Tarrant County, TX Invasive Plant Rules: Front Yard Gardens (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- HB 1686 (2023) protects gardens
- HOA Restriction
- Cannot ban food gardens
- Maintenance
- Must be kept maintained
- Zones
- Allowed in all residential
Summary
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.
Sec. 202.007. CERTAIN RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS PROHIBITED. (a) A property owners' association may not include or enforce a provision in a dedicatory instrument that prohibits or restricts a property owner from:(1) implementing measures promoting solid-waste composting of vegetation, including grass clippings, leaves, or brush, or leaving grass clippings uncollected on grass;(2) installing rain barrels or a rainwater harvesting system;(3) implementing efficient irrigation systems, including underground drip or other drip systems; or(4) using drought-resistant landscaping or water-conserving natural turf.(b) A provision that violates Subsection (a) is void.(c) A property owners' association may restrict the type of turf used by a property owner in the planting of new turf to encourage
Full Breakdown
Texas House Bill 1686, signed into law in 2023, prohibits property owners' associations and municipalities from restricting residential property use for growing food. This applies across all Tarrant County municipalities. While front-yard gardens are legally protected, cities may still enforce reasonable regulations regarding plant height, maintenance, and setbacks. Fort Worth's zoning ordinance allows residential gardens in all residential zones. Gardens must be maintained to avoid becoming a nuisance. Raised beds, container gardens, and traditional in-ground plots are all permitted. HOAs may still regulate garden aesthetics but cannot ban food production entirely under HB 1686.
Violations & Fines
No penalties for growing a front-yard garden. Unmaintained gardens may be cited under property maintenance codes with fines of $500-$2,000 per day if vegetation becomes a nuisance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow vegetables in my front yard in Tarrant County?
Can my HOA fine me for having a front-yard garden?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tarrant County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Tarrant County to another location·View the Texas invasive plant rules overview
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