Community Code Enforcement helps keep neighborhoods safe, clean, and attractive by using building codes and addressing nuisances. This section responds to neighborhood complaints related to overgrown lots, dangerous buildings, trash accumulation, junk motor vehicles, and other materials or appliances stored in public view. These activities follow City Codes:
The division works with the community partners and neighbors to respond to their concerns and improve their quality of life.
601 Sawyer St., Suite 110
Houston, Texas 77007
Below are common violations that residents and businesses should be aware of to meet City code requirements.
It is the property owner's or occupant's responsibility to keep all fences and accessory structures, including detached garages and sheds, in a structurally sound condition and good repair.
To Avoid Fines: Repair or maintain the fence or accessory structure in good condition.
Fines: $200 – $2,000
Owners of residential and commercial structures are required to maintain their safety and appearance under local and state building codes. This includes upkeep of the main structure, garage, and any other accessory structures, such as a shed on the property.
All structures must be kept in good repair to prevent them from becoming hazardous or unsafe. Vacant structures must be secured from unauthorized entry, including all doors and windows.
To avoid fines: Close and secure all windows, doors, and other openings on vacant buildings and structures. Purchase a permit to repair or secure the building.
Fines: $200 – $2,000
It is the property owner’s/occupant’s responsibility to provide and maintain in good condition connections that discharge sewage from the building to public sewer systems or an approved septic system.
To avoid fines: Correct any conditions that have created the discharge, whether on private property or in a public right-of-way, and sanitize the spill area.
Fines: $200 – $2,000
The City of Houston has the authority under Section 342.008 of the Texas Health and Safety Code and Section 10-453 of the City of Houston Code of Ordinances to abate weeds or brush that is higher than 48 inches tall. It is declared to be an immediate danger to the health, life, or safety of all persons in the vicinity thereof, and the abatement of such weeds or brush may be carried out without proper notice as described in Section 10-453(e). The City, as authorized by statute and ordinance, will impose and file a lien against any property in an amount equal to the total funds expended by the City to take the corrective action, if a request for an Administrative Hearing is not received in a proper and timely manner.
It is the owner’s /occupant’s responsibility to keep the property free from any garbage, trash, or rubbish. Junk, trash, litter, and rubbish cannot be deposited or allowed to accumulate on a lot.
To avoid fines: Remove all refuse and place it in an approved container. Dispose of all garbage according to Solid Waste Department guidelines and pick-up schedules. Call 3-1-1 for the pick-up schedule and guidelines.
Fines:
1st Offense: $50 – $1,000
2nd Offense: $100 – $1,500
3rd Offense: $200 – $2,000
Unauthorized graffiti or any other unauthorized form of painting, scratching, writing or inscription, including without limitation, initials, slogans or drawings, regardless of the content or nature of the material, is considered visual blight when applied to any wall, building, fence, sign, or other structure or surface and is visible from any public property or right-of-way or is visible from the private property of another person.
Fines: $300 - $500
A junked vehicle means a vehicle that has:
—An expired registration that is self-propelled and is wrecked, dismantled, or partially dismantled, or discarded.
—It is inoperable and has remained so for more than 30 consecutive days.
Any such vehicle must be removed or completely enclosed in a building in a lawful manner that is not visible from the street or other public or private property.
To Avoid Fines: The vehicle must be screened from ordinary public view by appropriate means as required in Texas Transportation Code 683.077.
Fines: $200 – $2,000
Property owners may not store materials in open areas or allow junk, trash, or debris to accumulate on any lot or street. Prohibited items include dead trees, tires, broken glass, appliances, furniture, auto parts, construction materials, plastics, and other unsightly or unsafe materials.
TIRES
To avoid fines: remove or properly store any tires.
Fines: $250 – $2,000
BOATS / TRAILERS
To avoid fines: Remove any rubbish or garbage from the boat or trailer. Elevate the boat or trailer at least 6 inches above the lot surface. The boat must be stored so that water cannot accumulate in the boat. If the boat is on a trailer, the trailer must be operable.
Fines: $200 – $2,000
APPLIANCES
To avoid fines: Remove and properly dispose of inoperable refrigerators, freezers, air conditioning units, and other appliances.
