Texas counties have no general zoning authority under Local Government Code Chapter 231, so unincorporated Harris County does not require a home occupation permit and does not regulate home-based businesses by use. Operators must still obtain a Harris County Certificate of Compliance for commercial occupancy where applicable, follow state licensing rules, and comply with deed restrictions enforced under Local Government Code Chapter 203.
Harris County is not among the limited Texas counties granted zoning authority under Local Government Code Chapter 231, and the commissioners court has not adopted a home occupation ordinance for unincorporated areas. The county therefore cannot require a home occupation permit, cap employees, or restrict signage by zoning. The Harris County Engineering Department issues building permits under Local Government Code Chapter 233 Subchapter F (residential building code) and a Certificate of Compliance is required for any structure occupied for commercial purposes in unincorporated areas. State trade licensing (cosmetology, food, childcare, contracting) still applies. Importantly, Texas Local Government Code Chapter 203 lets the county and homeowners enforce deed restrictions in unincorporated subdivisions, and most Harris County deed-restricted neighborhoods bar home businesses. Inside Houston city limits and the 33-plus other municipalities in the county, separate city zoning rules apply (Houston is also unzoned but enforces deed restrictions and a Certificate of Occupancy).
Operating a commercial use in an unincorporated structure without a Harris County Certificate of Compliance can be enforced by the County Engineer. Violating recorded deed restrictions can be enjoined under Local Government Code Chapter 203 by the county or any owner in the subdivision, with damages and attorney's fees.
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