Burleson, TX Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)

Section 52 of Appendix B, the City of Burleson zoning ordinance, creates the A, agricultural district. Its purpose in § 52-100 is appropriate zoning for land expected to remain in agricultural use for several years, and it anticipates that the A districts will be changed to urban uses and other zoning categories as the area within the corporate limits becomes fully developed. Newly annexed territory is zoned A unless the city council, at the time of annexation, designates other zoning categories.

The primary uses in § 52-105 include Farm, ranch, garden, orchard, Stable or barn private, Single-family detached, Industrialized housing (modular home), Day camp for children, Country club private, and School, primary and secondary. Accessory uses allowed are Accessory building, agricultural, Accessory building, residential, Caretaker's or guard's residence, Home occupation, Off-street parking and Swimming pool, private.

Heavier agricultural and animal uses need a specific use permit under § 52-110, an ordinance amendment decided by the city council after a public hearing: Hatchery, Livestock auction, Greenhouse or commercial nursery, Kennel (outdoor), Rodeo grounds, Fair grounds or exhibition area, Animal pound private, and the three veterinary uses. A religious institution carries a condition: once a building permit has been issued for it, farming, ranching and all other livestock related uses are prohibited.

The development area regulations in § 52-120 apply to all uses: 3 acres minimum lot size for a single-family detached structure, 1,500 square feet minimum floor area for a dwelling unit, a 35 feet minimum front yard, no rear yard, a ten feet minimum side yard on each side, 15 feet minimum adjacent to a street, a 150 feet minimum lot width and a 200 feet minimum lot depth. Section 52-115 caps buildings at three stories except as allowed by § 133.