Houston has no breed-specific legislation. Texas prohibits BSL statewide under Health and Safety Code Chapter 822. Houston uses behavior-based dangerous dog determinations under Chapter 6. No breed is banned or restricted.
Texas prohibits breed-specific legislation statewide under Health and Safety Code Chapter 822, Section 822.047, which states that local regulations of dangerous dogs may not be specific to one breed or several breeds. Houston follows behavior-based dangerous dog determinations under Chapter 6. A dog is classified as dangerous based on individual behavior, specifically if the dog causes serious bodily injury or death, or acts in a manner posing a serious threat. Houston maintains a database of dogs determined to be dangerous. The city has updated its aggressive and dangerous dogs ordinance to streamline the designation procedure. Owners of dogs declared dangerous must comply with strict requirements including secure enclosures, warning signs, liability insurance, and microchipping. No specific breed including pit bulls is banned or restricted.
Dangerous dog violations: enhanced penalties under HSC Ch. 822 and Chapter 6. Failure to comply with dangerous dog requirements: criminal offense. Owners may face felony charges if a dangerous dog causes serious injury.
Houston, TX
Smoke alarms in Houston dwellings are governed by Tex. Health & Safety Code Chapter 766 and the Houston Fire Code, which adopts the International Fire Code (...
Houston, TX
Houston has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations on residential property. With no zoning and limited aesthetic c...
Houston, TX
Houston has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Inflatable size, location, lighting, and motor noise are governed by subdiv...
Houston, TX
Houston has no municipal ordinance regulating holiday light displays. With no zoning and limited aesthetic regulation, holiday lighting is governed by deed r...
Houston, TX
Houston requires building permits for built-in outdoor kitchens that include gas lines, plumbing, electrical wiring, or structural roofs. Standalone freestan...
Houston, TX
Houston has no specific ordinance prohibiting residential smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens. Smoke nuisance complaints may be addressed under Chapt...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Harris County.
See how other cities in Harris County handle breed restrictions.
See how Houston's breed restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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