Haltom City, TX Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)

Texas is one of the most rainwater-friendly states in the country. 007, homeowners associations cannot prohibit the installation of rainwater harvesting systems, though they may impose reasonable aesthetic standards such as hidden placement in a side or rear yard, color coordination, and screening. Haltom City does not require a permit for standard residential rain barrels or small above-ground cisterns used strictly for outdoor irrigation, provided the barrels are covered to prevent mosquito breeding (per TX Health & Safety Code 341) and placed so overflow cannot discharge onto adjacent properties.

Cisterns larger than 2,500 gallons or any potable-use system connected to the home plumbing must be permitted through the Building Department and installed by a licensed plumber, with backflow prevention per the TCEQ Rainwater Harvesting Manual and ANSI/ARCSA 63. Property owners installing systems of 500 gallons or more should notify their water provider so that any cross-connection control inspection can occur. 355 provides a state sales tax exemption for rainwater harvesting equipment. Systems placed in the front yard should still comply with any HOA aesthetic standards to avoid disputes.