Houston Has No Traditional Zoning — and That Affects the Whole County

Most American cities zone land by use — residential, commercial, industrial. Houston has not done that. Uses are controlled by deed restrictions in many neighborhoods, but these are private agreements, not public zoning law. Deed restrictions can expire or be unenforced.

Unincorporated Harris County also lacks traditional zoning. This means what gets built next door to your home may surprise you. Before buying, research the deed restrictions for any specific neighborhood and check nearby land uses at the county jurisdiction map. Deed restrictions are recorded with the Harris County Clerk's office.