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North Richland Hills allows home-based child care regulated by Texas Health and Human Services. Registered Family Homes and Listed Family Homes serve small numbers of children in a residence, while Licensed Child Care Homes allow more children and require state inspection. City zoning treats them as permitted home occupations subject to state capacity limits.
North Richland Hills allows home occupations in residential zoning districts as a secondary use of the dwelling, subject to strict limits on exterior appearance, employees, customer traffic, and signage. The business must be clearly incidental to residential use and not change the neighborhood character.
North Richland Hills limits home occupation customer visits to a volume that is indistinguishable from normal residential traffic. Group classes, walk-in retail, and scheduled daily clients are prohibited. Individual client visits by appointment at a low frequency are allowed if the business meets all other home occupation standards.
North Richland Hills follows Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 437, the Texas Cottage Food Law, which allows home producers to sell approved non-potentially-hazardous foods directly to consumers without a retail food license. Gross sales are capped at $50,000 annually and proper labeling is required.
North Richland Hills prohibits exterior signage for home occupations in residential zoning districts. No window signs, yard signs, lighted signs, vehicle wraps parked for display purposes, or exterior business identification of any kind may be visible from the street advertising the home business.
North Richland Hills does not issue a specific home occupation permit but requires most home businesses to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy and register for any applicable sales tax and business reporting. Compliance with the zoning home occupation standards is enforced through Planning and code compliance.
Beekeeping in North Richland Hills is permitted on lots of sufficient size with setbacks from neighbors. Registration with the Texas Apiary Inspection Service is required for five or more colonies.
North Richland Hills prohibits feeding wildlife such as raccoons, coyotes, and deer where it creates a nuisance. Backyard bird feeders are allowed with rodent-resistant maintenance.
North Richland Hills prohibits livestock and poultry in most residential zones. Fowl and hoofed animals are allowed only on Agricultural (AG) zoned lots of at least one acre with setbacks.
North Richland Hills does not ban any dog breed. Texas Health and Safety Code 822 (Lillian's Law) prohibits breed-specific legislation but requires dangerous dog registration statewide.
North Richland Hills prohibits dangerous wild animals in residential zones. Texas Health and Safety Code 822.101 requires state-registered cages and liability insurance for lions, tigers, and similar species.
Livestock such as horses, cattle, goats, and pigs are prohibited in North Richland Hills residential districts. Agricultural zones of one acre or more may keep limited livestock with setbacks.
All dogs in North Richland Hills must be on a leash under direct physical control whenever off the owner's property. Off-leash is only allowed in NRH Dog Park at Northfield Park.
Pools in North Richland Hills must have barriers at least 48 inches tall with self-closing, self-latching gates. Texas Health and Safety Code 757 backs up the local adoption of the IRC pool barrier rules.
Retaining walls over 4 feet in height (measured bottom of footing to top) require a permit and engineered plans in North Richland Hills, per the adopted International Building Code.
Fence permits are required in North Richland Hills for any new fence over 7 feet, replacement of more than 50 percent of an existing fence, or any fence in a corridor overlay.
North Richland Hills permits wood, vinyl, masonry, wrought iron, and tubular steel fences. Barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fences are banned in residential zones.
North Richland Hills allows fences up to 8 feet in rear and side yards, and 4 feet in front yards. Corner lot sight triangles must stay below 3 feet for traffic safety.
North Richland Hills does not require neighbor consent for a boundary fence, but the finished side must face outward. Shared fence repair costs are governed by Texas Property Code, not city ordinance.
Fences in North Richland Hills must meet height, setback, material, and sight-triangle rules. Corridor overlays require masonry or tubular steel along Davis Boulevard and Rufe Snow Drive.
All consumer fireworks are illegal inside North Richland Hills city limits. Texas Occupations Code 2154 gives cities authority to ban fireworks, and NRH strictly prohibits their sale, possession, and use.
Smoke alarms are required in every North Richland Hills dwelling under the adopted IRC and Texas Property Code 92.251-.261. Landlords must install and maintain hardwired alarms in rentals.
North Richland Hills requires property owners to keep weeds and brush under 12 inches and clear dry vegetation near structures. Enforcement is through NRH Code Enforcement under Chapter 66.
