Texas counties have very limited zoning authority under Local Government Code chapters 232 and 233, primarily over subdivisions and floodplains. Harris County does not adopt specific plans. Houston also lacks traditional zoning. Land-use control comes from deed restrictions, HOAs, and chapter 42 city development rules.
Texas Local Government Code chapters 232 and 233 grant counties limited unincorporated authority over subdivision platting, floodplain management, and a small set of public health rules. Counties cannot adopt comprehensive zoning, specific plans, or transit-oriented development overlays the way California counties do under Government Code 65450. Harris County does not maintain a specific-plan regime. The City of Houston famously rejected zoning in 1993 and 2010 referendums and instead relies on deed restrictions enforced under Property Code chapter 209 and on Houston Code of Ordinances chapter 42 development standards. Cities like Sugar Land, Pearland, and Bellaire run more traditional zoning but no formal specific-plan overlay.
No specific-plan violation framework exists because Texas does not authorize county specific plans. Subdivision-platting violations under Local Government Code chapter 232 carry civil penalties up to one thousand dollars per day and injunctive relief in district court.
La Porte, TX
La Porte Code of Ordinances Chapter 74 (Nuisances) prohibits unreasonably loud or disturbing sounds including amplified music. Sound from loudspeakers, PA sy...
La Porte, TX
La Porte regulates construction noise through its nuisance ordinance in Chapter 74. While no standalone construction hours ordinance exists, residential cons...
La Porte, TX
La Porte Code of Ordinances Chapter 14 (Animals) addresses barking dogs as a nuisance. A dog that barks, howls, or makes excessive noise continuously that di...
La Porte, TX
La Porte does not have a specific ordinance restricting leaf blower use. Gas-powered and electric leaf blowers are permitted for residential and commercial l...
La Porte, TX
La Porte regulates the parking and storage of recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers on residential property through its zoning and property maintenance ...
La Porte, TX
La Porte requires driveways to meet city standards for materials, width, and construction. Vehicles must be parked on paved surfaces — parking on grass, dirt...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Harris County.
See how La Porte's specific plans overview rules stack up against other locations.
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