Harris County Unincorporated City Zoning Code
Complete index of all zoning chapters, sections, and subsections
ARTICLE 1
- ADOPTION, PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY
Sections
- Sec. 101.- Title and authority.
- Sec. 102. - Adoption.
- Sec. 103. - Purpose and intent.
- Sec. 104. - General applicability.
- Sec. 105. - Application of the regulations.
- Sec. 106. - Nonconformities.
ARTICLE 2
- USE OF LAND AND STRUCTURES
Sections
- Sec. 201.- Zoning districts; established.
- Sec. 202. - Official zoning map.
- Sec. 203. - Zoning districts.
- 203.01 - General.
- 203.02 - Agricultural zoning districts; purpose.
- 203.03 - Residential zoning districts, including planned developments; purpose.
- 203.04 - Apartment/office zoning district; purpose.
- 203.05 - Commercial zoning districts, including planned developments; purpose.
- 203.06 - Mixed use zoning districts; purpose.
- 203.07 - Industrial zoning districts; purpose.
- Sec. 204. - Uses allowed in each zoning district.
ARTICLE 3
- RESTRICTIONS ON PARTICULAR USES
Sections
- Sec. 301.- Required County approvals.
- Sec. 302.- Additional Code and licensing requirements.
- Sec. 303.- Restrictions on uses.
- Sec. 304.- Accessory buildings customary to a dwelling.
- Sec. 305.- Adult entertainment.
- Sec. 306.- Airports, commercial.
- Sec. 307.- Alcoholic beverages.
- Sec. 308.- Agricultural uses.
- Sec. 309.- Agritourism uses.
- Sec. 310.- Automotive repair and maintenance services.
- Sec. 311.- Bed and breakfast inns.
- Sec. 312.- Cluster mail box units.
- Sec. 313.- Campgrounds, RV parks, and recreational camps.
- Sec. 314.- Cemeteries, commercial.
- Sec. 315.- Day care facilities.
- Sec. 316.- Massage therapy.
- Sec. 317.- Drive-in theaters.
- Sec. 318.- Farmers market, permanent.
- Sec. 319.- Farm wineries.
- Sec. 320.- Food trucks.
- Sec. 321.- Gasoline stations.
- Sec. 322.- Group residence for adults.
- Sec. 323.- Group residence for children.
- Sec. 324.- Home occupations.
- Sec. 325.- Hunting and gaming preserves, commercial.
- Sec. 326.- Inert landfills.
- Sec. 327.- Junk yard/storage/salvage facilities.
- Sec. 328.- Kennels.
- Sec. 329.- Manufactured homes.
- Sec. 330.- Outdoor amphitheaters.
- Sec. 331.- Outdoor lighting standards.
- Sec. 332.- Outdoor storage.
- Sec. 333.- Outdoor wedding venues.
- Sec. 334.- Recreational fields and youth sport team fields.
- Sec. 335.- Short term vacation rentals.
- Sec. 336.- Solar collection systems.
- Sec. 337.- Special event facilities.
- Sec. 338.- Standards for multi-family dwellings.
- Sec. 339.- Standards for non-residential uses.
- Sec. 340.- Storage of certain vehicles and equipment.
- Sec. 341.- Telecommunications antennas and towers.
- 341.01 - Purposes.
- 341.02 - Applicability.
- 341.03 - Permitted uses.
- 341.04 - Standards applicable to all towers and antennas.
- 341.05 - Availability of suitable existing towers or other structures.
- 341.06 - Removal of abandoned antennas and towers.
- 341.07 - Application procedures for all towers and antennas.
- 341.08 - Administrative approvals.
- 341.09 - Special use permits.
- 341.10 - Written decisions.
- 341.11 - Penalties and violation.
- Sec. 342.- Temporary buildings and residences.
- Sec. 343.- Temporary special events.
- Sec. 344.- Temporary uses and events.
- Sec. 345.- Timber harvesting.
- Sec. 346.- Tiny houses.
ARTICLE 4
- LOT AND BUILDING STANDARDS
Sections
- Sec. 401.- General requirements.
- Sec. 402. - Minimum development standards.
- 402.01 - General requirements.
- 402.02 - Area regulations for lots and principal buildings.
