Topic · Page 2
Rules & Licenses
Local Notes
Rules & Licenses notes
Ector County · Hunting License
You Need a Texas Hunting License to Hunt in Ector County
Any hunter in Ector County must hold a valid Texas hunting license, plus additional endorsements depending on what they hunt.
El Paso County · Short-Term Rentals
El Paso Has Rules on Short-Term Rentals and Backyard Events
The City of El Paso restricts renting out residential pools and backyards for events, and has rules that may affect Airbnb-style hosting.
Ellis County · Burn Rules
Outdoor burning in Ellis County is regulated by the county fire marshal
The Ellis County Fire Marshal manages burn bans and outdoor burning rules for areas outside city limits.
Ellis County · Land Use
Unincorporated Ellis County has no zoning — but it has some rules
Rural Ellis County outside city limits has no zoning. Neighbors can run businesses or keep livestock without city-style rules — but the county still has some development standards.
Erath County · Jurisdiction Basics
Most of Erath County Is Unincorporated — Rules Differ Outside City Limits
Outside Stephenville and Dublin, most of Erath County is unincorporated. That means fewer local rules but also fewer city services.
Erath County · Right to Farm
Texas Right-to-Farm Law Protects Existing Agricultural Operations
If you move near a farm or ranch in Erath County, state law limits your ability to sue over odors, dust, or noise from that operation.
Fannin County · Hunting License
You Need a Texas Hunting License to Hunt in Fannin County
Anyone hunting in Fannin County needs a valid Texas hunting license, and public land like Caddo Grasslands also requires an Annual Public Hunting Permit.
Fort Bend County · Water & Wastewater
Fort Bend County regulates water and wastewater connections in unincorporated areas
Outside city limits in Fort Bend County, the county sets rules for how you hook up to water and sewer.
Fort Bend County · Emergency Preparedness
Fort Bend residents who need evacuation help can register with STEAR
People who cannot evacuate on their own during a disaster can register in advance with the State Texas Emergency Assistance Registry.
Fort Bend County · City Limits & ETJ
Much of Fort Bend County is unincorporated — rules differ outside city limits
Outside city limits, county rules apply; inside city limits or a city's ETJ, additional city rules may also apply.
Franklin County · Agricultural Valuation
Farm and Ranch Land Can Be Taxed on Productivity, Not Market Value
Land used for farming, ranching, or timber in Franklin County may qualify to be appraised at its productivity value, which is usually much lower than market value.
Gaines County · Hunting License
Hunting in Gaines County requires a Texas license from TPWD
Anyone hunting in Gaines County needs a valid Texas hunting license, and some game like pronghorn antelope require a separate permit.
Galveston County · Weather Hazard
Hurricane Season Runs June Through November in Galveston County
Galveston County is on the Gulf Coast and faces real hurricane risk every year from June 1 through November 30.
Galveston County · Hurricane Evacuation
Know Your Evacuation Zone Before Hurricane Season in Galveston County
Galveston County uses lettered evacuation zones, and knowing yours before a storm can save your life.
Galveston County · City Limits vs. Unincorporated
Whether You Are in City Limits Matters a Lot in Galveston County
Living inside a city means following city rules. Living outside city limits means county rules apply instead — and they can be very different.
Glasscock County · Hunting License
You need a Texas hunting license to hunt in Glasscock County
Almost everyone who hunts in Texas needs a license, even on private land — there are few exceptions.
Grayson County · Oil and Gas
Grayson County Has a History of Oil and Gas Production
Oil and gas production has been part of Grayson County's economy. The Railroad Commission of Texas regulates all oil and gas activity in the state.
Grayson County · Agriculture
Grayson County's Farm Economy Centers on Cattle, Wheat, and Nurseries
Grayson County is still a farming county. Beef cattle, wheat, and nursery products are among its top farm outputs.
Gregg County · Game Warden
How to reach Gregg County's game warden
Gregg County has a TPWD game warden who enforces hunting, fishing, and boating laws in the county.
Gregg County · Mineral Rights
Oil and gas wells in Gregg County are regulated by the Railroad Commission
The Texas Railroad Commission regulates all oil and gas activity in Gregg County — a county with a long history of petroleum production.
