Business Licensing & Operations in Bexar County, TX (2026)
5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Bexar County, Texas.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
Texas Local Government Code Chapter 243 authorizes Bexar County to regulate sexually oriented businesses in unincorporated areas through location, hour, and licensing rules. The county requires permits, age 18 minimum, and significant separation from churches, schools, and homes.
Sexually Oriented Business Regulation
Some RestrictionsTexas Local Government Code Chapter 243 (Sexually Oriented Business Regulation)
CHAPTER 243. MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY AUTHORITY TO REGULATE SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESS. Sec. 243.001. PURPOSE; EFFECT ON OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY. (a) The legislature finds that the unrestricted operation of certain sexually oriented businesses may be detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare by contributing to the decline of residential and business neighborhoods and the growth of cr...
Massage Establishments
Massage establishments and therapists in Bexar County must hold a license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation under Occupations Code Chapter 455. The county and Sheriff partner with TDLR on inspections, anti-trafficking checks, and zoning enforcement.
Massage Establishment Licensing
Light RestrictionsTexas Occupations Code Chapter 455 (Massage Therapy Licensing)
CHAPTER 455. MASSAGE THERAPY. Sec. 455.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter: (1) 'Commission' means the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation. (1-a) 'Department' means the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. (2) 'Executive director' means the executive director of the department. (3) 'Instructor' means a person who instructs a student in any section of the course of instruction re...
Tobacco Retail License
Vape and e-cigarette retailers in Bexar County must hold a Texas Comptroller permit, follow Tobacco 21 age verification, and post required signage. Local zoning is limited but business licensing rules apply.
E-Cigarette and Vape Retail Rules in Bexar County
Light RestrictionsTexas Health & Safety Code Sec. 161.081 (E-Cigarette Definitions)
SUBCHAPTER H. DISTRIBUTION OF CIGARETTES, E-CIGARETTES, OR TOBACCO PRODUCTS. Sec. 161.081. DEFINITIONS. (1-a) (A) 'E-cigarette' means: (i) an electronic cigarette or any other device that simulates smoking by using a mechanical heating element, battery, or electronic circuit to deliver nicotine or other substances to the individual inhaling from the device; or (ii) a consumable liquid solution ...
Secondhand Dealers
Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1956 requires metal recycling entities and certain secondhand dealers in Bexar County to register with the Department of Public Safety, verify seller identity, and file daily transaction reports to deter theft and fencing.
Secondhand Metals and Goods Reporting
Light RestrictionsTexas Occupations Code Chapter 1956 (Metal Recycling Entities)
CHAPTER 1956. METAL RECYCLING ENTITIES. Sec. 1956.013. RULES. The commission may adopt rules to administer this chapter, including rules: (1) establishing minimum requirements for registration under this chapter; and (2) adopting forms required by this chapter. Sec. 1956.014. FEES; REPORTS. (a) The commission by rule shall prescribe fees in reasonable amounts sufficient to cover the costs of ad...
Pawnbrokers
Texas Finance Code Chapter 371 places pawnshop licensing under the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner. Bexar County pawnbrokers must report transactions to the Sheriff, hold pledged property for set holding periods, and follow strict interest and recordkeeping rules.
Pawnshop Regulation and Reporting
Light RestrictionsTexas Finance Code Chapter 371 (Texas Pawnshop Act)
CHAPTER 371. PAWNSHOPS. Sec. 371.001. SHORT TITLE. This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the 'Texas Pawnshop Act.' Sec. 371.002. PURPOSES. The purposes of this chapter are to: (1) prevent fraud, unfair practices, discrimination, imposition, and abuse of state residents; (2) exercise the state's police power to assure a sound system of making pawn loans and acquiring goods by purchase,...
Business Licensing & Operations by City in Bexar County
2 cities in Bexar County have their own business licensing & operations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Bexar County ordinances
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