200 local rules on file · Pop. 2,361 · Harris County
Showing ordinances that apply to Sheldon, TX
Sheldon is an unincorporated community with a population of approximately 2,361 in Harris County, Texas. Because Sheldon is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal government or city code. Instead, Harris County ordinances apply directly to residential and commercial properties here. The rules below are the county-level regulations that govern your area. Nearby incorporated cities in Harris County may have different rules.
Backyard composting is permitted in unincorporated Harris County. No state mandate for organic waste diversion (unlike California). Must not create nuisance conditions.
Water restrictions in unincorporated Harris County depend on the water supplier. Many areas are served by MUDs (Municipal Utility Districts) that can impose mandatory watering schedules during droughts. Harris County itself does not set watering restrictions.
These unincorporated areas are also governed by Harris County ordinances.
Texas law explicitly permits rainwater harvesting and prohibits HOAs from banning collection systems. Harris County has no local restrictions on rainwater harvesting. The state offers sales tax exemptions for rainwater harvesting equipment under Tax Code Chapter 151.
Harris County has significant aircraft operations from George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), Hobby Airport (HOU), and Ellington Field. FAA preempts local regulation. The Houston Airport System manages noise programs.
Industrial noise in unincorporated Harris County is addressed through the county's nuisance provisions. The Houston-Galveston area's large petrochemical industry generates significant industrial noise in some areas.
Harris County Public Health Veterinary Public Health (VPH) division handles animal complaints in unincorporated areas. Dogs must be kept under restraint at all times. Persistent barking may be addressed as a nuisance under county animal regulations or TX Penal Code §42.01.
Harris County has no construction hour restrictions in unincorporated areas. Texas counties lack authority to regulate construction timing. Construction may occur at any hour unless restricted by subdivision deed restrictions or HOA covenants.
Harris County has no quiet hours ordinance for unincorporated areas. Texas counties lack authority to enact comprehensive noise ordinances. TX Penal Code §42.01 (Disorderly Conduct) is the only enforcement tool, covering unreasonable noise near a private residence.
Harris County has no leaf blower regulations in unincorporated areas. Gas-powered and electric leaf blowers are completely unrestricted at the county level. Only subdivision deed restrictions or HOA rules may impose private limitations.
Harris County has no amplified music ordinance for unincorporated areas. No county-level sound permits, decibel limits, or event noise restrictions exist. TX Penal Code §42.01 is the only recourse for unreasonable noise.
Harris County has no dedicated cat ordinance. Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 826 mandates rabies vaccination for cats over four months old. Harris County Public Health Veterinary Public Health serves as the local rabies authority while cities run licensing and TNR programs.
Harris County has no microchip ordinance, and Texas does not require microchipping pets. Harris County Pets microchips every adopted animal as standard practice. Houston Code Chapter 6 mandates microchips for dogs and cats; suburbs vary.
Texas has no statewide spay-neuter mandate, and Harris County does not require sterilization. Cities choose their own rules: Houston requires intact-animal permits under Chapter 6, while suburbs and unincorporated areas remain entirely voluntary unless an animal is adopted from a shelter.
Harris County coordinates coyote conflict response with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, which classifies coyotes as nongame predators. HCPH Veterinary Public Health handles rabies surveillance; cities run hazing education and trapping programs to reduce attractants and bold-coyote behavior.
Texas does not prohibit retail pet sales statewide, and Harris County imposes no countywide pet-store sourcing ban. Houston has not adopted a humane-sourcing ordinance either, so commercial breeder sourcing remains legal in stores throughout the county.
Texas Occupations Code Chapter 801 governs veterinary licensing through the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. Harris County does not zone clinics; cities set zoning, parking, and noise rules. Houston has no traditional zoning, relying on deed restrictions instead.
Harris County imposes no pets-per-household cap. Each city sets its own limit. Houston caps dogs and cats at six combined per single-family residence; Pasadena, Pearland, and Sugar Land use similar limits with kennel-permit options for larger numbers.
Native birds are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Texas Parks and Wildlife Code Chapter 64. Harris County has no separate bird ordinance. Removing nests, eggs, or birds without a permit is a federal offense with substantial fines.
Texas does not license pet groomers, and Harris County imposes no county groomer rule. Groomers operate under general business licensing and animal-cruelty law. HCPH only intervenes when a grooming-related rabies exposure or cruelty complaint arises.
Harris County has no ordinance prohibiting wildlife feeding in unincorporated areas. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department regulates interactions with protected wildlife. Feeding wildlife that creates a nuisance may be addressed under general nuisance provisions.
Animal hoarding in unincorporated Harris County is addressed through Harris County Animal Control. Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 821 covers dangerous dogs and cruelty. Texas Penal Code 42.09/42.092 for cruelty.
Harris County does not have breed-specific legislation (BSL) banning any dog breed. However, dogs classified as 'dangerous' face strict requirements: mandatory registration ($50/year), liability insurance ($100,000 minimum), microchipping, spaying/neutering, secure enclosure, and orange collar.
Harris County does not have specific poultry or livestock ordinances for unincorporated areas beyond general nuisance and animal cruelty laws. Texas counties lack zoning authority to restrict agricultural activities on private property. Deed restrictions are the primary control.
