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

Texas is one of the most rainwater-friendly states in the country. Under Texas Property Code 202.007, 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. Texas Tax Code 151.355 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.