Operating requirements.
Houston Code of Ordinances § 28-157
in effectSec. 28-157. - Operating requirements.
(a) Posting. The owner or operator of a facility shall display at the principal public entrance of the facility that is readily available to residents and visitors:
(1) The permit issued pursuant to this article; and
(2) The certificate of occupancy issued by the city for the facility.
(b) Framed beds. The owner or operator of a facility shall provide a separate framed bed at least six feet long and three feet wide equipped with supportive springs and a clean supportive mattress 24 hours a day for each resident housed within the facility.
(c) TDCJ approval. The owner or operator of an alternate housing facility that is newly permitted shall obtain TDCJ approval for the facility within 45 days after obtaining a permit under this article and shall maintain an approved status with TDCJ for as long as the facility is in operation.
(d) Records. The owner or operator of each facility shall maintain on the premises of the facility records sufficient to verify and substantiate all information provided under section 28-155 of this Code. In addition, the owner or operator of each facility shall maintain on the premises of the facility documentation showing:
(1) Staffing and shift assignments for all employees;
(2) The name of each resident, accompanied by personal identifier information, including date of birth and copy of driver's license or other acceptable state recognized means of identification;
(3) Resident service agreements signed by each resident or the resident's legal representative detailing the services to be provided to the resident by the facility, and the cost of those services; and
(4) Contact information for the resident's legal representative, if any.
The owner or operator shall maintain information relating to employees or residents required under this section for a period of at least five years after the employee or resident ceases to be employed by or reside at the facility, as applicable, and shall maintain all other information required under this section for as long as the facility is in operation and two years after it ceases to operate.
(e) Report of death or criminal activity. The owner or operator of each facility shall immediately notify the Houston Police Department of any death or criminal activity that occurs on the premises of the facility.
(f) Inspection reports. The owner or operator shall maintain on the premises a current file of inspection reports and other documentation needed to demonstrate compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including the Fire Code and the Construction Code. The inspection reports must be signed by the inspector, dated, and free of any outstanding issues that require corrective actions.
(g) Safety or emergency precautions. The owner or operator of a facility shall:
(1) Implement a written fire and evacuation plan for the facility that sets forth the responsibilities and steps to be taken by staff and residents in the event of a fire or other emergency and identifies two points of entry and egress. The owner or operator shall ensure that all staff and residents are shown how to use all emergency exits from the facility within 24 hours after arrival at the facility. The owner or operator shall maintain documentation of such training.
(2) Post an emergency evacuation plan in a common area, such as the kitchen or living room.
(3) Ensure that each employee receives training on the emergency evacuation plan at least two times per year and shall maintain documentation of such training.
(4) Ensure that flammable supplies, gasoline-operated equipment, and compressed gas equipment are stored outside of the living area.
(5) Provide a sufficient number of accessible fire extinguishers. The owner or operator shall ensure that a person licensed to inspect fire extinguishers inspects the fire extinguishers annually. The owner or operator shall ensure that the fire extinguishers are recharged when needed by a person licensed to inspect fire extinguishers.
(6) Provide and maintain an operable smoke alarm and, if any gas utility is provided, a carbon monoxide detector in each sleeping area, kitchen, and laundry area. The owner or operator shall ensure that these devices remain in good working order. If a facility has a resident who is hearing-impaired, the owner or operator shall install and properly maintain a visual smoke alarm that is capable of alerting a hearing-impaired person of the presence of fire or smoke.
(7) Ensure that properly and visibly labeled first aid supplies are readily accessible to all the residents and inform the residents of the location of the supplies.
(Ord. No. 2018-227, § 2(Exh. A), 3-22-2018)
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_CH28MIOFPR_ARTIVCOFAALHOFA_S28-157OPREFetched: 10/26/2026