North Richland Hills, TX Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)

North Richland Hills follows Texas state policy favoring rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation and non-potable uses. Texas Property Code 202.007, enacted in 2011, prohibits a property owners association from enforcing a deed restriction that bans the installation of a rain barrel or rainwater harvesting system on a lot larger than one acre, though HOAs may regulate placement, screening, and color so the system is not visible from the street. For city purposes, simple above-ground rain barrels up to 100 gallons collecting rooftop runoff for outdoor irrigation do not require a building or plumbing permit in North Richland Hills. Larger cisterns, underground tanks, or any system tied into the building plumbing for toilet flushing or indoor non-potable use must be permitted through NRH Planning and Inspections at 817-427-6300, include an engineered backflow prevention assembly approved by the state, and receive a cross-connection inspection before final approval. Tax exemptions under Texas Tax Code 151.355 apply to rainwater harvesting equipment purchased for use in Texas. NRH encourages harvesting during recurring drought response stages when outdoor watering is restricted.