- 402.03 - Types of lots.
- 402.04 - Minimum lot size.
- 402.05 - Minimum lot frontage.
- 402.06 - Minimum lot width.
- 402.07 - Lot lines.
- 402.08 - Building lines.
- 402.09 - Minimum setbacks; principal buildings.
- 402.10 - Building and structure heights.
- 402.11 - Minimum acreage requirements for creation of new zoning districts.
- Sec. 403. - Accessory buildings and structures.
- Sec. 404. - General exceptions.
- Sec. 405. - Landscape strip and zoning buffer requirements.
ARTICLE 5
- SUBDIVISIONS AND PLANNED DEVELOPMENTS
Sections
- Sec. 501.- Minor subdivisions.
- Sec. 502. - Major subdivisions.
- Sec. 503. - Conventional subdivisions.
- Sec. 504. - Conservation subdivisions.
- Sec. 505. - Planned unit developments.
- Sec. 506. - Planned residential development (PRD).
- Sec. 507. - Planned commercial development (PCD).
- Sec. 508. - Planned manufacturing development (PMD).
- Sec. 509. - Planned senior housing development.
- 509.01 - Purpose and intent.
- 509.02 - Age restrictions.
- 509.03 - Minimum development standards.
- 509.04 - Land use composition.
- 509.05 - Ownership control.
- 509.06 - Compliance with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
- 509.07 - Special use approval required.
- 509.08 - Criteria for special use approval.
- Sec. 510. - Community unit planned developments (CUPD).
- Sec. 511. - Commercial outdoor recreation development (CORD).
- Sec. 512. - Designated conservation areas.
- Sec. 513. - Natural resource easements.
- Sec. 514. - Conservation easements.
- Sec. 515. - Owners association.
ARTICLE 6
- PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
Sections
- Sec. 601.- Off-street automobile parking and loading and unloading spaces required.
- Sec. 602. - Off-street parking design standards.
- 602.01 - Parking space requirements.
- 602.02 - Access and interior driveways.
- 602.03 - Surfacing, drainage, and maintenance.
- 602.04 - Lighting of parking areas.
- 602.05 - Shared parking.
- 602.06 - Interparcel access.
- Sec. 603. - Number of off-street parking spaces required.
- Sec. 604. - Prohibited off-street parking.
- Sec. 605. - Off-street truck loading and unloading.
- Sec. 606. - On-street parking standards.
ARTICLE 7
- SIGN REGULATIONS
Sections
- Sec. 701.- Findings, purpose and intent.
- Sec. 702. - Applicability.
- Sec. 703. - General requirements applying to signs.
- Sec. 704. - Temporary signs.
- 704.01 - Temporary signs; allowed.
- 704.02 - Location of temporary signs.
- 704.03 - Number of temporary signs.
- 704.04 - Duration of temporary signs.
- 704.05 - Construction and lighting standards of temporary signs.
- 704.06 - Temporary pole signs.
- 704.07 - Temporary banners, feather banners, A-frame signs, portable signs and streamers.
- 704.08 - Temporary yard signs.
- 704.09 - Temporary window signs.
- Sec. 705. - Off-premise signs.
- Sec. 706. - Sign types permitted in specific zoning districts.
- Sec. 707. - Non-conforming signs.
- Sec. 708. - Sign permits; requirements and procedures.
- 708.01 - Permit required.
- 708.02 - Purpose.
- 708.03 - Authority.
- 708.04 - Applicability.
- 708.05 - Permitted signs by ordinance.
- 708.06 - Procedure.
- 708.07 - Initial submission and review of application.
- 708.08 - Action by Code Enforcement Officer.
- 708.09 - Approval.
- 708.10 - Fails to comply.
- 708.11 - Resubmittal.
- 708.12 - Criteria.
- 708.13 - Expiration.
- 708.14 - Amendments.
- 708.15 - Maintenance of permit.
- 708.16 - Assignment of sign permits.
- 708.17 - Appeals.
- Sec. 709. - Administration, enforcement and penalties.
ARTICLE 8
- ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES PROTECTION
Sections
- Sec. 801. - Purpose.
- Sec. 802. - Applicability.
- Sec. 803. - Protection criteria.
- Sec. 804. - Purpose.
