Plano, TX Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)

Texas Property Code Section 202.007 explicitly prevents property owners associations and local governments from prohibiting the use of rainwater harvesting systems, composting, and efficient irrigation equipment on residential property, though HOAs may impose reasonable aesthetic standards (color, location, screening). Plano embraces this state policy: the city water conservation program promotes rain barrels, publishes how-to guides, and has historically offered rebates through NTMWD and the Plano water utility for rain barrels and cisterns. Small rain barrels (typically 50-100 gallons) with diverter kits from downspouts need no city permit. Larger cisterns (over 500 gallons) or any system that will feed into the home interior plumbing (toilets, laundry, fire suppression) must meet Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) guidance and the Plano plumbing code, and a plumbing permit is required for potable cross-connections and backflow prevention. Collected rainwater is exempt from outdoor watering schedule restrictions.