All dogs and cats must be kept under restraint in unincorporated Harris County. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet when off the owner's property. Annual licensing is required for all dogs over 3 months ($20-$60). Unlawful tethering is prohibited 10 PM-6 AM.
Harris County has no beekeeping restrictions for unincorporated areas. Texas is a bee-friendly state with strong right-to-farm protections. The Texas Apiary Inspection Service (TAIS) provides state-level registration. Deed restrictions may prohibit hives in subdivisions.
Harris County regulates dangerous wild animals under county regulations and Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 822. Keeping lions, tigers, bears, primates, and other specified dangerous animals requires registration, $100,000 liability insurance, and secure enclosures approved by animal control.
Harris County imposes no host-presence requirement on short-term rentals in unincorporated areas because Texas counties lack zoning authority under Local Government Code chapter 232. Cities like Galveston and Austin require hosted listings, but Harris County treats Airbnb as a private use without host-on-site rules.
Harris County has no primary-residence-only requirement for short-term rentals because Texas counties lack comprehensive zoning authority over unincorporated areas. Investor-owned whole-home rentals operate freely. State legislation in 2025 further restricts how cities and counties can limit non-owner-occupied short-term rentals.
Short-term rentals in unincorporated Harris County are subject to 15% total hotel occupancy tax: 6% state + 7% county + 2% Harris County-Houston Sports Authority. Applies to stays of 29 nights or fewer. Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit automatically.
Unincorporated Harris County does not impose night caps or stay-length limits on short-term rentals. Texas counties have no general zoning authority under the Local Government Code, so STRs are permitted by-right. Operators must collect Texas state hotel occupancy tax (6%) and Harris County HOT (7%) on stays under 30 days under Tax Code Chapters 156 and 352.
Harris County has no short-term rental occupancy limits for unincorporated areas. No STR-specific ordinance exists. Occupancy may be limited by the International Residential Code's bedroom and egress requirements as adopted in the county fire code.
Harris County has no short-term rental permit, registration, or licensing requirement for unincorporated areas. Texas counties lack zoning authority over land use. STRs must comply with state and county hotel occupancy taxes and private deed restrictions.
Harris County has no STR-specific parking regulations for unincorporated areas. General Texas Transportation Code provisions apply to street parking. Deed restrictions and HOA rules are the primary controls on guest parking.
Harris County has no insurance requirements specific to short-term rentals in unincorporated areas. Standard homeowner's insurance may not cover commercial rental activity. Platforms like Airbnb provide host protection insurance but county does not mandate coverage.
Harris County has no STR-specific noise rules for unincorporated areas. General state law (TX Penal Code §42.01) and private deed restrictions are the only noise controls that apply to short-term rental properties.
Texas Transportation Code section 544.011 makes only the local authority responsible for painting and maintaining curb markings such as red, yellow, and white zones. Harris County Engineering paints curbs in unincorporated areas. Private painting of public curbs is prohibited without authorization from the county or city.
Harris County Engineering creates loading zones on county-maintained streets through traffic-control orders authorized by Transportation Code section 542.202 and Local Government Code chapter 251. Cities like Houston and Pasadena handle their own loading zones. Yellow curb paint and posted signs indicate active loading restrictions.
Harris County has no EV charging regulations for unincorporated areas. No county requirements exist for EV charging infrastructure in new construction. Residential EV charger installation requires only an electrical permit. Texas law prohibits HOAs from banning EV chargers.
Street parking in unincorporated Harris County is governed by Texas Transportation Code. There are no county-level parking meters, time limits, or permit zones. Precinct Constables enforce state traffic laws on county roads.
Harris County has no RV or boat parking ordinance for unincorporated areas. Texas counties lack zoning authority to restrict where residents park recreational vehicles on their property. Deed restrictions and HOA rules are the primary controls.
Harris County regulates driveway connections to county roads through the Office of the County Engineer. A driveway permit is required for connections to county-maintained roads. The county does not regulate driveway materials or on-property parking surfaces.
Harris County has no ordinance restricting commercial vehicle parking on residential property in unincorporated areas. Texas counties lack zoning authority. Deed restrictions and HOA rules are the primary controls on commercial vehicles in neighborhoods.
Texas Transportation Code Section 545.307 prohibits parking commercial motor vehicles on residential streets between 10 PM and 6 AM where signs are posted. Unincorporated Harris County relies on state law and deed restrictions for overnight parking enforcement.
Harris County enforces abandoned vehicle regulations under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 683. Vehicles left on public roadways for 48+ hours or on private property without consent can be towed. The county works with private tow companies for removal.
Unincorporated Harris County has no zoning regulations for carports. Construction must comply with the Harris County fire code based on the 2021 IFC. Carports attached to structures may require a fire code inspection. Subdivision deed restrictions commonly regulate carport placement and materials.
Harris County has no ADU-specific ordinance for unincorporated areas. Accessory dwelling units are not restricted by county zoning (counties cannot zone). Building permits are required. Deed restrictions and HOA rules commonly prohibit ADUs in subdivisions.