Backyard recreational fires are permitted in North Richland Hills in approved containers under 3 feet wide, 25 feet from structures, and burning only clean wood. Burn bans suspend all backyard fires.
North Richland Hills is not mapped as a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone by the Texas A&M Forest Service, but defensible-space practices are recommended near wooded creek corridors.
Residential fire pits are allowed in North Richland Hills if under 3 feet wide, 25 feet from structures, and attended. Open burning of yard waste is banned under TCEQ 30 TAC 111.209.
Open burning of trash, leaves, and yard waste is banned in North Richland Hills under TCEQ 30 TAC 111.209. Only small recreational fires in approved containers are allowed, subject to burn bans.
North Richland Hills generally does not permit separate accessory dwelling units with independent kitchens or rental status in most single-family zoning districts. Second dwellings require a specific use permit or PD zoning, and the city treats unpermitted backyard apartments as duplexes requiring rezoning.
North Richland Hills requires building permits for sheds over 200 square feet. Sheds must sit behind the front building line, meet a 3-foot side and rear setback, stay under 12 feet at the ridge, and not exceed 40% of rear yard area. Masonry matching may apply in certain PD districts.
North Richland Hills requires a building permit and zoning review for converting a garage into living space, and most R districts require the homeowner to replace the lost enclosed parking. Conversions that create a separate dwelling unit are treated as ADUs and typically prohibited without specific use permit approval.
North Richland Hills permits carports in residential districts only behind the front building line of the house. Front-yard carports are generally prohibited, materials must match the dwelling, and a building permit is required for any permanent carport attached to the home or larger than 200 square feet.
North Richland Hills does not allow tiny homes on wheels as primary dwellings in residential zoning districts. Park-model RVs are treated as recreational vehicles and cannot be occupied outside a licensed RV park. Permanent site-built tiny houses must meet minimum floor area and residential code for the district.
Property owners in North Richland Hills must keep tree branches at least 8 feet above sidewalks and 14 feet above streets. Overhanging limbs blocking traffic or signals must be trimmed promptly.
NRH allows artificial turf in residential yards as a water-conserving option. Quality materials, permeable backing, and proper drainage are required. TX Prop Code 202.007 limits HOA bans.
Grass and weeds in North Richland Hills may not exceed 12 inches. Code Enforcement issues 10-day abatement notices before the city mows and liens the property.
NRH supports xeriscape and native plants under TX Prop Code 202.007. Native grasses, wildflowers, and rock beds are allowed but yards must stay under the 12-inch weed-height rule.
North Richland Hills requires a tree removal permit for any protected tree 6 inches DBH or larger in residential zones, and 8 inches DBH in other zones, under Chapter 114 of the code.
North Richland Hills follows a year-round twice-weekly watering schedule based on address. Stage restrictions through Trinity River Authority tighten limits during drought to once weekly or less.
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.
North Richland Hills Chapter 66 requires properties to be free of weeds, rank grass, and noxious plants over 12 inches. Texas Agriculture Code 71 controls noxious weeds like Johnson grass.
North Richland Hills requires a 48-inch pool barrier around all pools deeper than 24 inches, with self-closing and self-latching gates that swing outward. Chain-link, wood, and masonry are acceptable, and house walls may form part of the barrier only with alarmed doors opening to the pool.
Above-ground pools in North Richland Hills deeper than 24 inches require a building permit and must meet the same barrier rules as in-ground pools. The pool wall itself may serve as part of the barrier if at least 48 inches tall, with removable or secured ladders when not in use.
North Richland Hills requires a swimming pool permit for any in-ground or above-ground pool deeper than 24 inches, plus separate electrical, plumbing, and fence permits. Plans must include structural, drainage, electrical bonding, and barrier details, and multiple inspections occur during construction.
North Richland Hills pools must comply with the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, including VGB-compliant drain covers and anti-entrapment devices. Pool alarms, emergency signage for public pools, and compliant lighting apply, and residential pools serving childcare need additional protections.
Hot tubs and spas in North Richland Hills that exceed 24 inches of water depth require a permit and compliant barrier unless equipped with a lockable safety cover meeting ASTM F1346. Electrical connection to a dedicated 240V GFCI circuit is required, and placement must meet setback rules.
