Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 251, the Right to Farm Act, protects established agricultural operations from nuisance suits when neighbors arrive after farming began. Harris County operations qualify under state law; the county does not layer additional protection on top.
Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 251 bars nuisance lawsuits against agricultural operations that have been in operation for one year or more, provided they have not substantially changed practices. Protected activity includes crop production, livestock, dairy, poultry, equine, beekeeping, and routine farm noise, dust, odor, and chemical application. The 2023 amendments via HB 1750 strengthened protections by requiring plaintiffs to live within one half mile of the operation and capping damages. Harris County retains scattered agricultural and ranching operations in unincorporated northern, eastern, and southwestern pockets, and those qualifying operations receive the state shield. Harris County has not adopted a separate county right-to-farm ordinance. Disputes route through Harris County district courts.
A nuisance suit against a covered Harris County farm can be dismissed under Chapter 251. The 2023 amendments allow recovery of attorney fees by the prevailing farm and cap punitive damages, deterring frivolous suits over routine agricultural activity.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Humble, TX
Humble Code §8.03.011 prohibits construction, demolition, and power lawn mower operation between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Heavy equipment (§8.03.008) also prohi...
Humble, TX
Keeping any animal or bird that causes frequent or long-continued noise disturbing the vicinity is a violation of Humble's noise ordinance (Art. 8.03).
Humble, TX
Aircraft noise is federally preempted. Humble has no local aircraft noise ordinance. The city is near Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).
Humble, TX
Humble does not have a standalone ordinance regulating leaf blower use. Gas-powered and electric leaf blowers are permitted for residential and commercial la...
Humble, TX
Humble Code of Ordinances Chapter 38 (Nuisances) prohibits unreasonably loud or disturbing sounds including amplified music. Sound from loudspeakers, PA syst...
Humble, TX
Humble regulates driveway construction and parking on residential property. Vehicles must be parked on improved surfaces — parking on grass, dirt, or unpaved...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Harris County.
See how Humble's farm nuisance protection rules stack up against other locations.
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