Hale County · Fire Weather
Wildfire risk is real in Hale County during dry and windy weather
The High Plains gets Red Flag Warnings for critical fire weather several times a year; outdoor burning during these periods is dangerous.
Hansford County · Hunting License
Hunting in Hansford County Requires a Texas License
Anyone who hunts in Hansford County must have a Texas hunting license, and some public-land hunts need an extra permit.
Hardin County · City vs. County
Most of Hardin County is unincorporated — city rules may not apply
Hardin County covers 897 square miles. Only a small part of that land is inside a city. Most people here live under county rules, not city rules.
Harris County · Fishing License
Buy Your Texas Fishing License Online Before You Head to the Water
Texas fishing licenses — required for anglers 17 and older in public waters — can be purchased online through TPWD before you arrive at the water.
Harris County · Air Quality Forecast
Check the Daily Air Quality Forecast Before Going Outside in Harris County
TCEQ posts a daily air quality forecast for the Houston area that tells you whether ozone levels may be unhealthy.
Harris County · Air Quality / Ozone
Houston Has an Air Quality Problem Worth Knowing About
The Houston-Galveston-Brazoria area — including Harris County — is classified as a serious ozone nonattainment zone by the EPA.
Harris County · Land Use / Zoning
Houston Has No Traditional Zoning — and That Affects the Whole County
The City of Houston does not have traditional land-use zoning, which means a business can legally open next to a home in many areas.
Harris County · Short-Term Rentals
Houston Now Requires Short-Term Rental Registration
If you rent out a home on Airbnb or a similar platform inside Houston city limits, the city now requires you to register and pay fees.
Harris County · 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.
Harris County · City vs. Unincorporated Area
Living Outside Houston City Limits in Harris County Is Common
A large portion of Harris County's population lives in unincorporated areas — outside any city — which means different rules for zoning, permits, and services.
Hays County · Development Rules
Building outside city limits in Hays County still requires county permits
If you want to build or develop land in the unincorporated parts of Hays County, you must get approval from the county's Development Services department.
Hays County · Hunting Regulations
Deer hunting rules in Hays County depend on which side of IH-35 you hunt
Hays County straddles two deer hunting zones, so the bag limit and antler rules for white-tailed deer change depending on where you are hunting.
Hays County · Licenses & Permits
You need a Texas hunting or fishing license to hunt and fish in Hays County
Texas law requires hunters and anglers to carry a valid state license, and buying the right add-ons for migratory birds or certain species is also required.
Hill County · Right to Farm
Texas law limits nuisance lawsuits against farms near Hill County homes
Texas has a Right to Farm law that makes it harder to sue a neighboring farm over dust, odors, flies, or noise in rural areas like Hill County.
Hill County · Public Hunting Permit
You need a permit to hunt on Corps of Engineers land near Lake Whitney
About 18,000 acres of public hunting land around Lake Whitney in Bosque and Hill counties require a permit through recreation.gov.
Hopkins County · Mineral Rights & Oil/Gas
Oil and Gas Wells in Hopkins County Are Regulated by the RRC
If you own land or are buying rural property in Hopkins County, the Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) regulates any oil, gas, or water-disposal wells on or near the property.
Howard County · Fire Safety
Wildfire Risk Is Real in Howard County — Check Burn Bans Before Burning
West Texas drought conditions make wildfire a regular hazard in Howard County, and county commissioners can issue burn bans on short notice.
Hunt County · Fishing License
A Texas fishing license is required on all public waters
Anyone fishing public waters in Hunt County, including Lake Tawakoni, must have a valid Texas fishing license issued by TPWD.
Hunt County · Burn Ban
Outdoor burning can be banned during dry conditions
Hunt County commissioners can issue a burn ban that makes outdoor burning illegal during dry or windy conditions.
Hunt County · Hunting License
Public hunting in Hunt County requires a Texas license
Hunters in Hunt County need a Texas hunting license and, on public lands like Tawakoni WMA, an Annual Public Hunting Permit.
Hunt County · Weather Hazards
Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are real risks here
Hunt County sits in North Texas, a region with a history of severe thunderstorms, hail, and tornadoes, particularly in spring.