NRH requires all residential driveways to be paved with concrete, asphalt, or approved pavers and to meet width, setback, and drainage standards. Driveway expansions require a permit from the Public Works Department.
NRH permits residential Level 1 and Level 2 EV chargers as accessory uses, requiring an electrical permit for hardwired installations. Commercial EV charging stations must meet accessibility, signage, and parking standards.
Under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 683 and NRH Code, a vehicle parked on public or private property for more than 48 hours without authorization, or more than 72 hours on a public street, is presumed abandoned and may be tagged, towed, and sold.
North Richland Hills allows on-street parking on most residential streets but restricts parking on arterials, within 15 feet of fire hydrants, in marked no-parking zones, and blocking driveways or crosswalks. Texas Transportation Code 545.302 provides baseline rules.
North Richland Hills does not impose a blanket overnight parking ban on passenger vehicles on residential streets, but commercial vehicles, RVs, boats, and unregistered or inoperable vehicles face overnight and long-term restrictions.
NRH allows recreational vehicles and boats to be stored on residential lots only behind the front building line or in a side yard screened from the street. Parking RVs and boats in the front yard or driveway for extended periods is prohibited.
NRH prohibits parking commercial vehicles over one ton rated capacity on residential streets or in residential driveways overnight. Semi-tractors, trailers, and equipment must be parked at commercial or industrial properties or approved storage yards.
Short-term rentals operating under a specific use permit in North Richland Hills must provide adequate off-street guest parking without overflow onto neighborhood streets. Typical SUP conditions require two off-street spaces plus one additional space per bedroom over two, and front-lawn parking is prohibited.
Short-term rental operators in North Richland Hills should carry commercial liability insurance with a minimum of $1 million per occurrence, and specific use permits typically require proof of coverage before issuance. Standard homeowner policies generally do not cover STR commercial activity, creating coverage gaps for unprepared operators.
North Richland Hills does not impose a citywide minimum or maximum night limit on short-term rentals, but specific use permit conditions commonly restrict the minimum stay to two or more nights and may cap total rental nights per year. Stays of 30 consecutive days or more are exempt from hotel tax.
North Richland Hills does not have a streamlined STR registration program. Operators must obtain a specific use permit through the zoning process, register with the NRH Finance Department for hotel occupancy tax, and register with the Texas Comptroller. No simple annual STR license exists.
Short-term rentals in North Richland Hills are subject to occupancy limits typically tied to bedroom count under a specific use permit, with most approvals capping occupancy at two adults per bedroom plus two additional guests. Daytime party caps are usually lower than overnight limits, and maximum hard caps are common.
North Richland Hills generally does not allow short-term rentals as a permitted use in single-family residential zoning districts. STR-style operation of entire dwellings is treated as commercial lodging and requires specific use permit or PD approval. The city is actively monitoring STR activity and enforces zoning violations.
Short-term rental guests in North Richland Hills must comply with the city noise ordinance: 75 dBA daytime and 60 dBA nighttime in residential areas. STR operators are responsible for tenant behavior, and repeated noise violations can trigger loss of specific use permit approval.
North Richland Hills imposes a 7% hotel occupancy tax on rentals under 30 days in addition to the 6% Texas state hotel tax, for a combined 13% total. Operators must register with the City Finance Department and the Texas Comptroller and remit on required schedules even if rented only occasionally.
Aircraft noise over North Richland Hills is regulated by the FAA, not the city. NRH sits under DFW Airport and Meacham Field flight paths, with FAA Part 91 setting minimum altitudes.
North Richland Hills uses the plainly-audible-at-50-feet standard rather than numerical decibel limits. Industrial and special event permits may set specific dBA caps on a case-by-case basis.
North Richland Hills does not ban gas leaf blowers but limits their use to normal daytime hours. Use before 7 a.m. or after 10 p.m. violates the general noise ordinance in Chapter 18.
Outdoor music at NRH venues and private homes must end by 10 p.m. and stay below plainly-audible limits at 50 feet. Special event permits extend hours up to midnight on approval.
North Richland Hills treats persistent dog barking as a public nuisance. Barking continuing for 15 or more minutes may result in citations under city ordinance and Texas Health and Safety Code 822.
