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.
Texas counties generally lack zoning authority outside narrow statutory grants such as floodplain or subdivision regulation under Local Government Code Chapter 232. Municipal zoning under Local Government Code Chapter 211 is limited near agricultural land. Agriculture Code 251.006 and SB 1421 (2023) restrict cities from enforcing ordinances that effectively prohibit generally accepted agricultural practices on protected farms. Land qualified under Tax Code 23.51 for agricultural appraisal receives additional protections. HB 347 (2019) repealed unilateral annexation in many areas, requiring landowner consent or election before bringing rural ag land into city limits and zoning jurisdiction.
Municipal ordinances violating Chapter 251 protections are subject to declaratory judgment and injunctive relief, with attorney fees awarded to prevailing agricultural operators.
Keller, TX
Keller limits construction noise to roughly 7 AM to 8 PM weekdays and Saturdays, with tighter limits on Sundays and holidays. Emergency utility work is exemp...
Keller, TX
Keller combines a plainly audible standard with dB limits at the receiving property line, typically low 60s dBA daytime and mid 50s dBA nighttime in resident...
Keller, TX
Keller requires residential driveways to be paved with concrete or approved hard-surface material. New curb cuts or driveway approaches in the public right-o...
Keller, TX
Retaining walls over 4 feet measured from grade to top require a Keller building permit and Texas-registered engineered plans. Walls must not block drainage ...
Keller, TX
Keller bans no dog breed. TX Health and Safety Code 822 (Lillian's Law) uses a behavior-based dangerous dog standard. HOAs may privately restrict breeds.
Keller, TX
Keller limits grass, weeds, and rank vegetation to 12 inches on all lots including the parkway strip. Code Enforcement uses a 10-day notice before abatement....
See how Keller's agricultural zoning protection rules stack up against other locations.
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