Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Harris County

Harris County, TX Building Safety: Carbon Monoxide Detectors (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Applies to
licensed Boarding Home facilities only
Placement
close to sleeping areas
Permit administrator
Harris County Sheriff's Office
Jurisdiction
unincorporated Harris County only
Penalty
permit suspension, revocation, or fines

Summary

Licensed boarding homes in unincorporated Harris County must keep working carbon monoxide detectors close to sleeping areas under the county's Boarding Home Regulations.

City-specific rules exist: Houston, and Baytown have their own carbon monoxide detectors rules that differ from Harris County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Alarm precautions must include the following: Extinguishers must be sufficiently provided, accessible, checked monthly and recharged annually by a certified person. All fire protection measures must be in accordance with requirements of the local fire authority. Smoke detectors must be hard-wired, working and equipped in each bedroom, in corridors or hallways on each floor, and in laundry and basement areas. Carbon monoxide detectors must be working and equipped close to sleeping areas.

View official code

Full Breakdown

This is not a countywide residential rule. Harris County has no general building code reaching ordinary homes. It applies only to permitted Boarding Home facilities (group housing for three or more disabled or elderly unrelated residents) in unincorporated Harris County. Alongside hard-wired smoke detectors in every bedroom, hallway, laundry room and basement, the Standards require working carbon monoxide detectors placed close to sleeping areas, checked as part of the facility's required annual fire authority inspection.

Violations & Fines

Noncompliance can trigger suspension or revocation of the Boarding Home Permit, plus fines, under the Regulations' enforcement provisions (Section 5, Violations and Penalties).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this apply to a regular unincorporated Harris County house?
No. Harris County has no general building code requiring CO detectors in ordinary homes: this rule binds only permitted Boarding Home facilities.
Who enforces the CO detector requirement?
The Harris County Sheriff, as Boarding Home Permit Administrator, alongside the County Fire Marshal's annual inspections.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Harris County

Building PermitsFew RestrictionsChildcare Center RulesSome RestrictionsDoor Locking HardwareSome RestrictionsBuilding InspectionsSome RestrictionsSmoke AlarmsSome RestrictionsPermits InspectionsSome RestrictionsFire Sprinkler RequirementsLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree TrimmingSome RestrictionsHoliday Decorations: Lawn Ornament RulesSome RestrictionsSign Regulations: Window SignsLight Restrictions

All Harris County rules

Texas rules heatmap·Compare Harris County to another location·View the Texas building safety overview

Get notified when Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Harris County, TX changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Cities Across Harris County

Houston, TXPasadena, TXBaytown, TXLa Porte, TXDeer Park, TXBellaire, TXHumble, TXTomball, TX