Curb Color Rules: Houston vs Pasadena
How do curb color rules rules compare between Houston, TX and Pasadena, TX?
Houston and Pasadena have similar restriction levels.
Houston, TX
Harris County
Only the City of Houston, through Public Works traffic engineering and Chapter 26 of the Code, may paint or authorize curb-color markings such as red (no parking), yellow (loading), green (short-term), or white (passenger). Texas Transportation Code Section 544.011 makes unofficial curb painting unenforceable.
View full Houston rules →Pasadena, TX
Harris County
Texas Transportation Code section 544.011 makes only the local authority responsible for painting and maintaining curb markings such as red, yellow, and white zones. Harris County Engineering paints curbs in unincorporated areas. Private painting of public curbs is prohibited without authorization from the county or city.
View full Pasadena rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Houston | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | Houston Public Works only | - |
| Statute | TX Transp Code 544.011 | - |
| DIY curb paint | Unenforceable; violation | - |
| Common colors | Red, yellow, green, white | - |
| Severity | Moderate — fines plus tow | - |
| Authorizing statute | - | TX Transp Code 544.011 |
| Unincorporated paint | - | Harris County Engineering |
| Red curb meaning | - | No parking or stopping |
| Private painting | - | Prohibited without permit |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Houston FAQ
Can I paint my Houston curb red to stop parking in front of my house?
No. Only Houston Public Works may install curb-color markings under Chapter 26. Unauthorized paint is not enforceable as a traffic control device, and the City may bill you for restoration.
How do I request a red curb on my street?
Submit a request through Houston 311 or the Public Works Traffic Engineering office. The City reviews sight-distance, fire-hydrant, and driveway-clearance criteria before installing or denying any curb marking.
Pasadena FAQ
Can I paint a red curb in front of my Harris County house?
No. Only the Harris County Engineering Department or city traffic agency may paint public curbs. Unauthorized red paint has no legal force, and you may face criminal mischief charges under Texas Penal Code 28.03 if you alter county property.
Are curb-painting house number services legal in Harris County?
Door-to-door curb painting services are typically unauthorized alterations of public property and may also violate solicitor permit rules. Unincorporated complaints go to Harris County Engineering. The county does not endorse private curb-painting vendors.
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