In Texas a squatter can claim title only through adverse possession, with periods that shorten as the claim strengthens: 3 years under title or color of title (§ 16.024), 5 years with a registered deed plus paid taxes (§ 16.025), 10 years for bare possession capped at 160 acres (§ 16.026), and 25 years under a recorded instrument (§ 16.028).
Under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.024, an owner must sue within three years against a possessor holding "under title or color of title." Section 16.025 sets a five-year bar where the possessor cultivates, uses, or enjoys the land, "pay[s] applicable taxes," and claims "under a duly registered deed" (excluding quitclaim, forged, or forged-power-of-attorney deeds). Section 16.026 sets a ten-year bar for one who cultivates, uses, or enjoys the property, "limited…to 160 acres" without a recorded instrument fixing larger boundaries. Section 16.028 sets a 25-year bar for a good-faith holder under a recorded instrument purporting to convey the property, which "extends to…all of the property described in the instrument, even though the instrument is void on its face or in fact." Possession must be actual, open, exclusive, hostile, and continuous.
No specific statutory penalty against the owner. A squatter gains title only if every adverse-possession element is met for the applicable 3-, 5-, 10-, or 25-year period; otherwise the occupant has no possessory right and is subject to removal through the eviction or trespass process.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Willis, TX
Willis §92.21 specifically prohibits keeping any animal or bird that makes frequent or long-continued sounds unreasonably disturbing neighbors. Animal contro...
Willis, TX
Willis Code §92.21 prohibits sound nuisances that unreasonably annoy, disturb, injure, or endanger the peace, comfort, repose, health, or safety of a reasona...
Willis, TX
Willis has no specific leaf blower ordinance. Leaf blower use is subject to §92.21 general nuisance provisions. No ban on gas-powered equipment.
Willis, TX
Willis §92.21 prohibits the use of drums, loudspeakers, and amplifiers to attract attention by creating noise without a city secretary permit. Residential am...
Willis, TX
Driveway construction in Willis requires building permits under Chapter 150 (Building Codes). Zoning Code (Chapter 155) sets off-street parking requirements....
Willis, TX
RV and boat parking in Willis is subject to zoning ordinance (Chapter 155) requirements and Texas Transportation Code. Residential zones may restrict long-te...
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