Deed Restrictions
In Harris County, Deed Restrictions Often Replace Zoning
Because Houston has no traditional zoning, many neighborhoods use deed restrictions to control what can be built or operated on private property.
Deed restrictions are private agreements recorded with the county. They may limit structures to single-family homes, restrict certain businesses, or set minimum lot sizes. They can be enforced by neighborhood associations or neighbors, or by the City of Houston's Legal Department, which operates a Deed Restriction Enforcement program and can take violators to civil court under Chapter 212 of the Texas Local Government Code.
Deed restrictions can expire if not renewed. They can also be hard to enforce if homeowners do not band together. Before buying, ask your title company to pull the deed restrictions for the property and read them. Check Harris County Clerk records for any restrictions attached to the title. Restrictions that have lapsed may leave your neighborhood open to commercial or industrial uses.
Source to confirm: City of Houston Legal Department – Deed Restriction Enforcement