Detached sheds 200 square feet or less may be exempt from building permits in unincorporated Harris County. Larger structures require permits. Sheds in the floodplain may need floodplain development permits. Sheds cannot be built in utility or HCFCD drainage easements.
Garage conversions to living space in unincorporated Harris County require building permits for the change of use. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC modifications need separate permits. The county has no requirement to replace lost parking spaces. Deed restrictions may prohibit conversions.
Unincorporated Harris County has no zoning restrictions on tiny homes. Structures must comply with the Harris County fire code and any applicable building standards. Tiny homes on wheels may be classified as RVs under state law. Subdivision deed restrictions commonly restrict tiny homes.
Propane storage in unincorporated Harris County follows the fire code and NFPA 58. Tanks over 500 gallons require permits. Harris County Fire Marshal's Office oversees compliance.
Smoke alarms in Harris County homes are governed by Texas Health and Safety Code Section 766.002 and, for rentals, Texas Property Code Sections 92.251 to 92.262. Section 766.002 requires working smoke detectors in every one- and two-family dwelling per the local building code. Landlords must install at least one alarm in each bedroom and on each level under Property Code Subchapter F.
All outdoor burning in unincorporated Harris County is prohibited during active burn bans enacted by Commissioners Court. Exceptions exist for enclosed fires, non-commercial cooking, TCEQ-authorized burns, approved ceremonial fires, and welding operations.
Harris County Fire Marshal's Office regulates outdoor fires in unincorporated areas. Fire pits contained within an enclosure that contains all flames and sparks are generally permitted, even during burn bans. Non-commercial cooking (BBQ, cookouts) is also exempt from burn bans.
Harris County Commissioners Court can restrict fireworks sales and use during burn bans. Skyrockets, missiles, and bottle rockets (tail and fin fireworks) are banned during burn ban periods. Outside burn bans, most consumer fireworks are legal under Texas state law.
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 is not in a designated wildfire risk zone. The humid Gulf Coast climate and urban development minimize wildfire risk. Periodic burn bans are enacted during drought conditions by Commissioners Court. No wildfire-specific building codes or defensible space requirements exist.
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 has no zoning in unincorporated areas. Home-based businesses are unrestricted at the county level. Texas counties lack zoning authority. Deed restrictions and HOA rules are the primary controls on home businesses.
Harris County has no sign ordinance for unincorporated areas. Business signs on residential property are unrestricted at the county level. Deed restrictions and HOA covenants commonly prohibit commercial signage. Political signs are protected under TX Property Code §202.009.
Harris County has no restrictions on customer traffic for home-based businesses in unincorporated areas. Texas counties lack zoning authority. Deed restrictions commonly limit commercial traffic, customer visits, and employee presence in residential subdivisions.
Texas Cottage Food Law (HSC §437.001) allows home-based food sales up to $75,000 per year without a food establishment permit. Harris County has no additional cottage food restrictions. Sales must be direct to consumer at the home, farmers markets, or online.
Home daycares in Harris County must be licensed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). A Listed Family Home serves 1-3 unrelated children. A Registered Child-Care Home serves 4-6 children. Licensed homes serve 7-12 children. Harris County has no additional local requirements.
Harris County has no fence height ordinance for unincorporated areas. Texas counties lack zoning authority to regulate fence heights. Deed restrictions, HOA covenants, and utility easement requirements are the primary controls.
Harris County does not require building permits for standard residential fences in unincorporated areas. Permits may be needed if the fence is in a floodplain, utility easement, or HCFCD drainage easement. Pool barrier fences must meet safety codes.
Harris County has no shared fence ordinance for unincorporated areas. Texas does not have a statutory 'Good Neighbor Fence Law.' Fence disputes are resolved under common law, deed restrictions, or civil litigation.
Harris County has no fence material restrictions for unincorporated areas. Barbed wire, chain link, and other materials are generally unrestricted by the county. Deed restrictions commonly specify approved materials and prohibit certain types.
Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 757 requires residential pool barriers of at least 48 inches tall with self-closing, self-latching gates. Harris County enforces state pool barrier requirements. Chain-link fences are prohibited for pools built after January 1, 1994.
Retaining walls in unincorporated Harris County over 4 feet in height require engineering review. Walls in FEMA flood zones need a floodplain development permit from the County Engineer. Masonry and concrete walls of any height require permits under county regulations.
Harris County requires a building permit for all swimming pool construction in unincorporated areas. Pools must maintain clearance from utility easements and on-site septic systems. Inspections are required during and after construction.
Harris County requires pool barriers of at least 48 inches high with no more than 4-inch gaps, per the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code and IRC. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching. Unprotected pools can also be cited as nuisances under state law.
Harris County enforces pool safety standards under the ISPSC and IRC including drain covers, alarms, and barrier requirements. Abandoned or neglected pools are also enforceable as nuisances under state law due to mosquito breeding and child safety hazards.
Hot tubs and spas in unincorporated Harris County must comply with Texas Health and Safety Code pool barrier requirements if they hold more than 24 inches of water. Electrical work requires permits under the Harris County fire code. No separate county hot tub ordinance exists.
