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Houston, TX Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing law
Houston Code §§ 28-301–28-305
Applies
Only in council-designated residential areas
Petition threshold
60% of owners, or HOA/civic club
Penalty
Up to $150 fine per day
Designation term
20 years unless earlier repealed

Summary

In neighborhoods that petition and are designated by city council, Houston Code § 28-303 makes it a misdemeanor to park vehicles or equipment on any unpaved surface in a front or side yard, excluding the driveway itself.

It shall be an offense for any person to park or to cause, suffer or permit the parking of a vehicle or equipment on any surface that is not an improved surface as defined in this article, within any front or side yard of a single-family residence in a residential area subject to this section.

Source: Houston Code of Ordinances Chapter 26 – Parking (Driveway Rules)View official code

Full Breakdown

Under Code of Ordinances Article X (§§ 28-301–28-305), a residential area only becomes subject to the ban after a homeowners association, civic club, or at least 60% of owners petition the Planning and Development director covering five contiguous blockfaces, and city council adopts an ordinance extending it, good for 20 years. Once designated, parking a vehicle or equipment on any surface that isn't asphalt, concrete, permeable pavement, or similar improved material in a front or side yard, the driveway itself is excluded from the rule, is a misdemeanor, enforced by police, the neighborhood protection official, or the parking official.

Violations & Fines

Parking on grass, dirt, or gravel in a front or side yard within a designated area is a misdemeanor; fine up to $150, with each day of continued violation a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this apply everywhere in Houston?
No. It only applies in residential areas city council has specifically designated after a homeowners association, civic club, or 60% owner petition: most neighborhoods aren't covered unless they've opted in.
Can I still park on my driveway?
Yes. The ordinance excludes the driveway itself; it targets parking on unpaved grass, dirt, or gravel areas in the front or side yard beside or beyond the driveway.
Who enforces this rule?
Any law enforcement officer, the neighborhood protection official, or the parking official, per Code § 28-304.

Sources & Official References

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All Houston rules

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