Home Business in Harris County, TX (2026)

3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 8 cities in Harris County, Texas.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Harris County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Signage Rules

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.

Harris County Home Business Signage (Unincorporated)

Few Restrictions

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...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Cottage Food Operations

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.

Home Business: Cottage Food

Few Restrictions

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placed in an airtight container.(1-a) "Beekeeper" has the meaning assigned by Section 131.001, Agriculture Code.(2) Repealed by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1, Sec. 3.1639(79), eff.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...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Home Daycare

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.

Home Business: Daycare Home

Some Restrictions

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...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