Above-ground pools in Harris County holding more than 24 inches of water must comply with Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 757 pool barrier requirements. Electrical connections require permits under the county fire code. No separate county above-ground pool ordinance exists.
Commercial drone operations in Harris County follow FAA Part 107 regulations exclusively. Harris County has no local commercial drone ordinance. Pilots need a Remote Pilot Certificate. Texas preempts local drone regulation under Government Code Chapter 423.
FAA controls airspace around George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), William P. Hobby (HOU), and Ellington Field. Recreational and Part 107 drone flights inside their controlled airspace require LAANC authorization or DroneZone approval, which Harris County cannot waive even on private property.
FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions and standing stadium rules ban drones over NRG Stadium, Minute Maid Park, Toyota Center, and Daikin Park during games. Harris County Sheriff and constables coordinate with FBI and Secret Service on event TFRs for parades, presidential visits, and the Houston Livestock Show.
Harris County has no local drone ordinance. Recreational drone use in unincorporated areas follows FAA regulations and Texas Government Code Chapter 423, which restricts drone surveillance over private property. Texas preempts most local drone regulation.
House Bill 1927 (2021) lets most Texans 21 and older carry a handgun concealed without a permit anywhere in Harris County. The optional License to Carry through Texas DPS still provides reciprocity, sensitive-place benefits, and federal background-check shortcuts when buying firearms.
Texas Government Code chapter 236 bars Harris County Commissioners from regulating firearm ownership, transfer, transport, or carry. Government Code section 229.001 imposes parallel city preemption. The Harris County Sheriff Office offers License to Carry fingerprint services and enforces only state firearm law countywide.
Texas allows open carry of holstered handguns by adults 21 and older without a permit. House Bill 1927 (2021) ended the License to Carry requirement. Long guns may also be openly carried. Harris County adds no local rule; state sensitive-place limits still apply.
Texas Penal Code section 46.02(a-1), the Motorist Protection Act expanded by HB 1927, lets any adult legally entitled to possess a firearm carry a handgun inside their motor vehicle or watercraft. No permit is required, and the handgun may be loaded.
The Texas Comptroller issues all tobacco and e-cigarette retail permits under Health and Safety Code chapter 161 and Tax Code chapter 154. Harris County has no separate vape retail license. The state inspects retailers and runs minor-sting compliance checks throughout the county.
Federal Tobacco 21 (PL 116-94) and Texas Health and Safety Code section 161.082 ban sale of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapor products, and any tobacco to anyone under 21 in Harris County. Active-duty military with ID 18 or older are exempt under state law.
Texas House Bill 1771 (2023), codified at Health and Safety Code section 161.0876, preempts cities and counties from restricting flavored tobacco, menthol cigarettes, or vape flavors. Harris County cannot ban flavored e-cigarettes or menthol products. Federal FDA rules still govern unauthorized flavored e-cigarettes.
The Texas Supreme Court ruling in City of Laredo v. Laredo Merchants Association (2018) invalidated municipal plastic-bag bans under Health and Safety Code section 361.0961. Harris County never enacted a bag ordinance and is preempted from doing so. Retailers freely use plastic and paper bags.
Texas Health and Safety Code section 361.0961 preempts cities and counties from regulating containers and packages, which the Texas Supreme Court Laredo case extends to polystyrene foam. Harris County cannot ban Styrofoam takeout containers. Restaurants and grocers freely use polystyrene packaging countywide.
Texas Health and Safety Code section 361.0961 and the 2018 Laredo Supreme Court decision preempt city and county regulation of single-use packaging, which restaurant lawyers extend to plastic straws. Harris County has no straw ordinance, and no upon-request rule applies countywide.
Texas has no statewide tenant relocation assistance law, and Harris County has not adopted a relocation ordinance. Tenants displaced by no-fault terminations, condemnation, sale, or rehabilitation generally receive no county-mandated payment, although the federal Uniform Relocation Act may apply when federal funds are involved.
Texas Property Code Sections 92.101 through 92.110 set statewide security-deposit rules for all Harris County rentals. Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days of move-out with an itemized list of any deductions. The county does not impose stricter local limits; state law preempts local deposit regulation.
Texas allows landlords to end fixed-term leases at expiration and to terminate month-to-month tenancies with at least 30 days' written notice for any lawful reason. Harris County has no just-cause requirement and no county ordinance restricting end-of-lease nonrenewal of private rentals.
Texas has no statewide source of income protection, and Harris County has not adopted a county-level rule covering its 30-plus cities. Houston has not adopted a citywide source of income ordinance either, so voucher holders across the Houston metro generally lack local protection from refusal.
The Harris County Housing Authority (HCHA) administers federal Housing Choice Vouchers for tenants outside the City of Houston. The Houston Housing Authority serves city limits separately. Landlords in Harris County may legally refuse vouchers because Texas and the county have no source of income protection.
Unincorporated Harris County has no rental property registration requirement. Landlords are not required to register rental units with the county. No registry, fee, or inspection program exists for residential rental properties in unincorporated areas.
