Harris County, TX Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Landscaping height cap
- 30 inches at ROW corner cut-back
- HCFCD approval
- Required for landscaping or monuments in ROW
- Penalty
- Class C misdemeanor
- Applies to
- Unincorporated county and HCFCD right-of-way
- Enforced by
- County Engineer or HCTRA Executive Director
Summary
In unincorporated Harris County, no one may obstruct access to county or flood-control right-of-way, and landscaping over 30 inches or monuments cannot be placed in ROW corner cut-backs or HCFCD right-of-way without prior approval.
No Person shall perform any Work in such a manner as to obstruct access or interfere with the construction alteration, access, improvement, enlargement, operations, capacity enhancement, maintenance, or repair of any HC or HCFCD ROW... No Landscaping higher than 30 inches measured from top of curb at mature growth and no Monuments shall be placed in the ROW Corner Cut Back. No Landscaping or Monuments shall be placed on HCFCD ROW without prior HCFCD approval.
Full Breakdown
Harris County's right-of-way construction rules bar anyone from performing work that obstructs access to or interferes with county or Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) right-of-way, including the maintenance and operation of that ROW. The same section caps landscaping at 30 inches (measured from the curb at mature growth) in a ROW corner cut-back, bars monuments there entirely, and requires prior HCFCD sign-off before any landscaping or monument goes into HCFCD right-of-way. It applies to county roads and flood-control easements outside incorporated cities, not to Houston's own streets.
Violations & Fines
A violation is a Class C misdemeanor. The County Engineer or HCTRA Executive Director can pursue enforcement in Justice of the Peace Court, and the County Engineer may refer the matter to the County Attorney for injunctive relief or a civil penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant tall hedges or put a monument at my corner lot's right-of-way?
Does this rule apply inside Houston?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Harris County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Harris County to another location·View the Texas sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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