Texas Local Government Code - LOC GOV'T § 241.042. Trial by Court

(a) The court, in an appeal from a decision of a board of adjustment as provided by Section 241.041, shall try and determine the case de novo on the basis of the facts adduced in the trial of the case in the court. The court shall independently rule on the facts and the law as in an ordinary civil suit.

(b) The court has exclusive jurisdiction to reverse or affirm, in whole or in part, or modify the decision that is appealed and, if necessary, may order further proceedings by the board.

(c) Costs may not be assessed against the board unless the court determines that the board acted with gross negligence, in bad faith, or with malice in making its decision.