Texas City, TX Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit fee
- $350 original, $100 renewal, non-refundable
- Distance from schools, worship, parks, day cares
- 2,500 feet, property line to property line
- Distance between enterprises
- 2,500 feet from any other permitted enterprise
- Permit term
- One year; renew at least 20 days before expiration
- Decision deadline
- Director acts within 20 days of a completed application
- Fine for violations
- $150 to $200 per day
Summary
In Texas City, Texas, an adult enterprise cannot operate without a permit from the Director, the Chief of Police or designee. The fee is $350 for an original application and $100 for renewal. No permit issues within 2,500 feet of a school, place of worship, residential neighborhood, licensed day care center or park, or of another permitted enterprise.
(A) It shall be unlawful for any person to own, operate or conduct any business in an enterprise located within the city unless there is a permit for the enterprise. ... (a) Payment in full of a fee shall be made by certified check, cashier’s check or money order, which fee shall not be refunded under any circumstances. The amount shall be: 1. Three hundred fifty dollars for an original application; or 2. One hundred dollars for a renewal application. ... (B) The Director shall issue a permit to the applicant unless one or more of the following conditions exist: (1) The applicant’s enterprise is located within 2,500 feet of any school, regular place of religious worship, residential neighborhood, licensed day care center or park. ... (2) The applicant’s enterprise is located within 2,500 feet of any other enterprise for which there is a permit.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 117 defines an ENTERPRISE as an adult cabaret, adult encounter parlor, adult lounge, adult modeling studio, or any establishment whose major business is offering a product or service intended to provide sexual stimulation or gratification, distinguished by an emphasis on specified sexual activities or anatomical areas. Adult bookstores and adult movie theaters are excluded from that term but remain REGULATED ESTABLISHMENTS for the appearance, sign and age rules. Section 117.02 requires a permit for each enterprise, posted conspicuously at or near the principal public entrance; if no permit is posted, the code presumes none existed.
Applications are hand delivered to the Captain of the Vice Division of the Police Department between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with a non-refundable fee of $350 original or $100 renewal by certified check, cashier's check or money order (§ 117.03). A permit lasts one year, and renewals are filed at least 20 days before expiration (§ 117.04). The Director decides within 20 days and denies the permit for 2,500 foot spacing violations, for a circular area with a 2,500 foot radius that is seventy-five percent or more residential in character, for incomplete or false applications, or for a revocation of the same enterprise within the past 180 days (§ 117.05).
An applicant can request a hearing within 15 days of denial and appeal a Hearing Official's decision to the City Commission within 30 days through the City Secretary. Permits are valid only at the location issued and transfers cost $100 (§§ 117.06 and 117.08). Exterior rules limit each establishment to one primary sign of no more than 75 square feet and one secondary sign of no more than 20 square feet, bar visible merchandise, and bar anyone under 18 (§§ 117.09 to 117.11).
Violations & Fines
Under § 117.99, a violation not otherwise punishable under Tex. Local Gov't Code §§ 243.001 et seq. carries a fine of not less than $150 and not more than $200, and each day a violation continues is a separate offense. The City Attorney can sue to enjoin violations. The Director can revoke a permit for permitting a person under 21 to enter, three or more cumulative violations within 12 months, or 30 consecutive days of closure; suspensions cannot exceed two months (§ 117.07).
Frequently Asked Questions
How far must an adult business be from a school in Texas City, Texas?
Who issues the permit for a sexually oriented business in Texas City?
What does an adult enterprise permit cost in Texas City?
What can get an adult business permit revoked in Texas City?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Texas City
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