Homelessness & Encampment Rules in Houston, TX (2026)
4 verified homelessness & encampment rules for Houston, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
LAMC §41.18 Encampment Rule
Houston Code Chapter 28 prohibits camping or storing personal property on public property, sidewalks, or rights-of-way. Enforcement narrowed by Martin v. Boise constitutional limits when shelter is unavailable.
Houston Anti-Camping Ordinance Chapter 28
Some RestrictionsSit-Lie Rules
Houston Code Chapter 40 restricts obstructing sidewalks and public rights-of-way. Enforcement against unhoused residents constrained by Martin v. Boise and federal Eighth Amendment precedent on shelter availability.
Houston Sit-Lie Restrictions Chapter 40
Some RestrictionsTex. Penal Code § 42.03
Sec. 42.03. OBSTRUCTING HIGHWAY OR OTHER PASSAGEWAY. (a) A person commits an offense if, without legal privilege or authority, he intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly:(1) obstructs a highway, street, sidewalk, railway, waterway, elevator, aisle, hallway, entrance, or exit to which the public or a substantial group of the public has access, or any other place used for the passage of persons, ...
Encampment Sanitation
Houston Solutions Inc and the Coalition for the Homeless coordinate encampment sanitation with Solid Waste and HPD. Cleanups follow notice protocols, property storage rules, and outreach engagement requirements.
Houston Encampment Sanitation Cleanup Protocol
Some RestrictionsBridge Housing Siting
Houston operates bridge housing and navigation centers under TDHCA Emergency Solutions standards. Programs offer low-barrier shelter, case management, and rapid rehousing pathways within The Way Home continuum.
Houston Bridge Housing And Navigation Centers
Few RestrictionsLooking for Harris County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Houston city rules.
Homelessness & Encampment Rules in Harris County →