7 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 8 cities in Harris County, Texas.
Verified from official government sources
Harris County Fire Marshal's Office regulates outdoor fires in unincorporated areas. Fire pits contained within an enclosure that contains all flames and sparks are generally permitted, even during burn bans. Non-commercial cooking (BBQ, cookouts) is also exempt from burn bans.
Harris County Commissioners Court can restrict fireworks sales and use during burn bans. Skyrockets, missiles, and bottle rockets (tail and fin fireworks) are banned during burn ban periods. Outside burn bans, most consumer fireworks are legal under Texas state law.
Texas Occupations Code Sec. 2154.251 (Prohibited Use of Fireworks)
Sec. 2154.251. PROHIBITED USE OF FIREWORKS. (a) A person may not: (1) explode or ignite fireworks within 600 feet of any church, a hospital other than a veterinary hospital, an asylum, a licensed child care center, or a public or private primary or secondary school or institution of higher education unless the person receives authorization in writing from that organization; (2) sell at retail, ...
Harris County Public Health enforces the Texas Neighborhood Nuisance Abatement Act, which covers overgrown vegetation within 300 feet of residences or commercial establishments. During burn bans, all outdoor burning including brush burning is prohibited.
All outdoor burning in unincorporated Harris County is prohibited during active burn bans enacted by Commissioners Court. Exceptions exist for enclosed fires, non-commercial cooking, TCEQ-authorized burns, approved ceremonial fires, and welding operations.
TCEQ RG-049, Outdoor Burning in Texas (30 Tex. Admin. Code Ch. 111)
No person may cause, suffer, allow, or permit any outdoor burning within the State of Texas, except as (3) Landclearing operation—The uprooting, provided by this subchapter or by orders or permits of cutting, or clearing of vegetation in connection the commission. Outdoor disposal or deposition of any with conversion for the construction of buildings, ma...
Harris County is not in a designated wildfire risk zone. The humid Gulf Coast climate and urban development minimize wildfire risk. Periodic burn bans are enacted during drought conditions by Commissioners Court. No wildfire-specific building codes or defensible space requirements exist.
Texas Local Government Code Sec. 352.081 (Regulation of Outdoor Burning — Drought / Wildfire Conditions)
Sec. 352.081. REGULATION OF OUTDOOR BURNING. (a) In this section, "drought conditions" means the existence of a long-term deficit of moisture creating atypically severe conditions with increased wildfire occurrence as defined by the Texas Forest Service through the use of the Keetch-Byram Drought Index or, when that index is not available, through the use of a comparable measurement that takes ...
Smoke alarms in Harris County homes are governed by Texas Health and Safety Code Section 766.002 and, for rentals, Texas Property Code Sections 92.251 to 92.262. Section 766.002 requires working smoke detectors in every one- and two-family dwelling per the local building code. Landlords must install at least one alarm in each bedroom and on each level under Property Code Subchapter F.
Texas Health & Safety Code Sec. 766.003 (Smoke Detector Requirements)
Sec. 766.003. INFORMATION RELATING TO FIRE SAFETY AND CARBON MONOXIDE DANGERS. (a) The department shall prepare information of public interest relating to:(1) fire safety in the home; and(2) the dangers of carbon monoxide.(b) The information must inform the public about:(1) ways to prevent fires in the home, and actions to take if a fire occurs in the home;(2) the need to test smoke detectors e...
Propane storage in unincorporated Harris County follows the fire code and NFPA 58. Tanks over 500 gallons require permits. Harris County Fire Marshal's Office oversees compliance.
8 cities in Harris County have their own fire regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
7 verified rules • Brush Clearance, Fire Pit Rules
7 verified rules • Brush Clearance, Fire Pit Rules
4 verified rules • Brush Clearance, Fire Pit Rules
4 verified rules • Brush Clearance, Fire Pit Rules
7 verified rules • Backyard Fires, Brush Clearance
4 verified rules • Brush Clearance, Fire Pit Rules
7 verified rules • Backyard Fires, Brush Clearance
5 verified rules • Backyard Fires, Brush Clearance
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