Summary of Harris County SOB Regs
SECTION 1: GENERALLY………………………………………………………………….3-7
1.1 a Regulations are promulgated pursuant to Chapter 243 of the Local Government Code.
1.2 a Any peace officer may enforce
1.2 b The Sheriff is designated the SOB Permit Administrator.
1.2(c) An offense under SOB Regs is a Class A misdemeanor. (Possible $4,000 fine plus one year
in jail)
1.2(e) Municipalities may execute interlocal agreements with the County.
1.4 Definitions:
Added to definitions for “SOB Owners” [1.4(o)] and “SOB Employees” [1.4(n)] of more
specific. . Owners apply for Class 1 permits [1.4(o)(11)]; Employees apply for Class 2 permits
[1.4(n)(11)].
SECTION 2: CLASS 1 SOB PERMITS…………………………………………………….8-20
2.1(a) Owners must have a Class 1 permit.
2.1(b) Additional requirements for applications.
Sets out notice timelines and requirements for denial, suspension and revocation of Class 1
permits.
2.11(a) Added the “Conduct of Employees, Independent Contractors and/or Customers”
section prohibiting any person from engaging in “specialized sexual activities” or to use a
“device,” such as, a sex robot within a SOB.
2.12(b) Makes it a criminal violation if a SOB prohibits or prevents a peace officer or fire
marshal from inspecting the SOB.
2.14 Added a “Prohibited Conduct” section setting making it a violation of the Regs if 3 or
more of the following offenses occur within a 365-day period in the SOB.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Prostitution, Promotion of prostitution, aggravated promotion of prostitution
Compelling prostitution
Employing a minor at a SOB
Trafficking of Persons
Sexual Conduct or performance by a child

Removed massage parlor language to be replaced with a separate Regulation to prohibit
“Massage Parlors” as defined by the Local Government Code from operating in Harris
County.

1

 2.14 Added a “Prohibited Employment” section making it a violation for a SOB to hire or
contract with anyone who has committed or is charged with certain crimes.
2.16 National Human Trafficking Hotline signs must be posted inside SOBs
SECTION 3: CLASS 2 SOB PERMITS……………………………………………………21-27
SECTION 4: ADULT MOTELS….......................................................................................28-29
New Separate Section for Adult Motels.
4.1(b) Changed the definition for Adult Motels. Offers images “which are characterized by
the depiction or description of “specified sexual activities” or “specified anatomical areas”;
and has a sign visible from the public right-of-way which advertises the availability of this
type of material;” or “regularly offers a sleeping room for rent for a period of time that is less
than ten (10) hours.”
4.5 Added Check-in Requirements for Adult Motels, requiring photocopy of photo id.
SECTION 5: ADULT CABARETS………………………………………………….……..30-31
New Separate Section for Adult Cabarets.
5.1(a) “Adult Cabaret” means a commercial establishment which has live performances
which are characterized by the exposure of any portion of the areola of the breast and
intended to provide sexual stimulation or gratification..
5.3 Added Hours of Operation section prohibiting Adult Cabarets from operating
between 2am and 10am.
5.4 Added “Public Right-of-Way” section prohibiting an employee or owner of an Adult
Cabaret from appearing in a state of nudity in a public right-of-way.
SECTION 6: ADULT CABARET ENTERTAINERS………………………………….....32-33
New Separate Section for Adult Cabaret Entertainers.
6.3 Added a “Six Feet Rule” Entertainer may not perform within six feet of a patron.
6.4(a) Added a “Prohibited Conduct” section prohibiting the following by Adult Cabaret
Entertainers:
a. Exposing any portions of the pubic region, genitals, vulva and or anus on the
premises of an Adult Cabaret,
b. Engaging in sexual intercourse, masturbation, sodomy, oral copulation, flagellation or
any other public sexual acts on the premises on an Adult Cabaret,
c. Prostitution, promotion of prostitution, or aggravated promotion of prostitution,
d. Engaging in compelling prostitution,
e. Engaging in trafficking of persons;
f. Engaging in sexual conduct or performance by a child.

2

 SECTION 7: ADULT BOOKSTORES, THEATERS AND ARCADES.…………..…....34-36
New Separate section Adult Bookstores, Adult Theaters and Adult Arcades.
7.1(a)(2) Adult Arcades now include businesses where the public is invited to interact with a
device or object including an anthropomorphic device or object designed for one or many
person to engage in specified sexual activities with the device or object. [Sex Robots]
7.4 Added an “Hours of Operation” section prohibiting Adult Bookstores, Theaters and
Arcades from operating between the hours of 2am and 10am.
7.5(a) Added a Viewing Rooms/Viewing Booths section prohibiting more than one
individual in the room or booth at any time or the room or booth from being locked.
7.5(d) Live entertainment is prohibited in a viewing room or viewing booth.
SECTION 8: ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS…………………………………………..…..37
Includes a severance clause and states that these regulations are cumulative of “authority that
Harris County and its incorporated municipalities have to regulate SOBs and does not limit that
authority.”

3