FAA controls airspace around George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), William P. Hobby (HOU), and Ellington Field. Recreational and Part 107 drone flights inside their controlled airspace require LAANC authorization or DroneZone approval, which Harris County cannot waive even on private property.
All Harris County airspace is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration. The Class B veil around IAH extends roughly 30 nautical miles, Hobby's Class B sits underneath the IAH veil, and Ellington Field has Class D airspace. Any drone flight inside these surfaces, even at a few feet above ground, requires prior FAA authorization through the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) system or the FAA DroneZone portal. Recreational pilots must also pass the TRUST test and hold their certificate. Harris County Sheriff and constables can enforce reckless operation and trespass under Texas Government Code Chapter 423, but cannot issue local airspace waivers.
Unauthorized flights inside controlled airspace can trigger FAA civil penalties up to $75,000 per violation, suspension of remote pilot certificates, and federal criminal charges under 49 U.S.C. 46307 for interference with air traffic.
Tomball, TX
Tomball regulates construction activity through its nuisance ordinance. Construction in residential areas is generally permitted Monday through Saturday duri...
Tomball, TX
Tomball regulates noise under Chapter 18, Article IV of its Code of Ordinances. In 2024, the city adopted Ordinance 2024-17 which deleted Section 18-192 (Max...
Tomball, TX
Tomball restricts the parking of large commercial vehicles in residential neighborhoods. Vehicles exceeding certain size and weight thresholds, including sem...
Tomball, TX
Tomball restricts parking and storage of recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers in residential areas. RVs and boats must be stored behind the front build...
Tomball, TX
Tomball requires vehicles to be parked on improved surfaces such as concrete or asphalt driveways. Parking on grass, dirt, or unimproved surfaces in front ya...
Tomball, TX
Tomball regulates on-street parking throughout the city. Vehicles may not be parked on public streets for more than 72 consecutive hours. Parking is prohibit...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Harris County.
See how Tomball's airport proximity rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.