Native and drought-tolerant desert landscaping is fully allowed in El Paso County, which sets no plant-type rules. Texas Property Code Section 202.007 stops a homeowners association from prohibiting drought-resistant landscaping in this arid Chihuahuan Desert region.
El Paso County has no ordinance dictating what plants a homeowner may grow, so native Chihuahuan Desert species such as agave, ocotillo, desert willow, and native grasses are freely allowed and well suited to the low-water climate. State law protects these choices from private restrictions. Texas Property Code Section 202.007 provides that an HOA may not prohibit or restrict an owner from using drought-resistant landscaping or water-conserving natural turf, and may not unreasonably deny approval of an installation. An association may still require a plan for review to promote aesthetic compatibility, but cannot use that review to bar xeriscaping. Because the county does not zone, there is no minimum-lawn mandate; the only backstop is the Chapter 343 nuisance rule.
There is no county penalty for planting native or xeric landscaping. An HOA that bans drought-resistant landscaping outright violates Property Code Section 202.007. Neglected plantings that become a pest-harboring nuisance could still be reached under Chapter 343.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
El Paso, TX
The City of El Paso does not regulate yard ornaments on private property. Statuary, religious displays, and decorative landscape elements are generally allow...
El Paso, TX
El Paso has no ordinance setting size, height, or hours limits for inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Wind is the primary practical...
El Paso, TX
El Paso does not impose specific install-by or take-down-by dates for holiday lights on private property. Holiday-light regulation in El Paso is overwhelming...
El Paso, TX
Built-in outdoor kitchens in El Paso require permits from Planning and Inspections for gas-line installation, electrical work, plumbing, and any structural e...
El Paso, TX
El Paso has no smoker-specific ordinance for single-family use, but backyard smokers fall under Title 9.04 nuisance code if smoke or odor unreasonably affect...
El Paso, TX
El Paso adopts the International Fire Code through Title 18 with local amendments, including IFC Section 308 prohibiting open-flame cooking devices on combus...
See how El Paso's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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