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

Agricultural land use in Texas City, Texas is handled through District O, Open Space, in Chapter 160 of the Code of Ordinances. Section 160.049(A) describes the district as land within the corporate limits that is not subdivided or is relatively undeveloped, and it says the district is designed to promote orderly, timely, economical growth. It also states that all O districts are anticipated to be rezoned to other zoning classifications as the city proceeds toward full development, so O works as a holding classification, not a permanent farm zone.

Principal uses under § 160.049(B) include farms and crop production, truck gardens, greenhouses excluding sales, pasturage, barns and stables for keeping private stock, and a private riding academy. Single-family dwellings, golf courses and country clubs, governmental buildings, public utility uses and public parks are listed alongside them. Accessory uses are private garages, private swimming pools and home occupations.

The area table in § 160.049(D) sets the physical limits: a 2 acre minimum lot area, 80 feet of minimum lot width, 100 feet of minimum lot depth, a 50 foot minimum front yard, a 20 foot minimum rear yard, and a 15 foot minimum side yard, or 25 feet where the side yard is adjacent to a street. Structures cover no more than 20% of the lot, and structures, driveways and parking together are capped at 40%. Principal buildings top out at 2.5 stories or 35 feet, accessory structures at 2 stories or 25 feet, and detached structures sit at least 10 feet apart.

Where a side or rear lot line is adjacent to any district zoned for residential uses, § 160.049(F) requires screening in accordance with § 160.084. The section is a use list with dimensions. It contains no nuisance protection for farm operations, so this page covers land use only and is not a right-to-farm shield.