Film location permits in Houston, TX — sometimes called film shoot permits, production permits, or filming authorizations — cover commercial photography, video shoots, and motion picture production.
Harris County requires a Film Production Permit for commercial filming on county-owned roads, parks, and buildings, coordinated through the Harris County Film Commission. The Sheriff's Office handles traffic control and ROW closures while the County Attorney reviews insurance and indemnification for productions.
Harris County Film Commission, housed under the Harris County Toll Road Authority and Engineering, issues filming permits for commercial productions on county roads, bridges, parks, and unincorporated rights-of-way. Productions must apply at least five business days in advance, provide one-million-dollar general liability insurance naming Harris County as additional insured, and pay a per-day fee plus Sheriff overtime when traffic control or road closures are required. Inside the City of Houston, the Houston Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs issues separate permits. The Texas Film Commission acts as a clearinghouse and confirms statewide tax incentive eligibility. Student and news filming under Texas Government Code Chapter 503 are typically exempt with proof of educational or journalistic intent.
Filming on county property without a permit can result in a Class C misdemeanor under trespass and obstruction of roadway statutes (Penal Code 30.05 and Transportation Code 545.404), with fines up to $500 plus liability for any traffic disruption damages.
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...
See how Houston's location permits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.