Texas Property Code §202.007 protects xeriscaping and native plants from HOA bans. Montgomery County cannot regulate residential landscaping (no zoning). The Woodlands emphasizes native East Texas Piney Woods species.
Texas Property Code §202.007 explicitly prohibits POAs and HOAs from banning drought-resistant landscaping or water-conserving turf, though they may require a landscape plan meeting aesthetic standards. §202.010 further protects rain barrels. Montgomery County cannot regulate residential landscaping in unincorporated areas due to lack of zoning authority (Local Govt Code Ch. 231). The Woodlands Development Standards Committee (DSC) has embraced native Piney Woods species — loblolly pine, southern magnolia, American beautyberry, yaupon holly, Texas star hibiscus — as preferred landscaping and requires new home builders to preserve qualifying native trees over 6 inches DBH. Conroe Unified Development Code encourages native and drought-tolerant plants in commercial buffers. Invasive species problems in Montgomery County include Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera), Japanese climbing fern, and giant salvinia on Lake Conroe — TPWD partners with SJRA on aquatic invasive management. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center provides recommended East Texas native plant lists.
§202.007 HOA prohibitions are unenforceable — owners can recover attorney fees under §5.006 for successful defense. Woodlands DSC native tree removal violations: $500-$2,000 + replacement. Giant salvinia transport to Lake Conroe: TPWD class C misdemeanor.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
The Woodlands, TX
Construction hour restrictions in The Woodlands fall under Montgomery County jurisdiction, not Township covenants. No specific construction hours are mandate...
The Woodlands, TX
Amplified music in The Woodlands is governed by Texas state disorderly conduct law, not Township covenants. Noise that disturbs the community may be reported...
The Woodlands, TX
The Woodlands Township cannot enact noise ordinances — noise complaints are handled under Montgomery County jurisdiction (TX Penal Code §42.01) and by county...
The Woodlands, TX
The Woodlands Township acknowledges barking dogs cannot be regulated through its Restrictive Covenants. Animal control and noise enforcement fall under Montg...
The Woodlands, TX
Parking on lawns, ditches, open space areas, or unpaved surfaces is expressly prohibited by The Woodlands Restrictive Covenants. Vehicles must be parked on a...
The Woodlands, TX
The Woodlands Restrictive Covenants prohibit storage of semi-trucks, farm tractors, and similar commercial vehicles on lots or streets where visible. No time...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Montgomery County.
See how The Woodlands's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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