Rent control is prohibited statewide in Texas under Texas Property Code Chapter 214. Harris County cannot impose rent control on any rental properties in unincorporated areas. Landlords set rents at market rates with no limits on increases.
Texas has no just-cause eviction protections. Harris County landlords can terminate month-to-month leases with proper notice without stating a reason. Evictions follow Texas Property Code Chapter 24 procedures through Justice of the Peace courts.
Texas Labor Code Section 62.0515 preempts any city or county from setting a minimum wage above the federal $7.25 per hour floor. Harris County cannot enact a higher local wage for private employers; only the county's own internal payroll policy may exceed the federal rate.
Texas HB 2127, the Texas Regulatory Consistency Act effective September 2023, broadly preempts local labor regulation including paid sick leave. Harris County cannot mandate paid leave for private employers, and Houston has not attempted to do so.
Texas has no statewide E-Verify requirement for private employers. State agencies and their contractors must use E-Verify under a 2014 executive order. Harris County requires E-Verify for its own workforce and many contracted vendors, but private businesses are not bound countywide.
Texas SB 4 (2017) prohibits any county, city, or sheriff from adopting sanctuary policies or refusing ICE detainers. Harris County is not a sanctuary jurisdiction and the Sheriff honors ICE detainer requests through the joint processing center.
Harris County Public Health inspects food establishments in unincorporated areas under Texas Food Establishment Rules. Scores are numerical, not letter grades. Reports are posted online. Houston, Pasadena, and other cities run their own inspection programs separately.
Harris County Public Health Mosquito and Vector Control monitors rodents and mosquitoes countywide. Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 343 lets the county abate rodent harborage as a public nuisance in unincorporated areas after notice.
Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 728 governs disposal of household sharps. Harris County Public Health operates a SHARP collection partnership offering residents free drop-off of properly contained used syringes and lancets at participating sites.
Federal regulation 21 CFR 101.11 requires chain restaurants with twenty or more locations to post calorie counts. Harris County does not add local rules; HCPH may flag missing disclosures during food inspections in unincorporated areas and contract cities.
Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 438 requires food handlers to complete an accredited course within sixty days of hire. HCPH verifies cards and Certified Food Manager credentials during inspections in unincorporated Harris County and contract cities.
Harris County has no cannabis buffer-zone rules because Texas does not license recreational dispensaries. The state Compassionate Use Program issued only three medical dispensers statewide, all subject to Texas DPS site standards rather than local school or park buffer ordinances.
Texas does not allow recreational cannabis sales, so no social-equity licensing program exists in Harris County. The Compassionate Use Program through the Texas Department of Public Safety is the only legal cannabis license, and it has only three statewide medical dispensers with no equity preference.
Harris County cannot zone for recreational cannabis because Texas allows only three medical Compassionate Use dispensers statewide. Consumable hemp and CBD retailers under Health and Safety Code chapter 443 operate as standard retail in any commercial district, with no special county zoning permit required.
Texas Health and Safety Code section 481.121 makes any marijuana cultivation a criminal offense in Harris County. Even a single plant is illegal. The Compassionate Use Program lets only three licensed dispensers grow medical low-THC cannabis. Personal cultivation carries felony penalties countywide.
Recreational cannabis dispensaries are illegal in Texas. Harris County follows state law prohibiting marijuana sales. Only licensed Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) dispensaries may operate, limited to low-THC cannabis (1% THC or less) for qualifying medical conditions.
Growing marijuana at home is illegal in Texas regardless of jurisdiction. Harris County follows state law — cultivation of any amount is a felony. Only licensed TCUP dispensaries may grow low-THC cannabis for the medical program.
TCEQ Rule 30 Texas Administrative Code 114.512 limits commercial vehicles over 14,000 pounds to five minutes of idling in the eight-county Houston-Galveston-Brazoria nonattainment area, including Harris County. Sleeper berths, emergency response, and traffic delays are exempt. Local enforcement is by Harris County Pollution Control.
Harris County has not declared a climate emergency, and Texas has no statewide climate-emergency framework. The county pursues flood resilience under the 2018 bond program and the 2021 Climate Justice Plan goals adopted by Houston. Most countywide climate work remains advisory rather than regulatory.
Harris County has no cool-roof or reflective-roof mandate because Texas counties lack adopted building-code authority for unincorporated areas. The 2015 International Energy Conservation Code, adopted statewide for residential construction under Health and Safety Code chapter 388, encourages but does not mandate reflective roofing.
Harris County has some of the most stringent floodplain regulations in Texas. All development in the floodplain requires a Floodplain Development Permit. Finished floor elevation must be at least 18 inches above Base Flood Elevation (BFE). Harris County Flood Control District manages 2,500+ miles of channels.
Harris County is not a coastal county under the Texas Coastal Management Program. There are no county-level coastal development regulations. Properties near Galveston Bay tributaries may be subject to Harris County Flood Control District floodplain regulations instead.
Harris County requires all new development in unincorporated areas to obtain permits for grading and drainage work. The Harris County Flood Control District and Office of the County Engineer enforce strict stormwater detention and drainage standards to mitigate flooding.
