Arlington, TX Holiday Decorations: Lawn Ornament Rules (2026)

Arlington does not have a city ordinance restricting residential lawn ornaments, statuary, religious displays, or other yard decorations on private property. Items may remain year-round. Decorations cannot block sidewalks or encroach into the public right-of-way (Arlington City Code Chapter 23) and cannot obstruct corner sight triangles under UDC Article 5. Property maintenance code Arlington City Code Chapter 12 (Property Maintenance) may be cited if decorations become so dilapidated, broken, or numerous as to create a blighted or junk-like condition. Texas Property Code § 202.018 protects religious displays on or near entry doors from HOA bans (limited to displays under 25 square inches combined area on the entry door itself); broader yard displays are subject to HOA covenant authority under Texas Property Code Chapter 202. Political signs on residential property receive First Amendment protections and Texas Election Code § 259.002 limits on HOA restriction during the campaign period (90 days before through 10 days after an election). Properties in HOAs throughout Viridian (master-planned community), the Highlands, Pantego-adjacent neighborhoods, Downtown Arlington condos, and Entertainment District multifamily face covenant design controls. Established neighborhoods east of Cooper Street and around UTA campus have fewer HOAs and largely operate without aesthetic restrictions.