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 HB 347 (2019) repealed unilateral annexation in many areas, requiring landowner consent or election before bringing rural ag land into city limits and zoning jurisdiction.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.
Wichita Falls, TX
Wichita Falls treats persistent barking dogs as a noise nuisance. Dog owners are responsible for preventing excessive barking that disturbs neighbors. Wichit...
Wichita Falls, TX
Wichita Falls prohibits unreasonably loud, disturbing, and unnecessary noise that is offensive to ordinary sensibilities. Noise of such character, intensity,...
Wichita Falls, TX
Wichita Falls permits construction noise between 7 AM and 9 PM. Construction, excavation, demolition, alteration, or repair work outside these hours is prohi...
Wichita Falls, TX
Wichita Falls regulates street parking through posted signs and general traffic ordinances. Vehicles may not be parked on streets for extended periods, and f...
Wichita Falls, TX
Wichita Falls restricts parking of large commercial vehicles in residential zones. Vehicles exceeding weight or size limits for residential areas must be sto...
Wichita Falls, TX
Wichita Falls requires vehicles to be parked on approved paved surfaces. Driveway construction and modifications require permits. Front yard parking is only ...
See how Wichita Falls's agricultural zoning protection rules stack up against other locations.
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