Harris County requires Stormwater Quality (SWQ) permits for all new development in unincorporated areas. The regulations mandate erosion and sediment controls, post-construction stormwater management, and compliance with the county's MS4 general permit from TCEQ.
Harris County requires erosion and sediment control plans for all construction activity in unincorporated areas as part of the Stormwater Quality Permit. Construction sites over 1 acre must also obtain TCEQ SWPPP coverage under the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.
Texas Finance Code Chapter 371 places pawnshop licensing exclusively with the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner. Harris County pawnbrokers must hold an OCCC license, post maximum interest and fee charts, hold pledges for at least 60 days, and report transactions to law enforcement databases like LeadsOnline.
Harris County uses Texas Local Government Code Chapter 243 to regulate sexually oriented businesses in unincorporated areas. The county prohibits SOBs within 1,500 feet of schools, churches, day cares, public parks, or residential neighborhoods, and requires operator and employee permits issued by the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
Texas Occupations Code Chapter 455 places massage therapy licensing exclusively with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Harris County does not license massage establishments, but the County Attorney and Sheriff partner with TDLR and Texas Attorney General to investigate human trafficking nuisance cases at unlicensed massage parlors.
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts issues all cigarette, e-cigarette, and tobacco retailer permits under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 161 and Tax Code Chapter 154. Harris County has no separate tobacco retail license and Texas preempts local age, flavor, and density restrictions on tobacco sales.
Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2308 requires every Harris County towing company, vehicle storage facility, and tow truck operator to hold a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation permit. Harris County Sheriff also runs a non-consent tow rotation list with vetted local operators dispatched to Sheriff calls.
Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1956 requires all crafted-precious-metal and secondhand jewelry, electronics, and tools dealers in Harris County to register with the Texas Department of Public Safety, hold purchases for at least seven days, photograph sellers, and upload transaction records to law-enforcement databases.
Harris County Sheriff and constables respond to loud party calls in unincorporated areas under Texas Penal Code 42.01 disorderly conduct, the Harris County Sound Order limiting noise above 68 dBA at residential lot lines, and Local Government Code Section 250.008 authorizing county noise abatement enforcement.
Harris County has no separate panhandling ordinance. Aggressive solicitation that involves threats, blocking pedestrians, or unwanted touching is prosecuted by Sheriff and constables under Texas Penal Code 22.01 assault and 22.07 terroristic threat statutes. Passive sign holding remains constitutionally protected speech.
Texas Penal Code Section 42.01(a)(10) makes exposing your anus or genitals in a public place reckless of who might be offended a Class C misdemeanor. Harris County Sheriff and constables charge public urination under this statute. No separate county public urination ordinance applies.
Texas has no statewide outdoor smoking ban. Harris County does not regulate outdoor smoking on private property in unincorporated areas. Cities including Houston enforce their own smoke-free ordinances covering bar patios, transit stops, and entrances. State law sets vehicle smoking with minor protections.
Texas Transportation Code does not classify skateboards, so they are barred from roadways. Harris County Precinct Parks rules prohibit skateboarding outside designated skate parks and on plaza features. Houston bars skateboarding on downtown sidewalks, parking garages, and against private property signage.
Texas counties have no general police power to designate or protect specific tree species on private property. Harris County does not list protected species. Houston, Bellaire, West University, and Sugar Land protect heritage and species-specific trees through their own urban forestry ordinances inside city limits.
Trees planted in unincorporated county road right-of-way require Harris County Engineering approval and must follow the AASHTO clear-zone standard, sight triangle rules, and approved species list. Inside Houston, parkway plantings need a Houston Public Works street tree permit through the Houston Parks and Recreation Department.
Unincorporated Harris County has no tree removal permit requirement. Property owners may remove trees on their land without county approval. Only trees in public rights-of-way are protected. Deed restrictions in some subdivisions may restrict tree removal.
Harris County maintains a voluntary Tree Registry through the Houston Area Urban Forestry Council recognizing exceptional native trees. The registry provides no legal protection — it is purely honorary. No county heritage tree ordinance restricts removal on private property.
Harris County has no tree replacement ordinance for unincorporated areas. No mitigation is required when removing trees on private property. The county does not require replanting or payment into a tree fund. Deed restrictions may impose individual replacement requirements.
Digital and conventional billboards along Harris County interstates and primary highways are regulated by the Texas Department of Transportation under the federal Highway Beautification Act and Texas Transportation Code Chapter 391. Harris County imposes no separate billboard permit; cities including Houston ban most new digital billboards.
Harris County has no specific ordinance regulating garage sale signs in unincorporated areas. Texas state law prohibits signs on public rights-of-way, utility poles, and traffic signs. Deed restrictions in subdivisions may impose additional sign limitations.
Texas Election Code Chapter 259 protects the right to display political signs on private property. Harris County cannot restrict political signage beyond state law. Signs may not be placed on public rights-of-way. Campaign signs are limited to 90 days before and 10 days after elections.
Harris County has no ordinance regulating holiday displays in unincorporated areas. Residents may display holiday decorations freely on private property. Subdivision deed restrictions and HOA rules may regulate display size, lighting, and timing.
