Property Maintenance in Harris County, TX (2026)

5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 7 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.

Trash Bin Storage

Harris County has no trash bin storage or maintenance ordinance for unincorporated areas. Bin placement and storage requirements come from private waste hauler contracts, MUD rules, and subdivision deed restrictions. No county regulation governs bin screening or setbacks.

Property Maintenance: Trash Bins

Few Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Property Blight

Harris County addresses property blight through Texas Local Government Code Chapter 343, which allows counties to regulate substandard buildings, accumulated debris, and unsanitary conditions in unincorporated areas. The county can order abatement and place liens for cleanup costs.

Property Maintenance: Property Blight

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Harris County enforces minimum property standards on vacant lots through the Community Services Department. Violations include excessive weeds, accumulated debris, junk vehicles, and unsanitary conditions. Properties receiving county community development funds must meet HUD minimum standards.

Property Maintenance: Vacant Lots

Some Restrictions

Texas Health and Safety Code Sec. 342.004, 342.005, 342.006 (Municipal Power Concerning Weeds; Vacant Lot Maintenance)

Sec. 342.004. MUNICIPAL POWER CONCERNING WEEDS OR CERTAIN PUBLIC NUISANCES. The governing body of a municipality may require the owner of real property in the municipality to keep the property free from weeds, brush, and a condition constituting a public nuisance as defined by Section 343.011(c)(1), (2), or (3). Sec. 342.005. VIOLATION OF ORDINANCE. The governing body of a municipality may puni...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Snow & Sidewalk Clearing

Harris County has no snow or ice clearing ordinance. Snow and ice events are extremely rare in the Houston area. No county requirement exists for residents to clear sidewalks or driveways. General premises liability law applies for slip-and-fall incidents.

Property Maintenance: Snow Sidewalk Clearing

Few Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Garage Sale Rules

Harris County does not regulate the property maintenance aspects of garage sales in unincorporated areas. No requirements exist for cleanup timelines, merchandise display, or temporary structures. Deed restrictions and HOA rules govern cleanup and appearance standards.