Industrial noise in North Richland Hills must meet the plainly-audible standard at property lines and comply with TCEQ rules. Most industry sits in the I-1 and I-2 zones along Loop 820.
Amplified music in North Richland Hills must not be plainly audible at 50 feet from the property line and is prohibited between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. without a special event permit.
North Richland Hills prohibits unreasonably loud noise between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. that disturbs neighbors, enforced under the city noise ordinance and Texas Penal Code 42.01 disorderly conduct.
Construction work in North Richland Hills is generally allowed 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, with Sunday and holiday work restricted unless approved by the Building Official.
NRH permits food truck vending primarily on private commercial property with owner consent and at approved special events. Street vending is limited, and operations in residential zones require event permits. Town Center TOD allows more flexible mobile vending.
Food trucks in NRH require a Tarrant County Public Health mobile food unit permit and a NRH health permit or itinerant vendor permit. Operators must also register with the Texas Comptroller for sales tax and carry liability insurance.
Garage sale signs in NRH are permitted only on the sale property or on other private property with owner permission. Signs in the public right of way (utility poles, medians, street signs) are prohibited and removed by city staff without notice.
Texas Election Code Chapter 259 and Texas Property Code 202.009 protect political signs in NRH. Residents may post signs on their own property during campaign seasons with size and duration limits. HOAs cannot prohibit them but may impose reasonable standards.
NRH permits residential holiday displays and decorations without a permit, including lights, inflatables, and seasonal signs. Displays must not obstruct sightlines, create fire or electrical hazards, or violate HOA rules. Commercial displays have larger signage limits.
HOA assessments in North Richland Hills are governed by CCRs and Texas Property Code 209, which regulates notice, delinquency procedures, and foreclosure. Associations must provide itemized statements, apply payments in a set statutory order, and follow notice and hearing rules before foreclosing on homes for unpaid dues.
Architectural committees in North Richland Hills HOAs must follow written standards and respond to owner applications within stated deadlines under Texas Property Code 202 and 209. HOAs cannot prohibit certain protected improvements such as solar panels, flags, xeriscape, or religious displays without specific statutory criteria.
HOA and POA boards in North Richland Hills are governed by Texas Property Code Chapter 209, which requires open meetings, recorded votes on some matters, member notice, and election procedures. Board actions outside the CCRs or state law can be challenged, and records must be available to owners.
HOA disputes in North Richland Hills are handled under CCRs and Texas Property Code 209, which requires written notice, hearing rights before fines, and access to alternative dispute resolution. Owners may also sue in state court, and some CCRs require mediation or arbitration before litigation.
CCR enforcement in North Richland Hills HOAs must follow Texas Property Code 202 and 209 including written standards, uniform application, due process for violations, and limits on fines. Selective or retaliatory enforcement is grounds for an owner defense and potential counterclaim.
Building setbacks in North Richland Hills are district-specific under the zoning ordinance. Typical R-2 requirements are 25 feet front, 10 feet side (15 feet street side for corner lots), and 20 feet rear. Accessory structures have smaller setbacks but may not cross utility or drainage easements.
North Richland Hills caps residential building height by zoning district, with most single-family zones limited to 35 feet or 2.5 stories. Commercial and multifamily districts allow taller structures subject to Zoning Ordinance setback and transition standards.
NRH lot coverage ratios vary by zoning district, generally capping building footprint at 40 to 50 percent of lot area in single-family zones and up to 70 percent in commercial districts. Impervious surface coverage is also regulated to manage stormwater runoff.
North Richland Hills participates in the NFIP with FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas primarily along Big Fossil Creek, Little Bear Creek, and Calloway Branch. New construction in Zone AE must elevate lowest floors at least 2 feet above the base flood elevation.
NRH requires erosion and sediment control measures on all construction sites including silt fence, inlet protection, and stabilized entrances. Projects disturbing 1 acre or more must file a TCEQ SWPPP and obtain a city stormwater permit.
North Richland Hills operates an MS4 stormwater program under TCEQ TPDES permit TXR040000, requiring construction site controls for projects disturbing 1 acre or more and prohibiting illicit discharges into the storm drain system.
