Denton County, TX Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)
Key Facts
- Legal Status
- Legal and encouraged
- HOA Bans
- Prohibited by TX law
- Sales Tax
- Equipment is tax-exempt
- Potable Use
- Allowed with TCEQ standards
- Permits
- None required
Summary
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Texas. TX Property Code 202.007 bars HOA bans. Equipment is sales-tax exempt. No county permits required.
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
Texas actively encourages rainwater harvesting through multiple statutes. Texas Property Code 202.007(c) prohibits property owners' associations from restricting the installation or use of rainwater harvesting systems, though HOAs may require them to comply with reasonable architectural standards and be located in a side or back yard. Texas Tax Code 151.355 provides a sales tax exemption on equipment used for rainwater harvesting. Texas Health and Safety Code 341.042 allows rainwater harvesting for potable use when meeting TCEQ water quality standards. Denton County does not require permits for rainwater collection systems. The Texas Water Development Board publishes the Texas Manual on Rainwater Harvesting as a free resource. For unincorporated Denton County properties on well water, rainwater supplements can reduce demand on the Trinity Aquifer. Large storage tanks (over 500 gallons) may require a concrete pad but no county building permit in unincorporated areas. Rainwater systems may qualify for NRCS EQIP cost-share grants through the Denton County USDA Service Center.
Violations & Fines
No penalties for rainwater harvesting -- it is a protected right. HOAs that attempt to ban rainwater systems violate Texas Property Code 202.007 and face legal challenge by the homeowner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I collect rainwater in unincorporated Denton County?
Can I use harvested rainwater for drinking?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denton County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Denton County to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
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