Does Garland, TX have its own security camera rules ordinance?

No. Garland, TX does not appear to have a local security camera rules ordinance, Texas state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from Texas Penal Code 21.15.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Garland

Garland, TX Privacy & Surveillance: Security Camera Rules (2026)

Few Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

City Rule: None
Visual Recording: Tex. Penal Code 21.15
Audio: One-party consent (16.02)
HOA: May have own rules

Summary

Garland has no ordinance restricting home security cameras. Texas law allows recording of what's visible from your property but prohibits invasion of reasonable privacy.

INVASIVE VISUAL RECORDING. ... (b) A person commits an offense if, without the other person's consent and with intent to invade the privacy of the other person, the person: (1) photographs or by videotape or other electronic means records, broadcasts, or transmits a visual image of an intimate area of another person if the other person has a reasonable expectation that the intimate area is not subject to public view; (2) photographs or by videotape or other electronic means records, broadcasts, or transmits a visual image of another person in a place in which a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy.

Source: Texas Penal Code 21.15View official code

Full Breakdown

The City of Garland does not regulate residential security cameras. Under Texas law, a homeowner may record video visible from their own property, including driveways, sidewalks, and front porches. Recording into areas where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy (such as through a neighbor's bathroom or bedroom window) can violate Texas Penal Code Section 21.15 (Invasive Visual Recording). Audio recording is governed by Texas' one-party consent rule under Penal Code Section 16.02. Cameras in the public right-of-way or pointed at public streets are unrestricted by city rule.

Violations & Fines

Invasive visual recording is a state jail felony under Tex. Penal Code 21.15. Unlawful interception of communications is a felony under 16.02. The City takes no action on compliant residential cameras.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put a camera facing the street?

Yes. Cameras capturing public rights-of-way from your own property are allowed under Texas law and Garland ordinance.

Can I point a camera at my neighbor's yard?

Generally yes for areas visible from public view, but recording into private interior spaces can violate Tex. Penal Code 21.15.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Garland

Landscaping Rules: Water RestrictionsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSignificant Restrictions Recording & Consent LawsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome Restrictions Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSignificant Restrictions

All Garland rules

Texas rules heatmap·Compare Garland to another location·View the Texas privacy & surveillance overview

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