City overview

Houston, TX

Know before you sign a lease

Population 2.3M · Harris County · Zoning code effective Jan 2026

Verified from Houston Municipal Code (Jan 2026)

Zones

Business types

Mixed-use

Overlays

No traditional zoning

Houston has NO use-based zoning code — the only major US city without one

What regulates development

Chapter 42 · Subdivision, platting, setbacks, lot sizesChapter 26 · Parking requirements (primary regulatory tool)Deed restrictions · Private covenants enforceable by cityBuilding codes · International building code standards

Parking districts

Downtown · Zero parking requirementsMidtown (parts) · Zero or reduced parkingMETRO rail corridor · Up to 30% reduction within 1,320 ftAll other areas · Full parking requirements by use type

Click any zone to see allowed uses →

Cannabis snapshot

Recreational illegal — TCUP medical program expanding to 15 licenses statewide

Recreational retail

Closed

TCUP dispensing org (statewide)

15/15

Limited

Recreational cannabis is illegal in Texas. No local dispensary program exists. TCUP (Compassionate Use Program) expanded by HB 46 (June 2025) to 15 state-licensed dispensing organizations with satellite locations. Low-THC only (10mg/dose, 1g/package). Cities cannot ban TCUP activities.

No local cannabis tax. TCUP is state-administered. No retail sales tax on medical cannabis prescriptions. · State-licensed dispensing organizations only · Managed by Texas DPS

State licensing through Texas DPS — not a local permit process

Data from municipal code and CA Dept. of Cannabis Control where applicable. Verify with city planning before proceeding.

Check your business

Find where your business is allowed in Houston

🍽Can I open a restaurant?

🌿Can I open a dispensary?

🏠Can I run a home business?

🍺Can I open a bar?

🔧Can I open an auto shop?

🏪Can I open a retail store?