Texas Porch
City vs. Unincorporated Area Practical

City Limits, ETJ, and County Land Follow Different Rules

Harris County Rules & Licenses

Nearby lots can have different permit desks. Land inside a city starts with that city. An ETJ sits just outside city limits, but the city may still review a new subdivision there. Land outside an ETJ goes through the Harris County plat process.

County land has no zoning, but it still has rules. Harris County checks flood areas, septic systems, driveways, signs, and plats. Use the Area Map on the County Engineer's page. Then call the listed city or county office to confirm the right filing route.

Content last revised 2026-07-11

Keep reading

More stories and useful context near Harris County

A balanced next shelf: local character first, with practical context close by.

Stories & local character

NASA Chose Clear Lake While Hurricane Debris Was Still on the Ground

The future Johnson Space Center began on coastal prairie where NASA's first visitors found cattle, a windmill, and debris left by Hurricane Carla.

Read note →

Practical

File a Harris County DBA With the County Clerk

If you run a Harris County business under a name that isn't your own, file an assumed name (DBA) with the County Clerk — in person or by mail.

Read note →

Stories & local character

Galveston Bay Is One of the Top Fishing Spots Near Houston

Galveston Bay borders the southeast edge of Harris County and offers saltwater fishing for speckled trout, redfish, and flounder.

Read note →

Practical

Get a Harris County Marriage License Through the Clerk

Harris County marriage licenses come from the County Clerk, with in-person service at any of the Clerk's locations across the county.

Read note →

Place pages in Harris County

BaytownBellaireBunker Hill VillageDeer ParkEl LagoFriendswood

Nearby county shelves

Montgomery (56) Fort Bend (58) Waller (20) Liberty (25) Chambers (12) Brazoria (39)