- Sec. 805. - Applicability.
- Sec. 806. - Protection criteria.
- Sec. 807. - Allowed uses.
- Sec. 808. - Prohibited uses.
- Sec. 809. - Findings and purpose.
- Sec. 810. - Applicability.
- Sec. 811. - Allowed uses.
- Sec. 812. - Permit requirements, review and appeals procedures.
- Sec. 813. - Monitoring and enforcement.
- Sec. 814. - Penalties.
- Sec. 815. - Judicial review.
- Sec. 816. - Amendments.
- Sec. 817. - Assessment relief.
- Sec. 818. - Regulation.
- Sec. 819. - Penalties.
- Sec. 820. - Findings and purpose.
- Sec. 821. - Applicability.
- Sec. 822. - Protection standards.
- Sec. 823. - Permit requirements, review and appeals procedures.
- Sec. 824. - Monitoring and enforcement.
- Sec. 825. - Penalties.
- Sec. 826. - Judicial review.
- Sec. 827. - Amendments.
- Sec. 828. - Assessment relief.
- Sec. 829. - Findings and purpose.
- Sec. 830. - Applicability.
- Sec. 831. - Standards.
- Sec. 832. - Floodplain administrator.
- Sec. 833. - Warning and disclaimer of liability.
- Sec. 834. - Permit requirements, review and appeals procedures.
ARTICLE 9
- PROJECT DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS
Sections
- Sec. 901.- Standards incorporated by reference.
- Sec. 902. - General standards.
- Sec. 903. - Zoning and other regulations.
- Sec. 904. - Naming and numbering of buildings and streets.
- Sec. 905. - General layout requirements.
- Sec. 906. - Access requirements.
- Sec. 907. - Easements.
- Sec. 908. - Streets.
- 908.01 - Dedication of street right-of-way.
- 908.02 - Street improvements.
- 908.03 - Project access improvements.
- 908.04 - General street design standards.
- 908.05 - Local and minor collector streets within residential subdivisions.
- 908.06 - Curb and gutter.
- 908.07 - Storm drainage.
- 908.08 - Public roads and streets.
- 908.09 - Private roads and streets.
- 908.10 - Private streets in restricted access developments.
- Sec. 909. - Utilities.
- Sec. 910. - Overview: Project construction.
- Sec. 911. - Site clearing and grading.
- Sec. 912. - Excavating and trenching.
- 912.01 - Definitions.
- 912.02 - Unauthorized excavation and trenching.
- 912.03 - OSHA Safety and Health Regulations.
- 912.04 - Excavation and trenching certificate required.
- 912.05 - Permit required.
- 912.06 - Enforcement of excavation and trenching requirements.
- 912.07 - Inspection by Harris County.
- 912.08 - Violations.
- Sec. 913. - Installation of streets and utilities.
- Sec. 914. - Building construction.
ARTICLE 10
- EROSION CONTROL AND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Sections
- Sec. 1001.- Standards incorporated by reference.
- Sec. 1002. - Purpose and intent.
- Sec. 1003. - Definitions related to erosion, sedimentation and pollution control.
- Sec. 1004. - Exemptions.
- Sec. 1005. - Minimum requirements for erosion, sedimentation and pollution control using best management practices.
- Sec. 1006. - Application and permitting process.
- Sec. 1007. - Inspection and enforcement.
- Sec. 1008. - Penalties and incentives.
- Sec. 1009. - Education and certification.
- Sec. 1010. - Administrative appeal.
- Sec. 1011. - Liability.
- Sec. 1012. - Purpose and intent.
- Sec. 1013. - Applicability and exemptions.
- Sec. 1014. - Stormwater management facilities.
- 1014.01 - Development plan requirements.
- 1014.02 - Standards for stormwater management.
- 1014.03 - Stormwater detention facility location criteria.
- 1014.04 - Stormwater detention facility easement requirements.
- 1014.05 - Stormwater detention facility design considerations.
- 1014.06 - Alternate structural stormwater controls.
- 1014.07 - Modifications for off-site facilities.
- Sec. 1015. - Maintenance and inspection of stormwater facilities and practices.
- Sec. 1016. - Dams.
ARTICLE 11
- PROCEDURES AND PERMITS
Sections
- Sec. 1101.- Land development process and procedures.
