6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 8 cities in Harris County, Texas.
Verified from official government sources
Harris County has no zoning in unincorporated areas. Home-based businesses are unrestricted at the county level. Texas counties lack zoning authority. Deed restrictions and HOA rules are the primary controls on home businesses.
Harris County has no sign ordinance for unincorporated areas. Business signs on residential property are unrestricted at the county level. Deed restrictions and HOA covenants commonly prohibit commercial signage. Political signs are protected under TX Property Code §202.009.
Texas Transportation Code Sec. 394.001 and 394.002 (Outdoor Advertising — Definitions and Application)
Sec. 394.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter: (1) "On-premise sign" means a freestanding sign identifying or advertising a business, person, or activity, and installed and maintained on the same premises as the business, person, or activity. (2) "Off-premise sign" means a sign displaying advertising that pertains to a business, person, organization, activity, event, place, service, or product not...
Harris County has no restrictions on customer traffic for home-based businesses in unincorporated areas. Texas counties lack zoning authority. Deed restrictions commonly limit commercial traffic, customer visits, and employee presence in residential subdivisions.
Texas Cottage Food Law (HSC §437.001) allows home-based food sales up to $75,000 per year without a food establishment permit. Harris County has no additional cottage food restrictions. Sales must be direct to consumer at the home, farmers markets, or online.
Texas Health & Safety Code Sec. 437.001 (Cottage Food Production)
Sec. 437.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:(1) "Acidified canned goods" means food with a finished equilibrium pH value of 4.6 or less that is thermally processed before being placed in an airtight container.(1-a) "Beekeeper" has the meaning assigned by Section 131.001, Agriculture Code.(2) Repealed by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1, Sec. 3.1639(79), eff. April 2, 2015.(2-a) "Baked good" inc...
Home daycares in Harris County must be licensed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). A Listed Family Home serves 1-3 unrelated children. A Registered Child-Care Home serves 4-6 children. Licensed homes serve 7-12 children. Harris County has no additional local requirements.
Texas HHSC — Child Care Regulation (Become a Child Care Home Provider; Minimum Standards)
Child Care Regulation. Texas Health and Human Services Commission protects children by regulating and educating child care providers. Child Care Regulation (CCR) responsibilities include: Regulating all child care operations and child-placing agencies to protect the health, safety, and well-being of children in care. Permitting and monitoring operations and agencies for compliance with state re...
Texas counties have no general zoning authority under Local Government Code Chapter 231, so unincorporated Harris County does not require a home occupation permit and does not regulate home-based businesses by use. Operators must still obtain a Harris County Certificate of Compliance for commercial occupancy where applicable, follow state licensing rules, and comply with deed restrictions enforced under Local Government Code Chapter 203.
8 cities in Harris County have their own home business rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
5 verified rules • Cottage Food Operations, Customer Traffic Restrictions
5 verified rules • Cottage Food Operations, Customer Traffic Restrictions
6 verified rules • Cottage Food Operations, Customer Traffic Restrictions
6 verified rules • Cottage Food Operations, Customer Traffic Restrictions
6 verified rules • Cottage Food Operations, Customer Traffic Restrictions
3 verified rules • Cottage Food Operations, Home Daycare
6 verified rules • Cottage Food Operations, Customer Traffic Restrictions
6 verified rules • Cottage Food Operations, Customer Traffic Restrictions
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