Lubbock, TX Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- RE district
- Farm, Ranch, Orchard, Winery permitted by right
- Riding stables
- 2-acre minimum, horses/mules/donkeys only
- Community gardens
- Must register with Director of Planning
- Garden sheds
- Max 200 sq ft, 10 feet tall
- Composting
- 20 ft from side/rear, 40 ft from front
- Violation penalty
- Up to $2,000 fine per day
Summary
Lubbock's Residential Estates (RE) zoning district lists Farm, Ranch, or Orchard and Winery as permitted (P) uses by right under Table 39.02.004.a-1 of the Unified Development Code. Community gardens, greenhouses/nurseries, and riding stables carry Limited or Specific status, triggering the use-specific standards in UDC § 39.02.018.b, including a two-acre minimum lot for horses, mules, or donkeys.
Table 39.02.004.a-1 RE Permitted Uses P = Permitted | L = Limited | S = Specific | "—" Prohibited Use Category Land Use Use Permission Use-Specific Standards Residential Uses (including Agriculture) Agricultural Agricultural Uses Community Garden P — Farm, Ranch, or Orchard P — Farming, Landscaping, and Horticultural Sales and Services S § 39.02.018b Greenhouse/Nursery L § 39.02.018b Riding Stables L § 39.02.018b Winery P —
Full Breakdown
1, to provide very low-density neighborhoods that preserve rural character and let property owners keep large animals. a-1, marks Farm, Ranch, or Orchard and Winery as "P" (permitted outright), Community Garden as "P" but subject to standards, Farming/Landscaping/Horticultural Sales as "S" (Specific), and Greenhouse/Nursery and Riding Stables as "L" (Limited). 07, Livestock and Other Animals, of the City Code. A). Gardens must stay free of odors, pests, rodents, and trash; on-site sheds are capped at 200 square feet and 10 feet in height, and composting containers must sit at least 20 feet from side/rear lines and 40 feet from the front line. A-B). 3). 017.
Violations & Fines
Operating an unlisted agricultural use, exceeding the two-acre riding-stable threshold, or running an unregistered community garden violates the UDC. Under § 39.09.004.b.1, any person who violates or fails to comply with the UDC commits a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $2,000.00, with each day of continued violation a separate offense; the Director of Code Enforcement investigates complaints and may also sue to abate the violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I farm or ranch land zoned RE in Lubbock?
Do I need a permit for a community garden in Lubbock?
How much land do I need to keep horses in Lubbock?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lubbock
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