Texas has no statewide SolarAPP+ mandate or expedited rooftop solar permit law like California. Harris County Engineering and the Permits Office process unincorporated residential solar applications case by case. Houston voluntarily adopted online solar permitting through HOU permit portal.
Solar panel installations in unincorporated Harris County require electrical permits under the county fire code. The Harris County Fire Marshal's Office reviews commercial solar installations. Texas Property Code §202.010 prohibits HOAs from banning solar panels.
Texas Property Code §202.010 strongly protects homeowners' right to install solar panels. HOAs in Harris County cannot prohibit solar energy devices. Aesthetic restrictions are allowed only if they do not increase cost by more than 10% or reduce efficiency by more than 10%.
Texas has no statewide commercial or residential organics diversion law similar to California SB 1383 or Massachusetts. Harris County does not require food waste separation for residents or businesses, but Houston runs a voluntary residential subscription compost pilot and accepts yard waste through curbside service.
Harris County has no ordinance governing trash bin placement in unincorporated areas. Bin placement rules are set by private waste haulers and individual MUD or subdivision deed restrictions. No county setback or storage requirements exist for residential trash containers.
Harris County does not provide bulk waste pickup in unincorporated areas. Residents use private haulers for large item disposal or self-haul to transfer stations. Illegal dumping of bulk waste is a criminal offense under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 365.
Unincorporated Harris County does not provide municipal trash pickup. Residents must contract with private waste haulers for collection. Some MUDs and special districts arrange collection for their service areas. No county-wide pickup schedule or rules exist.
Harris County has no mandatory recycling ordinance for unincorporated areas. Recycling availability depends on private waste hauler contracts and MUD services. Texas does not mandate residential recycling at the state level.
Harris County Engineering enforces construction-hour limits in unincorporated areas under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 343 and the county's nuisance abatement program. Heavy equipment near homes typically follows a seven AM to ten PM window with stricter Sunday and holiday limits in Houston ETJ.
Federal law preempts local control of aircraft engine maintenance run-ups at George Bush Intercontinental and William P. Hobby. Houston Airport System sets voluntary nighttime run-up procedures and dedicated run-up pads. Harris County cannot fine carriers for engine noise but logs Part 150 noise complaints.
Harris County Sheriff and several constable precincts deploy Flock Safety automated license plate readers across unincorporated neighborhoods. Texas has no specific ALPR statute. Use is governed by the Sheriff's general policy, the Public Information Act, and constitutional limits on warrantless mass surveillance.
Security cameras on private property are legal in Harris County. Texas is a one-party consent state for recording conversations (Penal Code §16.02). Video surveillance of your own property is unrestricted. Cameras must not be used for voyeurism or to invade another person's privacy under Texas Penal Code §21.15.
Texas is a one-party consent state under Texas Penal Code §16.02. You may legally record a conversation if you are a party to it. Recording conversations you are not a party to without any party's consent is a felony. Video recording in public places is generally unrestricted.
Unincorporated Harris County does not have comprehensive fence regulations like cities do. The City of Houston allows residential fences up to 8 feet without a permit. In unincorporated areas, there are minimal county restrictions on fence height or materials, though HOA deed restrictions may apply.
Texas does not have a Mills Act-style property tax program. Instead, Texas Tax Code Section 11.24 lets local taxing units exempt part or all of a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark or qualifying historic structure's assessed value. Harris County Commissioners Court has adopted a partial 11.24 exemption for designated landmarks.
Harris County does not maintain its own cultural monument registry. Designations come through the Texas Historical Commission's Texas Historic Sites Atlas, including Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks, State Antiquities Landmarks, and National Register listings. Local protection is provided through the Harris County Historical Commission advisory board.
Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is not on the Texas Department of Agriculture noxious or invasive plant list. Harris County does not prohibit it, but Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Texas Invasives.org urge removal because it hosts the spotted lanternfly threatening Texas vineyards and pecan groves.
Neither Harris County nor the City of Houston has a specific ordinance banning or restricting bamboo. Texas does not have a statewide bamboo ban. Property owners are responsible for preventing bamboo from encroaching on neighboring properties under Texas nuisance law.
Texas maintains a noxious weed list under the Texas Agriculture Code, and the Texas Invasive Species Institute tracks problematic plants. Harris County does not have its own prohibited plant list, but state-level restrictions on noxious weeds apply. Giant salvinia, water hyacinth, and Chinese tallow are among key invasive species in the region.
Harris County and the City of Houston do not prohibit front yard vegetable gardens. Texas HB 699 (2023) prohibits cities and counties from banning food gardens on residential property. Unincorporated Harris County has no landscaping ordinance restricting food production in residential yards.
Unincorporated Harris County has no zoning and therefore no county-wide height limits for structures. Height restrictions come from subdivision plat restrictions, deed restrictions, and FAA height regulations near airports. Harris County fire code requires fire access for taller buildings.
Unincorporated Harris County has no zoning and no county-wide building setback requirements. Setbacks are established through individual subdivision plats filed with the county and enforced through deed restrictions. The Harris County fire code governs fire separation distances between structures.
