Houston follows the 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) with amendments. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas tanks over 1 lb on combustible balconies of multi-family buildings. One-family homes have no propane size restrictions. Charcoal grills must be 10 feet from buildings.
Houston adopted the 2021 IFC with amendments under Chapter 10 of the Code of Ordinances. IFC 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices on combustible balconies of buildings with three or more dwelling units. Exceptions exist for sprinklered buildings or non-combustible balconies. Liquefied petroleum gas containers over 1 pound water capacity are prohibited on balconies, decks, and patios of multi-family structures without sprinkler systems. The code requires charcoal grills to be at least 10 feet from combustible buildings unless sprinklered. Single-family detached homes are largely unrestricted. The Houston Fire Marshal enforces fire code violations. HOA rules in apartment communities are often stricter than IFC.
Fire code violations under Chapter 10 carry fines up to $2,000 per day. Multi-family LP-gas violations can result in evictions and lease termination. Houston Fire Marshal may issue immediate stop-use orders. Repeat fire code violations may trigger property owner liability.
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 does not restrict long-term rental of ADUs. Texas state law (Property Code Section 92.0091) preempts most local rental regulation. Short-term rental ...
Houston, TX
Houston has no municipal owner-occupancy requirement for ADUs. With no zoning ordinance, owner-occupancy is governed entirely by deed restrictions in specifi...
See how Houston's bbq & propane rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.