Williamson County, TX Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)
Key Facts
- HOA ban
- Void under §202.007
- Rain barrels
- Expressly protected
- HOA may set
- Screening, color rules
- Sales tax
- Exempt for equipment
Summary
Rainwater harvesting is protected statewide. A Williamson County HOA cannot prohibit rain barrels or a rainwater collection system, and the county encourages it. Property Code Section 202.007 voids any covenant that bans them.
A property owners' association may not include or enforce a provision in a dedicatory instrument that prohibits or restricts a property owner from: ... (2) installing rain barrels or a rainwater harvesting system... A provision that violates Subsection (a) is void.
Full Breakdown
Texas Property Code Section 202.007 bars a property owners' association from enforcing any deed-restriction provision that stops an owner from installing rain barrels or a rainwater harvesting system, and it voids such provisions outright. An HOA may still require, for aesthetics, that a barrel not be visible from the street or a neighboring lot and that it match the home. Rainwater harvesting equipment for residential use is also exempt from state sales tax. Williamson County itself imposes no barrier to collecting rain for landscape irrigation.
Violations & Fines
None from the county. An HOA covenant that flatly bans rain barrels is void and unenforceable under Section 202.007. Owners may still be asked to screen a barrel from street view.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my HOA stop me installing a rain barrel?
Does Williamson County restrict rainwater collection?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Williamson County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Williamson County to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
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