6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Harris County, Texas.
Verified from official government sources
Harris County uses Texas Local Government Code Chapter 243 to regulate sexually oriented businesses in unincorporated areas. The county prohibits SOBs within 1,500 feet of schools, churches, day cares, public parks, or residential neighborhoods, and requires operator and employee permits issued by the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
Texas Local Government Code Sec. 243.003 (Authority to Regulate)
Sec. 243.003. AUTHORITY TO REGULATE. (a) A municipality by ordinance or a county by order of the commissioners court may adopt regulations regarding sexually oriented businesses as the municipality or county considers necessary to promote the public health, safety, or welfare.(b) A regulation adopted by a municipality applies only inside the municipality's corporate limits.(c) A regulation adop...
Texas Occupations Code Chapter 455 places massage therapy licensing exclusively with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Harris County does not license massage establishments, but the County Attorney and Sheriff partner with TDLR and Texas Attorney General to investigate human trafficking nuisance cases at unlicensed massage parlors.
Texas Occupations Code Sec. 455.005 (Massage Therapy — Effect on Local Law)
Sec. 455.005. EFFECT ON LOCAL LAW. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), this chapter supersedes any regulation adopted by a political subdivision of this state relating to the licensing or regulation of massage therapists. (b) Subject to Subsections (b-1), (c), (c-1), and (c-2), this chapter does not affect a local regulation that: (1) relates to: (A) zoning requirements, including conditi...
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts issues all cigarette, e-cigarette, and tobacco retailer permits under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 161 and Tax Code Chapter 154. Harris County has no separate tobacco retail license and Texas preempts local age, flavor, and density restrictions on tobacco sales.
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts — Cigarettes, E-Cigarettes, and Tobacco Products (Permits: Cigarette, Cigar and/or Tobacco Retailer Permit; E-Cigarette Retailer Permit)
Cigarettes, E-Cigarettes, and Tobacco Products [...] Taxes: Cigar and Tobacco Products Tax; Cigarette Tax. Fees: Cigarette/Roll Your Own (RYO) Cigarette Tobacco Product Special Fee - Non-Settling Manufacturers (NSM)/Subsequent Participating Manufacturers (SPM); Cigarette and Tobacco Products Outdoor Advertising Fee. Permits: Cigarette, Cigar and/or Tobacco Retailer Permit; E-Cigarette Retailer ...
Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1956 requires all crafted-precious-metal and secondhand jewelry, electronics, and tools dealers in Harris County to register with the Texas Department of Public Safety, hold purchases for at least seven days, photograph sellers, and upload transaction records to law-enforcement databases.
Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1956 (Crafted Precious Metal Dealers)
Sec. 1956.061. EFFECT ON OTHER LAWS AND ORDINANCES. This subchapter does not:(1) excuse noncompliance with another state law or municipal ordinance covering the reporting, holding, or releasing of crafted precious metal;(2) prohibit a municipality from enacting, amending, or enforcing an ordinance relating to a dealer; or(3) supersede a municipal ordinance except to the extent the ordinance doe...
Texas Finance Code Chapter 371 places pawnshop licensing exclusively with the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner. Harris County pawnbrokers must hold an OCCC license, post maximum interest and fee charts, hold pledges for at least 60 days, and report transactions to law enforcement databases like LeadsOnline.
Texas OCCC — Pawnshops & Pawn Employees, Statutes & Rules (Chapter 371, Texas Finance Code; Title 7, Chapter 85, Texas Administrative Code)
Pawnshops & Pawn Employees - Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner [...] Statutes & Rules. These are the primary statutes and rules that apply to pawnshops and pawn employees. This is not a complete list of laws that pawnshops and pawn employees are required to comply with. Primary State Statute: Chapter 371, Texas Finance Code: Pawnshops. OCCC's Rules: Title 7, Chapter 85, Texas Adminis...
Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2308 requires every Harris County towing company, vehicle storage facility, and tow truck operator to hold a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation permit. Harris County Sheriff also runs a non-consent tow rotation list with vetted local operators dispatched to Sheriff calls.
Texas Occupations Code Sec. 2308.151, 2308.153 (Towing — License or Local Authorization Required)
Sec. 2308.151. LICENSE OR LOCAL AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED. (a) Unless the person holds an appropriate license under this subchapter, a person may not: (1) perform towing operations; or (2) operate a towing company. (b) Unless prohibited by a local authority under Section 2308.2085, a person may: (1) perform booting operations; and (2) operate a booting company. Sec. 2308.153. INCIDENT MANAGEMENT T...
1 cities in Harris County have their own business licensing & operations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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