NRH requires grading permits for significant earthwork and mandates positive drainage away from all structures. Runoff cannot be diverted onto neighboring properties, and drainage swales and easements must remain unobstructed.
Tarrant County is inland — no coastal jurisdiction or Texas General Land Office Open Beaches Act rules apply. Waterfront development along the Trinity River, Eagle Mountain Lake, Lake Worth, and Lake Arlington is regulated through Tarrant County's NFIP floodplain permit program and the controlling lake authority (Tarrant Regional Water District or USACE).
NRH requires a building and electrical permit for residential rooftop solar installations. Plans must include structural calculations, electrical single-line diagram, and a shutoff disconnect. Fire access pathways on roofs must meet IRC standards.
Texas Property Code 202.010 limits HOA authority to restrict solar panels on homes in North Richland Hills. HOAs cannot prohibit solar devices but may regulate appearance when alternatives do not materially reduce production or increase cost.
North Richland Hills is not a certified Dark Sky community but enforces outdoor lighting standards requiring full-cutoff fixtures in most commercial zones and regulating light trespass into neighboring properties. Residential lighting is lightly regulated.
NRH prohibits light trespass from nonresidential properties onto adjacent residential lots exceeding 0.5 foot-candles at the property line. Residential light nuisance complaints are handled under the general nuisance ordinance by Code Compliance.
North Richland Hills does not have a just-cause eviction ordinance. Texas Property Code Chapter 24 governs evictions and permits termination of month-to-month tenancies without cause on proper notice. Fixed-term leases can be terminated for breach or at expiration.
North Richland Hills does not currently operate a comprehensive citywide rental registration program for single-family rentals. Multifamily properties must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy and meet building and fire code standards, with periodic inspections.
Texas Local Government Code Section 214.902 preempts cities from enacting rent control, so North Richland Hills does not and cannot cap residential rents. Landlords may set market rates, and increases are governed by the lease terms and notice requirements.
NRH provides curbside single-stream recycling to all residential customers through Republic Services. Recycling is voluntary but encouraged, with a biweekly pickup schedule and guidelines limiting contamination to preserve processing value.
Republic Services collects residential trash and recycling in North Richland Hills through a city contract. Service is weekly for trash and every other week for recycling, with carts placed curbside by 7 AM on collection day.
NRH requires trash and recycling carts to be stored out of public view between collections, typically behind the front building line or inside a garage. Carts can be set curbside no earlier than the evening before pickup and must be returned within 24 hours.
NRH residents receive scheduled bulk trash and brush pickup through Republic Services. Items such as furniture, appliances, and yard debris are picked up on designated days, with size and quantity limits and restrictions on hazardous materials.
NRH city parks are closed to the public from approximately 11 PM to 5 AM daily. Entering parks during closure hours is a Class C misdemeanor. Signed hours and special event permits may modify closing times for specific events and facilities.
North Richland Hills enforces a juvenile curfew under authority of Texas Local Government Code 370.002. Minors under 17 are restricted from public places from 11 PM to 6 AM Sunday through Thursday, and midnight to 6 AM Friday and Saturday, with exceptions.
Pest control in North Richland Hills is regulated by the Texas Department of Agriculture Structural Pest Control Service, which licenses commercial applicators and sets rules for pesticide use, termite treatment, and disclosure. NRH property maintenance code also requires vermin-free premises, with code compliance enforcement against infestations.
Lead-based paint in North Richland Hills is regulated primarily by federal EPA and HUD rules. The Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule requires EPA-certified contractors for disturbing painted surfaces in homes built before 1978, and sellers must disclose known lead-based paint to buyers.
Scaffolding in North Richland Hills is regulated under the adopted International Building Code and federal OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L. Permits are required for scaffolds over 14 feet, sidewalks and rights of way require city permits, and fall protection and inspection rules apply to all construction scaffolds.
Elevators in North Richland Hills are regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 754. Annual inspections by TDLR-licensed inspectors, a Certificate of Compliance, and ASME A17.1 maintenance requirements apply to nearly all elevators.
North Richland Hills does not have a mandatory residential snow and ice removal ordinance for sidewalks, reflecting rare DFW winter events. Commercial property owners are expected to keep entrances safe, and the city focuses on plowing main arterials during ice storms.
