Backyard ranges?
- Thread starter bk17
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If you buy a house, the deed / declaration of CC&R will let you know if you're in a platted subdivision or if there are restrictions, such as no-shooting. THat's not an end-all be all and you'll hafta double check the county regulations too, but from what I"ve seen the restrictions on shooting usually use the term "in a platted subdivision" - technically I'm in a "platted subdivision" on our property - its one of two lots because the former owner used to own the contiguous land, he split it down the middle and put up a 2nd house, sold the other parcel, then sold our parcel.
I was just looking into this again today - and you *can* get your property's subdivision declaration vacated via replatting, but the other property owners in the declared subdivision must consent as well.
AndiTurner
Member
So, just to reiterate from other threads, I am not a lawyer.
That said, a decent real estate agent would know or be able to find quickly in the HOA docs about shooting rules.
Also, I *think* the state requirement is 10 acres but counties can go lower. In Bastrop, where I live, it's five acres. That said, yes make the solid and tall backstop and be the good neighbor that I suspect you are. When I'm sitting on my back porch at 9 or 10 o'clock on a Saturday night, someone near(ish) to us is shooting. Maybe feral hogs? I dunno. Wish I knew who it was so I could wrangle an earlier invitation lol.
I do not give a fig about the time but if I had babies who need to be sleeping, I might care very much.
Also, if you move into a subdivision, the Board can change the rules after you move in. Which is why, if we ever move it will NOT be in a subdivision. (I detest PAMCO but that's another thread lol)
If you need me to provide you with code reference, email me and I'll dig into it.
That said, a decent real estate agent would know or be able to find quickly in the HOA docs about shooting rules.
Also, I *think* the state requirement is 10 acres but counties can go lower. In Bastrop, where I live, it's five acres. That said, yes make the solid and tall backstop and be the good neighbor that I suspect you are. When I'm sitting on my back porch at 9 or 10 o'clock on a Saturday night, someone near(ish) to us is shooting. Maybe feral hogs? I dunno. Wish I knew who it was so I could wrangle an earlier invitation lol.
I do not give a fig about the time but if I had babies who need to be sleeping, I might care very much.
Also, if you move into a subdivision, the Board can change the rules after you move in. Which is why, if we ever move it will NOT be in a subdivision. (I detest PAMCO but that's another thread lol)
If you need me to provide you with code reference, email me and I'll dig into it.
Yes, it's amazing to see imo. Just a Grey wall coming at you from off in the distance, then monsoon. Idk if ppl call a rainy season but it is the only season it rains afaik
I really just don't want to buy a house or move everything down there to figure out rules and I have no desire to live in a HOA. I simply want a plot of land with a decent house, good school district, and the freedom to shoot my guns on my said land (in the most safe and respectful manner possible of course, if i wouldnt like some else doing it then i shouldnt do it myself)and towork on and drive my camaro (which seems like a whole new can of worms in TX), enjoy hot weather, hunt, fish, hike, etc.
Axxe55
Retiretgtshit stirrer
I would avoid any place that had any type of HOA like the plague!
Those are monsoon storms. They are nothing compared to texas thunderstorms. Although the worst are intense and often bring dust storms with them.
Those storms bring about half of the regions 7 inches of yearly rain over the summer months. I thought they were pretty hood storms till we moved to texas. It dies get fairly humid at times too. Especially if you depend on swamp coolers.
In contrast I got 4 inches of rain in about 3 hours the other night. We have got 7 plus inches of rain over a couple days which is more than most of AZ gets in a year. Texas humidity can be impressive and oppressive but still is nothing compared to 120degree days. I'll take 85 to 90 degrees and the humidity any time.
Any realtor worth a damn will research and inform a prospective buyer of restrictions.
An interested buyer should ask specific questions regarding shooting and hunting laws and restrictions.
It's seriously going to vary mile by mile in Texas.
"Lawyer might be worth the asking".
General Zod
TGT Addict
Every county should (and probably does) have their laws and regulations online. They just might not all have them organized the same way, or even in a logical way. It'll take some digging on the various websites each county has.
As always, state law prevails and restricts lower level jurisdictions. This is the relevant state code and then you must research each county you are interested in on what they limit within the state guidelines. https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/LG/htm/LG.229.htm "Most" of the counties are fairly easy to find.
Sec. 229.002. REGULATION OF DISCHARGE OF WEAPON. A municipality may not apply a regulation relating to the discharge of firearms or other weapons in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the municipality or in an area annexed by the municipality after September 1, 1981, if the firearm or other weapon is:
(1) a shotgun, air rifle or pistol, BB gun, or bow and arrow discharged:
(A) on a tract of land of 10 acres or more and more than 150 feet from a residence or occupied building located on another property; and
(B) in a manner not reasonably expected to cause a projectile to cross the boundary of the tract; or
(2) a center fire or rim fire rifle or pistol of any caliber discharged:
(A) on a tract of land of 50 acres or more and more than 300 feet from a residence or occupied building located on another property; and
(B) in a manner not reasonably expected to cause a projectile to cross the boundary of the tract.
So, if you have 50 acres or more, in an unincorporated area, the county can not prevent you from firing. If you have LESS than 50 acres, it is up to them. As you've pointed out, 'most' default to 10 acres for everything (air rifle, shot gun, rime fire and center fire). But some are less. One was 3 acres (which was surprising but I can't remember which now). I've been searching in the hill country for months for a place to relocate to. Unfortunately, to get what I really want is apparently going to require 7 figures. That's just not happening.
The hunt continues....
Sec. 229.002. REGULATION OF DISCHARGE OF WEAPON. A municipality may not apply a regulation relating to the discharge of firearms or other weapons in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the municipality or in an area annexed by the municipality after September 1, 1981, if the firearm or other weapon is:
(1) a shotgun, air rifle or pistol, BB gun, or bow and arrow discharged:
(A) on a tract of land of 10 acres or more and more than 150 feet from a residence or occupied building located on another property; and
(B) in a manner not reasonably expected to cause a projectile to cross the boundary of the tract; or
(2) a center fire or rim fire rifle or pistol of any caliber discharged:
(A) on a tract of land of 50 acres or more and more than 300 feet from a residence or occupied building located on another property; and
(B) in a manner not reasonably expected to cause a projectile to cross the boundary of the tract.
So, if you have 50 acres or more, in an unincorporated area, the county can not prevent you from firing. If you have LESS than 50 acres, it is up to them. As you've pointed out, 'most' default to 10 acres for everything (air rifle, shot gun, rime fire and center fire). But some are less. One was 3 acres (which was surprising but I can't remember which now). I've been searching in the hill country for months for a place to relocate to. Unfortunately, to get what I really want is apparently going to require 7 figures. That's just not happening.
The hunt continues....
Never had any issues shooting on 10 or more acres anywhere in Texas. Any and all land I’ve ever shot on or family owned was definitely not in city limits. Then again we never referred to it as the backyard, it was simply the pasture.
Found it. Props to Kendall. https://www.co.kendall.tx.us/page/open/2401/0/Backup Docs March 22
AndiTurner
Member
Lord, if it weren't for the commute during session, I'd move right QUICK!
It appears Bastrop is only 5. Not bad at all.
yes
Counties can regulate 10 acres or less unincorporated subdivisions.
Sec. 235.022. AUTHORITY TO REGULATE. To promote the public safety, the commissioners court of a county by order may prohibit or otherwise regulate the discharge of firearms and air guns on lots that are 10 acres or smaller and are located in the unincorporated area of the county in a subdivision.
AndiTurner
Member
It is but when we moved here, I didn't know that and we aren't on 5. Still a very reasonable requirement though.