Fines: $200 – $2,000
DEAD TREES
To avoid fines: Remove and properly dispose of dead trees and tree limbs.
Fines: $200 – $2,000
Unprotected holes, excavations, and sharp protrusions from the ground pose health and safety risks.
To avoid fines: Fence or fill open holes with approved fill material, such as sand or dirt. Securely seal or plug unused water wells and remove or fill unused septic tanks.
Fines: $250 – $2,000
Overgrown weeds, shrubs, grass, and other vegetation pose fire and safety hazards. The property owner/occupant is responsible for maintaining weeds and grass at nine (9) inches or less and brush and shrubbery at seven (7) feet or less.
To avoid fines: Remove any weeds and shrubbery in excess of the legal limit. Also, remove any trash or rubbish accumulating on the property.
Fines:
1st Offense: $50 – $1,000
2nd Offense: $100 – $1,500
3rd Offense: $200 – $2,000
A property owner/occupant may not accumulate lumber, boxes, barrels, or similar materials that may be used as a harborage for rats. Control of rat infestations is the responsibility of the occupant or owner.
To avoid fines: Remove garbage, rubbish, lumber, barrels, or other materials that may
be used to harbor rats or other rodents. For commercial property, all materials stored on the lot must be 18 inches above the lot surface with a clear space underneath to prevent harborage of rats or rodents.
Fines: $100 – $2,000
Accumulation or collection of stagnant water may become a breeding place for mosquitoes and presents a health and safety risk.
To avoid fines: Eliminate any holes in the ground or remove containers (including tires) that collect water and may promote mosquito breeding.
Fines:
1st Offense: $50 – $1,000
2nd Offense: $100 – $1,500
3rd Offense: $200 – $2,000
Below are common requests and forms related to Community Code Enforcement services
Citation or Hearing Resources
Request for Review Of An Assessment Lien – Request to review the assessment lien placed on the property.
If you receive an Emergency Corrective Action Notice, you have the right to request an administrative hearing.
The hearing officer conducts public hearings and issues orders in accordance with City ordinances and the Texas Local Government Code. For details on emergency corrective actions, liens, and legal authorities, refer to Chapter 10-331 to 10-332 of the City of Houston Code of Ordinances and Section 342.008 of the Texas Health and Safety Code.
Written request must be received by the Administrative Hearings Section within 30 days after the day on which the City issued the Emergency Corrective Action Notice. Request can be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to:
Administrative Hearings Section
Neighborhood Protection Official
601 Sawyer, Suite 110
Houston, Texas 77007
Meetings
Hearing Agenda
Telephone
Register for Administrative Hearings
Request for Administrative Rehearing Consideration
The Building and Standards Commission (BSC) hears cases involving dangerous building violations under City ordinances and Texas law.
Commission Officials
Meetings
Hearing Agenda
Request for BSC Rehearing Consideration
City Information
Sign Administration – Provides information on permitting, regulations, and enforcement for all types of signs in Houston, including the prohibition of illegal "bandit signs" often placed on public property.
Garbage, Trash, Recycling Pickup Schedules – Information on pickup schedules, recycling services, and proper waste disposal.
Historic Preservation – Learn how the City of Houston protects and manages historic properties.
Houston Municipal Courts – Access services for citations, hearings, ticket payments, and court information.
Neighborhood Deed Restrictions – Learn how the City of Houston Legal Department can help enforce deed restrictions.
Planning and Development – Provides platting maps, development approvals, and land-use planning services.
Special Events – Parades and Street Functions – Learn about permits and requirements for public events that use city streets.
Super Neighborhoods – Information about how residents and community groups partner with the City of Houston to plan improvements and solve neighborhood issues.
Houston Police Department – Offers crime resources, reporting tools, and community policing initiatives.
The Solid Waste Management Department manages heavy trash, illegal dumping, residential curbside collection for garbage, recycling, yard waste, and other materials citywide.
The Houston Permitting Center regulates residential construction through permitting, plan reviews, and inspections to ensure compliance with building codes and life safety standards.
The Office of the City Engineer (OCE) oversees floodplain management, street cuts, and stormwater quality per city, state, and federal regulations.
