Business Licensing & Operations in Houston, TX (2026)
7 verified business licensing & operations rules for Houston, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
Houston regulates sexually oriented businesses under Code of Ordinances Chapter 28, Article III, requiring annual permits, manager screening, 1,500-foot zoning buffers from churches, schools, parks, and homes, plus interior layout standards drawn from Texas Local Government Code Chapter 243.
Houston Sexually Oriented Business Licensing Under Chapter 28
Heavy RestrictionsTex. Local Government Code § 243.003
Sec. 243.003. AUTHORITY TO REGULATE. (a) A municipality by ordinance or a county by order of the commissioners court may adopt regulations regarding sexually oriented businesses as the municipality or county considers necessary to promote the public health, safety, or welfare.(b) A regulation adopted by a municipality applies only inside the municipality's corporate limits.(c) A regulation adop...
Massage Establishments
Massage therapists and establishments in Houston must hold Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation credentials under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 455, with Houston police and code enforcement targeting illicit massage parlors through inspections, zoning checks, and human-trafficking investigations.
Massage Establishment Licensing Rules in Houston
Some RestrictionsTex. Occupations Code § 455.151
Sec. 455.151. LICENSE REQUIRED. (a) Unless the person is exempt from the licensing requirement, a person may not act as a massage therapist, massage school, massage therapy instructor, or massage establishment unless the person holds an appropriate license issued under this chapter.(b) Unless the person is exempt from the licensing requirement, a person may not represent that the person is a ma...
Tattoo & Body Modification
Tattoo and body-piercing studios in Houston operate under a Texas Department of State Health Services license issued under Health and Safety Code Chapter 146, with the Houston Health Department supporting inspections. Tattooing minors is generally banned and reusable instruments must be autoclaved.
Houston Tattoo and Piercing Studio Licensing Rules
Some RestrictionsTex. Health & Safety Code § 146.012
Sec. 146.012. TATTOOS PROHIBITED FOR CERTAIN PERSONS. (a) A tattooist may not tattoo:(1) except as provided by Subsection (a-1), a person younger than 18 years of age; or(2) a person who the tattooist suspects is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.(a-1) A tattooist may tattoo a person younger than 18 years of age if:(1) the tattoo will cover a tattoo that contains:(A) obscene or offensive ...
Tobacco Retail License
Every Houston retailer selling cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes, or alternative nicotine products must hold an annual retailer permit from the Texas Comptroller under Texas Tax Code Chapter 154 and Health and Safety Code Chapter 161. Houston has no separate city tobacco license.
Tobacco Retailer Permit Rules for Houston Stores
Some RestrictionsTex. Health & Safety Code § 161.084
Sec. 161.084. WARNING NOTICE. (a) Each person who sells cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or tobacco products at retail or by vending machine shall post a sign in a location that is conspicuous to all employees and customers and that is close to the place at which the cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or tobacco products may be purchased.(b) The sign must include the statement:PURCHASING OR ATTEMPTING TO PURCH...
Secondhand Dealers
Houston secondhand dealers, including used-jewelry buyers, used-merchandise stores, and metal recyclers, must register under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1956 and report transactions to police. Houston Police runs the LeadsOnline reporting system to recover stolen goods.
Houston Secondhand and Used Goods Dealer Rules
Some RestrictionsTex. Occupations Code § 1956.022
Sec. 1956.022. ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATE; QUALIFICATIONS. (a) The department shall issue a certificate of registration to an applicant who:(1) applies and pays a registration fee;(2) presents any relevant evidence relating to the applicant's qualifications as required by commission rule;(3) submits a declaration describing the extent to which the applicant intends to engage in transactions involv...
Pawnbrokers
Pawnbrokers operating in Houston must hold a Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner license under Texas Finance Code Chapter 371. Maximum interest is 20% per month on small pawns, items must be held 30 days, and Houston Police monitor transaction reporting through LeadsOnline.
Pawnbroker Licensing Rules in Houston
Some RestrictionsTowing Companies
Houston towing companies must hold a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation license under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2308 and a Houston permit under Code Chapter 8. Nonconsent tow rates are capped, vehicles must be posted, and storage fees are limited.
Houston Towing Company Permit and Rate Rules
Some RestrictionsTex. Occupations Code § 2308.151
Sec. 2308.151. LICENSE OR LOCAL AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED. (a) Unless the person holds an appropriate license under this subchapter, a person may not:(1) perform towing operations; or(2) operate a towing company.(b) Unless prohibited by a local authority under Section 2308.2085, a person may:(1) perform booting operations; and(2) operate a booting company. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. ...
Looking for Harris County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Houston city rules.
Business Licensing & Operations in Harris County →