Procedure for enforcement.
Houston Code of Ordinances § 21-63
in effectSec. 21-63. - Procedure for enforcement.
(a) A police officer may issue a citation for a violation of this article if prior to issuing the citation:
(1) The officer has tendered a written warning to the person stating that a failure to comply with the city's prohibition against encampment may result in the issuance of a criminal citation to the person or in the person's arrest; and
(2) The officer has provided a reasonable time for the person to comply with the prohibition, but the person has not complied.
(b) The written warning required by subsection (a)(1) of this section may be accompanied by written information regarding the availability of medical treatment (including mental health treatment) or social services (including temporary shelter or drug or alcohol rehabilitation).
(c) A police officer may arrest a person for a violation of this article if prior to the arrest:
(1) The officer has tendered the written warning required by subsection (a) of this section and has provided a reasonable time for the person to comply with the prohibition, but the person has not complied;
(2) The officer has attempted to ascertain whether the person is in need of emergency medical treatment (including emergency mental health treatment) or social services (including temporary shelter or drug or alcohol rehabilitation), and, if the officer has concluded the person may be in need of emergency medical treatment or social services, has made reasonable efforts to obtain assistance from the Houston Police Department's Homeless Outreach Team and/or a designated outreach organization to informally evaluate the person's condition and needs; and
(3) At least one of the following circumstances exists:
a. The officer has concluded the person may be in need of medical treatment or social services, but, notwithstanding the officer's reasonable efforts, the officer has not been able to obtain the assistance contemplated by subsection (c)(2) of this section;
b. Personnel from the Houston Police Department's Homeless Outreach Team and/or a designated outreach organization have informally evaluated the person's condition and needs and concluded the person has no immediate need for emergency medical treatment or social services; or
c. Personnel from the Houston Police Department's Homeless Outreach Team and/or a designated outreach organization have informally evaluated the person's needs, concluded the person has an immediate need for emergency medical treatment or social services, and directed the person to an appropriate provider, but the person has not accepted the direction.
(Ord. No. 2017-261, § 2, 4-12-2017)
Source: City of Houston, Code of Ordinances and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tx/houston/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH21HE_ARTIIIEN_S21-63PRENFetched: 10/26/2026