Garland, TX Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)

56 defines a lawful driveway as an improved parking surface, meaning reinforced concrete at least five inches deep or concrete pavers, or a limited parking surface such as four inches of asphalt over a stabilized base, compacted gravel at least six inches deep, or pavers, connected to a street or alley by an approved connection. Subsection (B) makes it an offense in a residential zoning district to park a motor vehicle or trailer on runners or on any surface other than a driveway, though a narrow exception lets owners of homes built on or before January 1, 1970 with no paved alley access build a front-yard limited parking surface, and a separate affirmative defense protects driveways that predate 1980 and still use their original gravel, asphalt, or macadam surface.

Subsection (C) caps coverage: a driveway or limited parking surface cannot cover more than 50 percent of a front or rear yard, or be wider than 20 feet, except a circular drive with two approved connections or a driveway on a street where parking is restricted can reach 65 percent. Subsection (D) gives owners 24 hours to correct a violation after written notice, with the Director of Code Compliance able to extend that window, and lets an owner appeal to the Housing Standards Board within 30 days by paying a filing fee that is refunded if the Board grants a variance or approves an alternate material.

Subsection (E) requires a permit from the Building Inspection Department before any parking surface improvement is constructed, and Subsection (F) suspends enforcement while the adjoining street itself is under construction.