Governed by TX Property Code Ch. 209 (POA Act) and Ch. 202
- Hoas Must Provide
- HOAs must provide written architectural guidelines and follow declaration procedures
- Solar Panels Flags
- Solar panels, flags, rainwater collection, and xeriscape are statutorily protected
- Religious Items On
- Religious items on entry doors cannot be banned (Sec. 202.018)
- Denials Must Be
- Denials must be reasonable and not arbitrary under Sec. 202.004
Summary
Texas law requires HOAs to provide written architectural guidelines and fair review procedures, with statutory protections for solar, flags, and xeriscape.
Sec. 202.004. ENFORCEMENT OF RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS. (a) An exercise of discretionary authority by a property owners' association or other representative designated by an owner of real property concerning a restrictive covenant is presumed reasonable unless the court determines by a preponderance of the evidence that the exercise of discretionary authority was arbitrary, capricious, or discriminatory. (b) A property owners' association or other representative designated by an owner of real property may initiate, defend, or intervene in litigation or an administrative proceeding affecting the enforcement of a restrictive covenant ... (c) A court may assess civil damages for the violation of a restrictive covenant in an amount not to exceed $200 for each day of the violation.
Full Breakdown
In Dallas County, Texas, architectural review committees (ARCs) operate under the Texas Residential Property Owners Protection Act (Property Code Chapter 209) and the restrictive-covenant framework in Chapter 202. Homeowners typically must submit written plans for exterior modifications, additions, fencing, paint colors, and landscaping changes before beginning work. HOAs must provide owners with written architectural guidelines if any exist and must follow procedures stated in the declaration. Under Sec. 202.004, restrictive covenants must be reasonably applied. Texas law preempts HOA bans on certain improvements: solar energy devices (Sec. 202.010), standard-sized flags and flagpoles (Sec. 202.011), rainwater harvesting systems (Sec. 202.007), xeriscape/drought-resistant landscaping (Sec. 202.007), and religious items on entry doors (Sec. 202.018). ARCs may still impose reasonable aesthetic conditions that do not substantially increase cost or decrease effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my Dallas County HOA reject my solar panel installation?
Do I have to submit plans to the HOA before remodeling my home?
What can I do if the ARC denies my request unreasonably?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dallas County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Dallas County to another location·View the Texas hoa rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.