Williamson County, TX Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Native/xeric plants
- Protected under §202.007
- Living grass
- HOA cannot require (2025)
- HOA review
- Plan submission allowed
- County rules
- None
Summary
Drought-resistant and native landscaping is protected statewide. Property Code Section 202.007 stops an HOA from banning water-conserving plantings, and since September 2025 an HOA cannot force you to keep living grass. The county sets no plant rules.
A property owners' association may not include or enforce a provision in a dedicatory instrument that prohibits or restricts a property owner from: ... (4) using drought-resistant landscaping or water-conserving natural turf.
Full Breakdown
Texas Property Code Section 202.007 prohibits a Williamson County HOA from enforcing any covenant that bans drought-resistant landscaping or water-conserving natural turf, and Section 202.007(d-1) forbids an association from unreasonably denying such an installation or calling it aesthetically incompatible. A 2025 amendment further bars HOAs from requiring owners to plant or maintain living grass, opening the door to xeriscape and native-plant beds. An HOA may still require submission of a landscape plan for review. The county, lacking zoning, regulates no plantings on unincorporated land.
Violations & Fines
No county penalty applies. An HOA that bans native or drought-tolerant landscaping, or unreasonably rejects a plan, acts on a void provision under Section 202.007 and can be challenged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my HOA require me to have a grass lawn?
Can an HOA reject my drought-resistant garden?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Williamson County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Williamson County to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
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