Building Safety in Harris County, TX (2026)

Texas Local Government Code Sec. 233.062 (County Fire Code — Application to Commercial, Public, and Multifamily Buildings)

Sec. 233.062. APPLICATION AND CONTENT OF FIRE CODE. (a) The fire code applies only to the following buildings constructed in an unincorporated area of the county: (1) a commercial establishment; (2) a public building; and (3) a multifamily residential dwelling consisting of four or more units. (b) The fire code does not apply to an industrial facility having a fire brigade that conforms to requ...

Harris County Code of Ordinances, Ch. 38 (Fire Code), FC Ch. 9, Sec 907.2.6.4.1

907.2.6.4.1 Group I-4. All licensed daycare centers shall have a manual fire alarm system that initiates the occupant notification signal utilizing an emergency voice/alarm communication system meeting the requirements of Section 907.5.2.2 and installed in accordance with Section 907.6. When automatic sprinkler systems are installed, such systems shall be connected to the building fire alarm sy...

Harris County Code of Ordinances, Ch. 28, Subch. 28A (Boarding Home Regulations), Appendix A, Standard 1 (Construction/Remodeling)

Interior doors to living spaces, bedrooms, bathrooms, and toilet rooms must fit the openings in which they are hung, be properly equipped with hardware, and be maintained in good working condition. Doors with locking devices must be provided where necessary to provide privacy and protection of the resident. Every closet door latch will be such that it can be readily opened from the inside in ca...

Harris County Code of Ordinances, Ch. 28, Subch. 28A (Boarding Home Regulations), Appendix A, Standard 1 (Construction/Remodeling)

Alarm precautions must include the following: Extinguishers must be sufficiently provided, accessible, checked monthly and recharged annually by a certified person. All fire protection measures must be in accordance with requirements of the local fire authority. Smoke detectors must be hard-wired, working and equipped in each bedroom, in corridors or hallways on each floor, and in laundry and b...

Harris County Code of Ordinances, Ch. 38, Sec 102.5 (Application of Residential Code)

102.5 Application of residential code. Regulated by the State of Texas and the Harris County Floodplain per the County Engineer as appointed by Commissioners Court.

Harris County Code of Ordinances, Ch. 19, Sec 6.02

Prior to framing or wall construction, a structure with an established minimum finished floor elevation shall have an elevation certificate completed, signed and sealed by a registered surveyor, or registered engineer... When the structure is complete and ready for habitation, a final elevation certificate must be completed... Once all applicable certifications have been submitted to the County...