Harris County, TX Code Violation Reporting: Response Times (2026)
Key Facts
- How to file
- Written complaint to the Administrator
- Re-inspection wait
- 30 days after Notice to Abate
- Applies in
- Unincorporated Harris County only
- Unabated cost
- $100 admin fee plus abatement costs
Summary
Unincorporated Harris County residents report nuisances in writing to the County Health Department Administrator, who logs and investigates each complaint, then must wait 30 days after issuing a Notice to Abate before re-inspecting the property.
A complaint to abate a public nuisance under these procedures may be initiated by any person by written complaint filed with the Administrator. The Administrator shall make a record of all complaints received... After the expiration of 30 days from the date on which the County's Notice to Abate the Public Nuisance is served, the Administrator shall inspect the premises described in the complaint.
Full Breakdown
Under Subchapter 11C of the county's Nuisance Abatement Procedures, adopted under the state Neighborhood Nuisance Abatement Act (Health & Safety Code Ch. 343), any person may file a written complaint with the Administrator, currently the Director of the Harris County Health Department. The Administrator records every complaint received, may enter the property with identification to investigate, and decides whether a public nuisance exists. If one does, the county serves a Notice to Abate; the Administrator then waits the full 30 days before returning to inspect the property described in the complaint. If the nuisance still hasn't been abated and no hearing was requested, the case moves toward further notice or Commissioners Court action.
Violations & Fines
If the nuisance isn't abated, Commissioners Court can order abatement and assess the abatement cost, publication cost, and a $100 administrative fee plus interest against the property owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report a nuisance to Harris County?
How long until the county re-checks a property after a notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Harris County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Harris County to another location·View the Texas code violation reporting overview
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