Does Travis County, TX have its own buffer zones ordinance?

No. Travis County, TX does not appear to have a local buffer zones ordinance, Texas state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from TX HSC 487.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Travis County

Travis County, TX Cannabis Regulations: Buffer Zones (2026)

Few Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

Adult-use buffers: Not applicable
DPS rule: 37 TAC Chapter 12
School setback: Not required by state
Local buffer: None in Travis County

Summary

Texas does not impose statewide cannabis buffer zones because adult-use is illegal; the few Compassionate Use dispensaries follow DPS site-security rules, and Travis County has no local cannabis buffer ordinance.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Travis County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Sec. 487.1035. SATELLITE LOCATIONS. (a) A dispensing organization licensed under this chapter may operate one or more satellite locations in addition to the organization's primary location to securely store low-THC cannabis for distribution. Sec. 487.102. ELIGIBILITY FOR LICENSE. (1)(B) the ability to secure: (ii) premises reasonably located to allow patients listed on the compassionate-use registry access to the organization through existing infrastructure.

Source: TX HSC 487View official code

Full Breakdown

Because Texas has not legalized adult-use cannabis, no statewide cannabis buffer zone law exists. Compassionate Use Program dispensing organizations licensed by DPS must meet facility security standards under 37 TAC Chapter 12, including secure storage and limited public access, but are not required by Texas law to maintain a fixed setback from schools, churches, or parks the way many legal-state cannabis programs do. Travis County has not adopted local cannabis buffer zoning because there is no commercial industry to regulate. Hemp consumable retailers fall under HSC Chapter 443 without setback requirements.

Violations & Fines

Operating a non-Compassionate-Use cannabis storefront is a state criminal offense regardless of distance to schools. Compassionate Use violations are handled administratively by DPS through license suspension or revocation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cannabis buffers required near schools?

Not under Texas law. The Compassionate Use Program imposes security but not a fixed school or park setback. No commercial adult-use industry exists to trigger buffer zoning.

Could Travis County add buffers?

Only if Texas legalizes adult-use cannabis or expressly delegates zoning authority over Compassionate Use sites. Today the county lacks a regulated industry to attach buffer rules to.

Sources & Official References

[1]TX HSC 487 Compassionate Use

Other rules in Travis County

Home CultivationFew Restrictions Cannabis Delivery RulesLight Restrictions Dispensary ZoningFew Restrictions Social Equity LicensingFew Restrictions Personal Cultivation LimitsFew Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseLight Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Exotic PetsSignificant Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Breed RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions

All Travis County rules

Texas rules heatmap·Compare Travis County to another location·View the Texas cannabis regulations overview

See something wrong?

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

Buffer Zones in Cities Across Travis County

Austin, TX Pflugerville, TX