Harris County Public Health enforces the Texas Neighborhood Nuisance Abatement Act, which covers overgrown vegetation within 300 feet of residences or commercial establishments. During burn bans, all outdoor burning including brush burning is prohibited.
Harris County does not have a wildfire-specific brush clearance mandate like western states, but the Texas Neighborhood Nuisance Abatement Act (TX Health & Safety Code Ch. 343) provides enforcement authority for overgrown vegetation in unincorporated areas. Allowing weeds and overgrowth within 300 feet of other residences or commercial establishments can constitute a nuisance. Harris County Public Health Environmental Public Health division investigates complaints. Property owners receive a nuisance notification and have 30 days to eliminate the violation. During active burn bans, brush burning is prohibited. TCEQ-authorized burns for land management are an exception. Harris County Flood Control District also requires vegetation management along channels and drainage easements.
Nuisance violation: 30-day notice to cure, then civil action or criminal prosecution. Burn ban violation: Class C misdemeanor, up to $500.
Harris County, TX
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Harris County, TX
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Harris County, TX
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Harris County, TX
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Harris County, TX
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Harris County, TX
Trees planted in unincorporated county road right-of-way require Harris County Engineering approval and must follow the AASHTO clear-zone standard, sight tri...
See how Harris County's brush clearance rules stack up against other locations.
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