- 1101.01 - County approvals, in general.
- 1101.02 - Zoning changes, in general.
- 1101.03 - Minor subdivisions.
- 1101.04 - Major subdivisions.
- 1101.05 - Multi-family and commercial/industrial projects.
- 1102.01 - Application submission process.
- 1102.02 - Pre-application review procedure.
- 1102.03 - Responsible parties for application processing.
- 1102.04 - Schedules and fees.
- Sec. 1103.- Text amendment or adoption of Development Code.
- Sec. 1104.- Zoning changes (rezoning or special use approval).
- Sec. 1105.- Conducting a public hearing.
- Sec. 1106.- Applications for text amendments or zoning changes (rezoning or special use approval).
- Sec. 1107.- Existing lots of record.
- Sec. 1108.- Development of regional impact (DRI).
- Sec. 1109.- Minor subdivisions.
- Sec. 1110.- Major subdivisions.
- Sec. 1111.- Rezoning application for planned unit development (Rezoning procedure).
- 1111.01 - Concept master plan.
- 1111.02 - Preliminary development plan.
- 1111.03 - Final development plan.
- 1111.04 - Final development plan review.
- 1111.05 - Application for preliminary plat and final plat approval.
- 1111.06 - Amending a final development plan.
- 1112.01 - Conceptual master plan.
- 1112.02 - Rezoning and conceptual master plan review procedures.
- 1112.03 - Final development plan requirements.
- 1112.04 - Final development plan review.
- 1112.05 - Amendment to final development plan.
- Sec. 1113.- Rezoning application for resort development master plan revisions.
- Sec. 1114.- Special use application for telecommunications facilities.
- Sec. 1115.- Special use application for agritourism development.
- DIVISION 3. - DEVELOPMENT CONSTRUCTION APPROVAL
- Sec. 1117.- Road development directives.
- Sec. 1119.- Land disturbance permits.
- Sec. 1120.- Preparation of development construction plans.
- 1120.01 - General requirements: development construction plans.
- 1120.02 - Erosion and sedimentation control plan.
- 1120.03 - Grading plan.
- 1120.04 - Stormwater management plan.
- 1120.05 - Street improvement plan.
- 1120.06 - Site landscaping plans.
- 1120.07 - Public utility plans.
- 1120.08 - On-site septic system plans.
- Sec. 1121. - Digital submission requirements: As-built data and final plans.
- Sec. 1122.- Soil, erosion, sedimentation and pollution control.
- Sec. 1123.- Environmental approval: Aquifer recharge area.
- Sec. 1124.- Environmental approval: Wetlands protection.
- Sec. 1125.- Tree removal.
- Sec. 1126.- Driveway permits.
- Sec. 1127.- Building permits.
- Sec. 1128.- Sign permits.
- Sec. 1129.- Manufactured home permits.
- Sec. 1130.- Solar collection system permits.
- Sec. 1131.- Inert landfill permits.
- Sec. 1132.- Broadband ready community.
- Sec. 1133.- Field changes.
- Sec. 1134.- Types of appeals.
- Sec. 1135.- Special exception variance (Waivers).
- Sec. 1136.- Hardship variances.
- Sec. 1137.- Floodplain management variances.
- Sec. 1138.- Appeals of administrative decision.
- Sec. 1139.- Appeals of planning commission decision.
- Sec. 1140.- Appeals of zoning decisions.
- Sec. 1141.- Board of zoning adjustment.
- Sec. 1142.- Temporary suspension of permitting.
- Sec. 1143.- Title 5 review.
ARTICLE 12
- ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
Sections
- Sec. 1201.- Administrative roles.
- Sec. 1202. - Planning commission.
- Sec. 1203. - Board of zoning adjustment.
- Sec. 1204. - Development authority.
- Sec. 1205. - Standards for administrative approvals.
- Sec. 1206. - Amendment of zoning conditions.
- Sec. 1207. - Remedies.
- Sec. 1208. - Violation and penalties.
- Sec. 1209. - Legal status.
ARTICLE 13
- INTERPRETATION AND GLOSSARY
Sections
- Sec. 1301.- Interpretation.
- Sec. 1302. - Glossary of definitions.