North Richland Hills permits residential garage and yard sales without a permit for a limited number of days per year (typically up to 3 consecutive days, no more than 3 times per year). Signs must be posted only on the host property or with permission on private property.
NRH requires trash bins to be maintained in good condition, free of odors attracting pests, and stored out of public view between collections. Damaged carts from Republic Services are replaced at no charge.
NRH Code Compliance enforces property blight rules including rules against tall grass and weeds (over 12 inches), junk accumulation, abandoned vehicles, dilapidated structures, and graffiti. Owners receive notice to abate before fines or city-contracted cleanup.
Vacant lots in NRH must be kept free of tall weeds, debris, and hazards. Grass height limits (12 inches) apply to vacant parcels, and owners are responsible for mowing, debris removal, and securing the property against dumping and trespass.
Unincorporated Tarrant County has no bar or nightclub noise ordinance. TABC license conditions and state disorderly conduct law are the only sound-related controls in rural areas.
Tarrant County has no generator noise ordinance. Standby and portable generators may run without time limits. TX Penal Code 42.01 is the only backstop for extreme persistent noise.
Tarrant County does not regulate HVAC condenser or chiller noise in unincorporated areas. The International Mechanical Code governs installation but noise output is not addressed.
Recreational drones in Tarrant County are governed by FAA 14 CFR Part 107 and 49 USC 44809. Drones 250 grams or more must register. Texas Government Code Chapter 423 restricts surveillance over private property.
Texas Government Code Chapter 423 preempts local commercial drone rules and FAA Part 107 governs commercial flight nationwide. Texas cities cannot require their own drone permits or fees for Part 107 operators delivering or surveying.
Most unincorporated Tarrant County roads have no public sidewalks. Where sidewalks exist, repair responsibility typically falls to the adjacent property owner or the HOA under Texas common law.
Texas Transportation Code Section 552.006 prohibits obstructing sidewalks in unincorporated Tarrant County. Common violations include trash bins, vehicles, basketball goals, and overgrown vegetation.
Tarrant County code enforcement is handled by individual municipalities. In unincorporated areas, complaints go to Tarrant County Development Services. Fort Worth residents use the MyFW app or call 817-392-1234. Arlington uses the Arlington Cares app or 817-459-5474.
Code enforcement response times in Tarrant County vary by municipality and violation severity. Fort Worth prioritizes health and safety hazards for same-day response, while routine violations like tall grass are typically investigated within 3-7 business days.
The most common code violations in Tarrant County include tall grass and weeds exceeding 12 inches, junk vehicles, illegal dumping, substandard structures, and zoning violations such as unpermitted home businesses or accessory structures.
Tarrant County and its municipalities do not have specific ordinances banning or restricting bamboo. If bamboo spreads onto neighboring properties, it may be addressed under general nuisance ordinances or through civil action between neighbors.
Tarrant County defers to the Texas Department of Agriculture's noxious weed list for prohibited species. The state list includes giant salvinia, water hyacinth, and certain thistles. Local municipalities do not maintain separate prohibited plant lists.
Texas HB 1686 (effective 2023) prohibits HOAs and municipalities from banning front-yard vegetable gardens. Tarrant County residents can grow edible gardens in their front yards, though cities may still regulate height, maintenance, and setback standards.
Residential security cameras are legal in Tarrant County without a permit. Texas law allows recording video on your property and publicly visible areas. Cameras must not be directed into areas with a reasonable expectation of privacy such as neighbors' bedrooms or bathrooms.
Texas is a one-party consent state for audio recording. Only one party to a conversation must consent. Video recording in public spaces is legal, but recording in private areas where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy is a state jail felony.
Privacy fences in Tarrant County are generally allowed up to 8 feet in rear and side yards and 4 feet in front yards. Fort Worth requires permits for solid fences over 6 feet. The finished side must face outward toward neighbors.
In most Tarrant County cities, storage sheds under 120 square feet do not require a building permit. Sheds over 120 square feet require a permit and must comply with setback requirements. All sheds must be in the rear yard.