Irion County · Oil & Gas
Oil and Gas Activity in Irion County Is Regulated from San Angelo
Irion County falls under Railroad Commission District 7C, based in San Angelo, which oversees all oil and gas well activity in the county.
Jefferson County · Hunting and Fishing Licenses
A License Is Required to Hunt or Fish in Texas Public Waters
Anyone hunting or fishing in Jefferson County on public land or public waters must have a valid Texas hunting or fishing license from TPWD — there are very few exceptions.
Jefferson County · Short-Term Rental Rules
Beaumont Requires a Permit to Run an Airbnb-Style Rental
In the City of Beaumont, renting a home for fewer than 30 days requires an annual STR permit and a hotel occupancy tax certificate. Advertising without one can bring a fine.
Jefferson County · Oil and Gas Regulation
The Railroad Commission Regulates Oil and Gas Wells, Not Royalties
The Texas Railroad Commission permits and oversees oil and gas wells in Jefferson County, but it has no authority over lease terms or royalty payments — those are handled through courts.
Jim Wells County · Weather Hazards
Tropical Storms Can Bring Heavy Rain and Wind to Jim Wells County
Jim Wells County is inland but close enough to the Gulf Coast that tropical storms and hurricanes can bring dangerous rain and wind.
Johnson County · City Limits
Burleson Sits in Both Johnson and Tarrant Counties
The city of Burleson straddles the Johnson-Tarrant county line, which means your address in Burleson may be in a different county than your neighbor's.
Johnson County · City Limits & ETJ
Living Near Cleburne? The City's ETJ Reaches 2 Miles Out
Cleburne has an extraterritorial jurisdiction — a 2-mile buffer outside city limits where the city can regulate how land is divided but does not provide full city services.
Johnson County · Wildlife Resources
TPWD Has a Wildlife Biologist Assigned to Johnson County
Texas Parks and Wildlife assigns a regional wildlife biologist to assist landowners in Johnson County with habitat management and wildlife questions.
Kaufman County · Water Wells
Kaufman County has no groundwater conservation district — state rules apply to water wells
There is no local groundwater conservation district in Kaufman County, so your water well is governed by state rules and must be drilled by a licensed driller who files a report with TCEQ.
Kaufman County · Right to Farm
Texas law protects farming operations from certain nuisance lawsuits
If you move near an existing farm or ranch in Kaufman County, Texas law limits your ability to sue the operation as a nuisance.
Kaufman County · Livestock & Fencing
Whether livestock must be fenced in depends on local stock law elections
Texas defaults to open range, but local elections can require landowners to fence their livestock in — check the county clerk for Kaufman County's current status.
Kendall County · Burn Bans
Outdoor burning in Kendall County can be banned without notice
Kendall County issues burn bans when fire danger is high — violating a burn ban can result in fines, and conditions can change quickly.
Kenedy County · Zoning and Land Use
There Are No Incorporated Cities in Kenedy County
Kenedy County has no incorporated cities, which means no city zoning, no city building codes, and county rules — not city rules — apply throughout.
Lamar County · Fishing Regulations
There Is a Seasonal Alligator Gar Restriction on the Red River
During May, taking or possessing alligator gar while on the Red River in Lamar County is prohibited under TPWD rules.
Lavaca County · Agriculture Law
Texas Right to Farm law protects ag operations in Lavaca County
Texas law limits nuisance lawsuits against established farming operations, which matters in a rural county like Lavaca where farms and new residents can end up as neighbors.
Liberty County · Groundwater Wells
Liberty County has a groundwater conservation district for private well users
If you plan to drill a water well in Liberty County, you must work with the Lower Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, which regulates well permits and use.
Liberty County · Hunt Permits
Most hunts at the Trinity River refuge require a state draw permit
Four of the five hunt types at Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge require a state draw permit — you must apply and be selected, not just show up.
Limestone County · Hunting
Deer Hunting in Limestone County: What the Antler Rule Means
Limestone County has a special antler restriction for white-tailed deer: only one buck per season may have an inside spread of 13 inches or more.
Lipscomb County · Oil and Gas
Oil and Gas Activity Is Regulated from the Pampa Office
If you own land or mineral rights in Lipscomb County, the Railroad Commission of Texas District 10 office in Pampa oversees oil and gas activity here.