Houston does not have a municipal coastal development ordinance. The city is approximately 50 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico. Coastal development in the greater Houston-Galveston region is regulated by the Texas General Land Office and FEMA.
The City of Houston is located approximately 50 miles inland from the Gulf Coast and does not have coastal development regulations. Coastal zone management in Texas is administered by the Texas General Land Office (GLO) under the Texas Coastal Management Program, which applies to designated coastal counties. Harris County (where Houston is located) is included in the coastal zone, but the city's inland location means direct coastal development regulations have limited applicability. Developments near Galveston Bay, Clear Lake, or the Houston Ship Channel may be subject to additional state and federal permits including USACE Section 404 permits for wetland impacts. The GLO's guidance on sustainable stormwater drainage for the Texas coast may apply to projects in eastern Harris County.
Not applicable for typical Houston development. Coastal zone violations are enforced by the Texas GLO and federal agencies.
Houston, TX
Smoke alarms in Houston dwellings are governed by Tex. Health & Safety Code Chapter 766 and the Houston Fire Code, which adopts the International Fire Code (...
Houston, TX
Houston has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations on residential property. With no zoning and limited aesthetic c...
Houston, TX
Houston has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Inflatable size, location, lighting, and motor noise are governed by subdiv...
Houston, TX
Houston has no municipal ordinance regulating holiday light displays. With no zoning and limited aesthetic regulation, holiday lighting is governed by deed r...
Houston, TX
Houston requires building permits for built-in outdoor kitchens that include gas lines, plumbing, electrical wiring, or structural roofs. Standalone freestan...
Houston, TX
Houston has no specific ordinance prohibiting residential smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens. Smoke nuisance complaints may be addressed under Chapt...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Harris County.
See how other cities in Harris County handle coastal development.
See how Houston's coastal development rules stack up against other locations.
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