Zoning Overlays & Bonuses 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.
Specific Plans Overview
Texas counties have very limited zoning authority under Local Government Code chapters 232 and 233, primarily over subdivisions and floodplains. Harris County does not adopt specific plans. Houston also lacks traditional zoning. Land-use control comes from deed restrictions, HOAs, and chapter 42 city development rules.
Texas counties cannot adopt specific plans like California
Few RestrictionsTexas Local Government Code Sec. 232.001 (Plat Required)
Sec. 232.001. PLAT REQUIRED. (a) The owner of a tract of land located outside the limits of a municipality must have a plat of the subdivision prepared if the owner divides the tract into two or more parts to lay out:(1) a subdivision of the tract, including an addition;(2) lots; or(3) streets, alleys, squares, parks, or other parts of the tract intended by the owner of the tract to be dedicate...
Zoning Overlays & Bonuses by City in Harris County
2 cities in Harris County have their own zoning overlays & bonuses rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Harris County ordinances
See every category we cover for Harris County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Harris County Ordinance Hub →