North Richland Hills, TX Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)
Key Facts
- HOA Preemption
- TX Prop Code 202.007
- Small Barrels
- Under 100 gal no permit
- Large Systems
- Permit + backflow required
- Tax Status
- Sales tax exempt
- Permits
- 817-427-6300
Summary
NRH allows residential rainwater harvesting per TX Prop Code 202.007. Barrels under 100 gallons need no city permit. Larger cisterns tied to plumbing require permits and backflow prevention.
Sec. 202.007. CERTAIN RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS PROHIBITED. (a) A property owners' association may not include or enforce a provision in a dedicatory instrument that prohibits or restricts a property owner from: (1) implementing measures promoting solid-waste composting of vegetation, including grass clippings, leaves, or brush, or leaving grass clippings uncollected on grass; (2) installing rain barrels or a rainwater harvesting system; (3) implementing efficient irrigation systems, including underground drip or other drip systems; or (4) using drought-resistant landscaping or water-conserving natural turf. (b) A provision that violates Subsection (a) is void.
Full Breakdown
North Richland Hills follows Texas state policy favoring rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation and non-potable uses. 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. 355 apply to rainwater harvesting equipment purchased for use in Texas. NRH encourages harvesting during recurring drought response stages when outdoor watering is restricted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a rain barrel in NRH?
Can my HOA ban rainwater harvesting?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in North Richland Hills
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Rainwater Harvesting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Tarrant County handle rainwater harvesting.