TX Property Code 202.007 bars HOAs from prohibiting drought-tolerant and native landscaping. Haltom City has no ban on native plants, provided grass height and nuisance rules are met.
Haltom City sits in the Cross Timbers ecoregion where native species such as little bluestem, Indian grass, Texas lantana, Turks cap, Gulf muhly, American beautyberry, Mexican feather grass, and native oaks thrive with minimal supplemental water. Texas Property Code 202.007 (Senate Bill 198 and related amendments) prohibits homeowners associations from banning drought-resistant landscaping, rainwater harvesting systems, or composting, though HOAs may impose reasonable design guidelines on overall appearance. The citys 12 inch grass and weed height limit still applies to native plantings, so homeowners must manage spread and keep species from toppling over onto sidewalks. Tarrant Regional Water District operates the SmartScape Partnership and offers online plant lists and free xeriscape classes aimed at cutting outdoor water use by 30 to 50 percent. Because Haltom City caps sprinkler watering under its drought contingency plan, native and Texas-adapted species are the most practical ornamental choices. Pollinator-friendly plantings of milkweed, Texas sage, black-eyed Susan, and salvia support migrating monarch butterflies and local bees. Front-yard gardens should be designed with clear edging and maintenance paths to avoid triggering complaints about weeds or rank vegetation.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Haltom City, TX
Haltom City allows outdoor live music subject to Chapter 54. Amplified outdoor music must stop by 10 p.m. and must not be plainly audible 50 feet beyond the ...
Haltom City, TX
Haltom City does not publish a detailed decibel schedule. Enforcement uses the plainly audible standard plus TX Penal Code 42.01, which treats noise over 85 ...
Haltom City, TX
Haltom City has no dedicated leaf blower ordinance. Gas and electric blowers are allowed without time-of-day restrictions beyond the general Chapter 54 noise...
Haltom City, TX
Haltom City requires a driveway permit from Public Works for new or expanded driveway approaches. Residential driveways must be concrete or asphalt, meet wid...
Haltom City, TX
Haltom City enforces Texas Transportation Code Chapter 683 on abandoned vehicles. Vehicles left on streets over 48 hours or visibly inoperable on private pro...
Haltom City, TX
Haltom City prohibits parking of commercial vehicles over one-ton capacity and most trailers in residential zones. Service pickups under the limit may park a...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Tarrant County.
See how other cities in Tarrant County handle native plants.
See how Haltom City's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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