Fence permits are required in Fort Worth for fences over 6 feet tall. Standard residential fences of 6 feet or less in rear and side yards do not require a permit but must comply with zoning setbacks and materials standards.
Decks over 30 inches above grade require a building permit in most Tarrant County cities. Ground-level patios on grade generally do not require a permit. Attached decks must comply with the building code for structural connections.
Most renovation work in Tarrant County requires a building permit if it involves structural changes, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work. Cosmetic work like painting, flooring, and cabinetry typically does not require a permit.
Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 487 limits cannabis dispensing to a small number of state-licensed Compassionate Use Program providers. There are no recreational dispensaries anywhere in Texas, and cities cannot license additional ones.
Texas Health & Safety Code 481.121 makes it a crime to possess or grow marijuana anywhere in the state. Home cultivation is illegal in every Texas city and county regardless of plant count or medical status.
Texas Labor Code Section 62.0515 expressly preempts municipal and county minimum wage ordinances. The state minimum wage equals the federal floor of $7.25 per hour, and political subdivisions cannot require private employers to pay more, except for their own contracts.
Texas appellate courts have struck down municipal paid sick leave ordinances in Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio as preempted under the Texas Minimum Wage Act. HB 2127 (2023) further codifies preemption by barring local regulation of employment benefits and leave policies.
HB 2127 (2023), the Texas Regulatory Consistency Act, preempts municipal predictive or fair workweek scheduling ordinances. Texas cities cannot require employers to provide advance schedule notice, predictability pay, or rest periods between shifts beyond state law.
Texas authorizes License to Carry (LTC) holders to carry concealed handguns statewide under Government Code Chapter 411. Since 2021, permitless constitutional carry under HB 1927 also allows most adults 21 and older to carry without a license, with municipalities preempted from added restrictions.
Texas Local Government Code Section 229.001 broadly preempts municipal regulation of firearms, ammunition, knives, and related accessories. Cities cannot adopt or enforce ordinances regulating the transfer, ownership, possession, transport, or discharge of firearms beyond narrow exceptions for discharge in densely populated areas.
Texas authorizes open carry of holstered handguns statewide for adults 21 and older under Penal Code 46.02 and HB 910 (2015). Long guns may be openly carried subject to disorderly conduct limits. Municipalities cannot impose additional open carry restrictions.
Texas Penal Code 46.02(a-1) lets any non-prohibited adult lawfully carry a handgun inside a personally-owned or leased motor vehicle or watercraft without a License to Carry, provided the firearm is not in plain view and the person is not engaged in criminal activity or gang membership.
Texas Government Code Chapter 673 requires every state agency and any business that contracts with a state agency to register for and use the federal E-Verify system to confirm the work eligibility of new employees. Private-sector E-Verify use is generally voluntary statewide.
Texas Government Code Chapter 752, enacted by Senate Bill 4 in 2017, prohibits any local entity, campus police department, or jail from adopting sanctuary policies. Local officials must honor federal immigration detainer requests and may not bar officers from inquiring about immigration status.
Texas Local Government Code Chapter 212 and Agriculture Code Chapter 251 limit municipal authority to zone or regulate land qualified for agricultural use appraisal. Counties have no general zoning authority, and cities face restrictions on annexing or imposing land use rules on established farms.
The Texas Right to Farm Act, Agriculture Code Chapter 251, protects established agricultural operations from nuisance lawsuits and local regulations after one year of operation. SB 1421 (2023) significantly strengthened protections, preempting municipal ordinances that restrict generally accepted agricultural practices.
The Texas Supreme Court in City of Laredo v. Laredo Merchants Association (2018) held that Health and Safety Code Section 361.0961 preempts municipal plastic bag bans. Cities and counties cannot prohibit or restrict retail use of plastic checkout bags as containers or packages.
Health and Safety Code Section 361.0961 also preempts municipal bans on polystyrene foam containers used for food service. The same statute that struck down plastic bag bans prevents Texas cities from prohibiting expanded polystyrene cups, plates, and takeout packaging.
Plastic straw bans by Texas municipalities are preempted under Health and Safety Code Section 361.0961 and reinforced by HB 2127 (2023). Cities cannot prohibit or restrict food service businesses from offering single-use plastic straws to customers.