Harris County has no lot coverage restrictions in unincorporated areas due to its lack of zoning. Maximum impervious cover may be effectively limited by stormwater detention requirements from the Harris County Flood Control District. Deed restrictions may impose coverage limits.
Harris County addresses property blight through Texas Local Government Code Chapter 343, which allows counties to regulate substandard buildings, accumulated debris, and unsanitary conditions in unincorporated areas. The county can order abatement and place liens for cleanup costs.
Harris County enforces minimum property standards on vacant lots through the Community Services Department. Violations include excessive weeds, accumulated debris, junk vehicles, and unsanitary conditions. Properties receiving county community development funds must meet HUD minimum standards.
Harris County has no snow or ice clearing ordinance. Snow and ice events are extremely rare in the Houston area. No county requirement exists for residents to clear sidewalks or driveways. General premises liability law applies for slip-and-fall incidents.
Harris County does not regulate the property maintenance aspects of garage sales in unincorporated areas. No requirements exist for cleanup timelines, merchandise display, or temporary structures. Deed restrictions and HOA rules govern cleanup and appearance standards.
Harris County has no trash bin storage or maintenance ordinance for unincorporated areas. Bin placement and storage requirements come from private waste hauler contracts, MUD rules, and subdivision deed restrictions. No county regulation governs bin screening or setbacks.
Common violations in the Harris County area include construction without permits (within city limits), dilapidated fences and accessory structures, junk vehicle storage, overgrown lots, illegal dumping, and flood regulation violations. Within Houston, unpermitted work and dangerous buildings are top concerns.
Harris County has limited code enforcement in unincorporated areas compared to incorporated cities. The Harris County Fire Marshal handles fire code violations. For other issues, residents can contact Harris County Precinct Constables or file reports through 311 (for City of Houston areas). Unincorporated Harris County lacks a comprehensive building code enforcement system.
Response times vary by agency. Harris County Fire Marshal responds to fire hazards within 24-72 hours for urgent cases. For City of Houston 311 reports, building code investigations typically begin within 5-10 business days. Unincorporated area complaints may take longer due to limited county enforcement resources.
Unincorporated Harris County does not require building permits for most residential structures including sheds, as the county has not adopted a comprehensive building code. Within the City of Houston, one-story sheds under 120 square feet are exempt from permits. Flood zone regulations may apply countywide.
Unincorporated Harris County does not require building permits for residential fences. Within the City of Houston, standard residential fences generally do not require permits either. Fences in floodways may be subject to county flood regulations. HOA deed restrictions commonly govern fence specifications.
Unincorporated Harris County does not require building permits for residential decks or patios, as the county lacks a comprehensive building code. Within the City of Houston, decks not more than 30 inches above grade are generally exempt from permits. Flood zone elevation requirements apply countywide.
Unincorporated Harris County does not require building permits for most residential renovations, as the county has not adopted a comprehensive building code. Within Houston, permits are required for structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work. Cosmetic work does not require permits in either jurisdiction.
Harris County Public Health requires a Mobile Food Unit permit for any food truck or trailer operating in unincorporated Harris County. Operators must obtain a Texas DSHS Retail Food Establishment permit and pass HCPH inspections covering food safety, sanitation, and equipment standards.
Unincorporated Harris County has no designated food truck vending zones or location restrictions beyond health department permitting. Mobile food units may operate on private property with the owner's permission. Public right-of-way vending is regulated by TxDOT on state roads.
Harris County Precinct parks are closed from dusk to dawn unless otherwise posted. Individual park rules vary by precinct. Harris County Flood Control District detention basins and trail areas also have posted hours. Violations enforced by Precinct Constables.
Harris County enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 17. Nighttime curfew hours typically run 11 PM to 6 AM on school nights with later weekend hours.
Unincorporated Harris County does not require permits for garage sales or yard sales on residential property. No county registration, fee, or notification requirement exists. Subdivision deed restrictions may impose their own garage sale rules.
Harris County has no time-of-day restrictions for garage sales in unincorporated areas. Hours are left to property owner discretion. Subdivision deed restrictions may specify permitted sale hours. General nuisance standards apply after dark.
Harris County has no limits on the frequency of garage sales in unincorporated areas. Excessive or continuous sales activity may be considered a home business subject to different regulations. Subdivision deed restrictions commonly limit garage sales to 2-4 per year.
Harris County has no light trespass or outdoor lighting ordinance for unincorporated areas. Texas law restricts counties from adopting outdoor lighting regulations except near military installations or observatories. Light nuisance complaints fall under general nuisance provisions.
Harris County has no dark sky ordinance and cannot adopt one under current Texas law. Texas HSC Chapter 425 restricts local outdoor lighting regulation except near military bases or observatories. Harris County is not a designated Dark Sky Community.
Unincorporated Harris County has no solicitor permit or peddler license requirement. Door-to-door solicitation is governed by Texas Penal Code trespass provisions and deed restrictions. Some MUDs and HOAs post no-soliciting signs with enforcement authority.
Harris County has no no-knock or do-not-disturb registry for unincorporated areas. Residents can post no-soliciting signs enforceable under Texas Penal Code trespass provisions. No county mechanism exists for opting out of door-to-door solicitation.