Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Texas under TX Water Code Section 16.0121. Texas Property Code 202.007 prohibits HOAs from banning rainwater collection systems. Denton imposes no permit requirement for residential rainwater collection barrels or cisterns used for landscape irrigation.
Texas actively encourages rainwater harvesting. TX Water Code Section 16.0121 affirms the right to collect rainwater from rooftops for domestic use. Texas Tax Code Section 151.355 provides sales tax exemption for rainwater harvesting equipment including barrels, cisterns, pumps, and first-flush diverters. Texas Property Code Section 202.007 prohibits HOAs from restricting rainwater harvesting systems, though HOAs may require that systems be screened from view and maintained in good condition. Denton does not require a permit for residential rainwater collection barrels or small cisterns used for landscape irrigation. Larger systems connected to indoor plumbing for potable use must comply with TCEQ guidelines and may require permitting through Denton Development Services. The City of Denton Water Utilities occasionally promotes rain barrel programs as part of its water conservation outreach, particularly during Stage 1 and Stage 2 drought conditions. Given Dentons average annual rainfall of approximately 37 inches and the drought-prone North Texas climate, rainwater harvesting provides a meaningful supplement to municipal water for landscape irrigation. Systems must not create standing water that breeds mosquitoes; barrels must be sealed or screened.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Denton, TX
Denton Code Sec. 6-9 prohibits any animal from creating noise that interferes with neighbors' reasonable enjoyment of their property. Residents within 300 fe...
Denton, TX
Denton Sec. 17-20 uses a reasonableness standard rather than fixed decibel limits for most noise sources. The one specific numeric limit is 70 dBA at the eve...
Denton, TX
Denton Code Ch. 17, Art. II (Sec. 17-20) prohibits noise of such character, intensity, and duration as to substantially interfere with comfortable enjoyment ...
Denton, TX
Denton DDC Sec. 7.12 requires RVs and boats stored behind the front building line on paved surfaces. Occupancy prohibited. 72-hr temp driveway use.
Denton, TX
Denton restricts vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVWR in residential zones. One light commercial vehicle allowed behind front building line on paved surface.
Denton, TX
Denton has no citywide overnight street parking ban. The 72-hour limit and residential permit zones near UNT/TWU are the primary restrictions.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Denton County.
See how other cities in Denton County handle rainwater harvesting.
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