Home Occupation Permits: Bellaire vs Houston

Do I need a home occupation permit in unincorporated Harris County?

No. Harris County does not require a home occupation permit because Texas counties lack general zoning authority. Local Government Code Chapter 231 grants zoning powers only to a limited list of counties, and Harris County is not on that list. The commissioners court therefore cannot license home-based businesses or restrict employees, hours, or signage by zoning. State trade licensing, deed restrictions, and Harris County's Certificate of Compliance for any commercial structure still apply.

Can my Harris County deed restrictions block a home business?

Yes. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 203 lets Harris County and any property owner sue to enforce recorded deed restrictions in unincorporated subdivisions, and most Harris County subdivisions restrict properties to single-family residential use. A home business that breaches the restriction can be enjoined by the County Attorney's Community Protection Section or a neighboring owner, with damages and attorney's fees.

What about a home business inside Houston city limits?

The City of Houston has no traditional zoning code, but it enforces the city's Code of Ordinances Chapter 28 deed restriction program, requires a Certificate of Occupancy through the Houston Permitting Center for commercial use of a structure, and applies parking, sign, and noise rules to home-based businesses. Other incorporated cities in Harris County (Pasadena, Bellaire, etc.) have their own zoning ordinances that often regulate home occupations directly.

Do I need a home occupation permit in unincorporated Harris County?

No. Harris County does not require a home occupation permit because Texas counties lack general zoning authority. Local Government Code Chapter 231 grants zoning powers only to a limited list of counties, and Harris County is not on that list. The commissioners court therefore cannot license home-based businesses or restrict employees, hours, or signage by zoning. State trade licensing, deed restrictions, and Harris County's Certificate of Compliance for any commercial structure still apply.

Can my Harris County deed restrictions block a home business?

Yes. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 203 lets Harris County and any property owner sue to enforce recorded deed restrictions in unincorporated subdivisions, and most Harris County subdivisions restrict properties to single-family residential use. A home business that breaches the restriction can be enjoined by the County Attorney's Community Protection Section or a neighboring owner, with damages and attorney's fees.

What about a home business inside Houston city limits?

The City of Houston has no traditional zoning code, but it enforces the city's Code of Ordinances Chapter 28 deed restriction program, requires a Certificate of Occupancy through the Houston Permitting Center for commercial use of a structure, and applies parking, sign, and noise rules to home-based businesses. Other incorporated cities in Harris County (Pasadena, Bellaire, etc.) have their own zoning ordinances that often regulate home occupations directly.