Public Health Rules in Houston, TX (2026)
3 verified public health rules for Houston, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Rodent Control
Houston Code of Ordinances Chapter 10 requires property owners to keep premises free from insect and rodent infestation. The Houston Health Department runs Vector Control programs for mosquitoes and rodents, and issues abatement orders.
Houston Pest Control and Rodent Abatement
Few RestrictionsTexas Occupations Code Sec. 1951.005 (Local Regulation of Pesticide Sale or Use)
Sec. 1951.005. LOCAL REGULATION OF PESTICIDE SALE OR USE. (a) Except as provided by this section, a municipality or other political subdivision of this state may not adopt an ordinance or rule regarding pesticide sale or use. (b) This section does not limit the authority of a municipality or county to: (1) encourage locally approved and provided educational material concerning a pesticide;...
Syringe Disposal
Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 728 prohibits placing used needles and sharps in regular trash. Houston Solid Waste accepts properly contained household sharps at neighborhood depository sites and through limited collection events.
Sharps Disposal Under Texas H&S §728 and Houston Solid Waste
Light RestrictionsTex. Health & Safety Code § 481.125
Sec. 481.125. OFFENSE: POSSESSION OR DELIVERY OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA. (a) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly or intentionally uses or possesses with intent to use drug paraphernalia to plant, propagate, cultivate, grow, harvest, manufacture, compound, convert, produce, process, prepare, test, analyze, pack, repack, store, contain, or conceal a controlled substance in violation o...
Food Handler Certification
Houston Health Department food handler certificates are valid for two years, and the department accepts state-accredited food handler training under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 438 as equivalent proof of completion under city code section 20-58.
Houston Food Handler Certificate Two-Year Term
Some RestrictionsHouston Code of Ordinances § 20-58
A food handler's certificate shall be valid for a period of two years from the date of issuance. The department shall accept as sufficient for food handler training, as specified in section 20-55 of this Code, written proof that such person has successfully completed a food handler training program accredited by the State of Texas pursuant to subchapter D of chapter 438 of the Health and Safety...
Looking for Harris County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Houston city rules.
Public Health Rules in Harris County →