Homelessness & Encampment Rules in Harris County, TX (2026)

1 county-level rule, plus city-specific rules for 2 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.

Sit-Lie Rules

Harris County has no countywide sit-lie ordinance regulating sitting or sleeping on public sidewalks. Texas counties have very limited authority to criminalize encampments. The Sheriff uses general criminal trespass and Texas Penal Code obstruction statutes. Houston enforces its own anti-encampment ordinances inside city limits.

No Countywide Sit-Lie Ordinance In Harris County

Few Restrictions

Texas Penal Code Sec. 42.03 (Obstructing Highway or Other Passageway)

Sec. 42.03. OBSTRUCTING HIGHWAY OR OTHER PASSAGEWAY. (a) A person commits an offense if, without legal privilege or authority, he intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly: (1) obstructs a highway, street, sidewalk, railway, waterway, elevator, aisle, hallway, entrance, or exit to which the public or a substantial group of the public has access, or any other place used for the passage of persons,...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Homelessness & Encampment Rules by City in Harris County

2 cities in Harris County have their own homelessness & encampment rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

HoustonPop. 2,304,580

2 verified rules • Encampment Sanitation, Sit-Lie Rules

BaytownPop. 83,701

1 verified rule • Encampment Sanitation

All Harris County ordinances

See every category we cover for Harris County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Harris County Ordinance Hub →