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 HB 347 (2019) repealed unilateral annexation in many areas, requiring landowner consent or election before bringing rural ag land into city limits and zoning jurisdiction.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.
Universal City, TX
Outdoor live and recorded music in Universal City must comply with the general noise ordinance and stop by 10:00 PM unless a special event permit is granted.
Universal City, TX
Amplified music audible beyond a property line in Universal City can trigger a noise violation at any time, with stricter enforcement between 10:00 PM and 7:...
Universal City, TX
Universal City relies primarily on a plainly audible standard rather than specific dBA limits, though zoning performance standards for commercial and industr...
Universal City, TX
Universal City restricts parking of RVs, travel trailers, and boats in residential front yards and public streets, typically requiring storage in the side or...
Universal City, TX
Universal City generally allows on-street parking on public streets but prohibits parking on sidewalks, within 15 feet of fire hydrants, and in posted no-par...
Universal City, TX
Universal City generally allows overnight on-street parking for residential vehicles but prohibits leaving any vehicle in one spot for over 24 hours and bans...
See how Universal City's agricultural zoning protection rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.