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 HB 347 (2019) repealed unilateral annexation in many areas, requiring landowner consent or election before bringing rural ag land into city limits and zoning jurisdiction.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.
Willis, TX
Willis §92.21 specifically prohibits keeping any animal or bird that makes frequent or long-continued sounds unreasonably disturbing neighbors. Animal contro...
Willis, TX
Willis Code §92.21 prohibits sound nuisances that unreasonably annoy, disturb, injure, or endanger the peace, comfort, repose, health, or safety of a reasona...
Willis, TX
Willis has no specific leaf blower ordinance. Leaf blower use is subject to §92.21 general nuisance provisions. No ban on gas-powered equipment.
Willis, TX
Willis §92.21 prohibits the use of drums, loudspeakers, and amplifiers to attract attention by creating noise without a city secretary permit. Residential am...
Willis, TX
Driveway construction in Willis requires building permits under Chapter 150 (Building Codes). Zoning Code (Chapter 155) sets off-street parking requirements....
Willis, TX
RV and boat parking in Willis is subject to zoning ordinance (Chapter 155) requirements and Texas Transportation Code. Residential zones may restrict long-te...
See how Willis'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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.