City of houston zoning The City Says Historic Preservation Is a Matter of Home Rule, Not Zoning. MunicodeNEXT, the industry's leading search application with over 3,300 codes and growing! The Zoning Office is responsible for the governing of all uses of land and developments within the incorporated limits of the City of Warner Robins. However, there are certain land use regulations for properties located within the areas described below and in attached map: Tree And Shrub Ordinance, Chapter 33 provides standards for planting trees, shrubs and landscape buffers to beautify the city and to enhance local property values. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENTArticle I. However, there are certain land use regulations for properties located within the areas described below and in attached map: Discover, analyze and download data from Houston Public Works Open Data. 794 Degrees + Mar 16, 2023 · Zoning is a dirty word in Houston, even as land-use regulation creeps in, as with a recently tightened buffering ordinance. The City codes do not address land use. 393. org hosts municipal codes and ordinance regulations for City of Houston. Next The City of Houston does not have a city-wide comprehensive zoning ordinance. Houston is renowned for its unique approach to urban planning, notably its absence of traditional zoning codes. What is a plat? A plat is a map document based on a survey that shows land subdivision, land classification, or a change in property boundaries and is required The City of Houston does not have a city-wide comprehensive zoning ordinance. Instead of zoning, Houston uses a variety of legal and economic development tools to manage land use, including deed restrictions, development regulations, and special districts. Searchable Code of Ordinances and City Charter More Information City Secretary's Office 900 Bagby, Public Level Houston, TX 77002 Jan 1, 2020 · The City of Houston does not have a city-wide comprehensive zoning ordinance. What are the requirements for building setbacks in residential areas in Houston? Feb 24, 2022 · Replacing the current GIMS system, GeoLink is a new geospatial interactive tool that will offer transparency with easy access to free public data, information, and resources associated with the infrastructure that Houston Public Works supports and maintains. This is the city of Houston’s no zoning letter applicable to any property inside the city of Houston. May 15, 2025 · Houston Map Viewer Last Updated on 2025. It’s true, but that doesn’t mean they are without land use regulations that act much like zoning. However, there are certain land use regulations for properties located within the area described below and in attached map: Welcome to the Houston Permitting Center The Houston Permitting Center combines the majority of the City of Houston's permitting and licensing into one convenient location. Our certified zoning analysts have helped a number of clients overcome zoning challenges in The City of Houston does not have zoning but development is governed by codes that address how property can be subdivided. Download in CSV, KML, Zip, GeoJSON, GeoTIFF or PNG. ms. Searchable Code of Ordinances and City Charter More Information City Secretary's Office 900 Bagby, Public Level Houston, TX 77002 City of Houston ADMINISTRATIVE BOUNDARY Map Image Layer MunicodeNEXT, the industry's leading search application with over 3,300 codes and growing! Houston does not use zoning to regulate land uses within city limits. Planning & Development Minimum Lot Size (MLS) / Minimum Building Line (MBL) What Is A Minimum Lot Size (MLS)? A special minimum lot size is the minimum lot size standard currently met by at least 70% of the application area. Chapter 33. This is a 11x17" map showing the different land use in City of Houston. But how? This town is big enough for the both of us Historically, Houston mostly made space for new residents (and old) by growing outwards. Searchable Code of Ordinances and City Charter More Information City Secretary's Office 900 Bagby, Public Level Houston, TX 77002 Jan 1, 2025 · The City of Houston does not have a city-wide comprehensive zoning ordinance. Jan 7, 2025 · Houston is renowned for its unique approach to urban planning, notably its absence of traditional zoning codes. Interactive map application for exploring geographic information and data visualization. No Zoning Letter and Boundary Map for 2025 Oct 12, 2021 · Access a variety of forms related to planning and development in the City of Houston. Recommended steps prior to buying or building in the City of Houston, Alaska The City of Houston has zoning laws. The construction of a building or alteration of a building or tract for any of the following types of use classifications shall provide the required number of parking spaces, or the incremental increase in the number of parking spaces in the case of an alteration, as shown below for that use classification. Under the city’s development code, no parcel of land is restricted for any particular land use, and in many cases, there are no density or height restrictions either. However, there are certain land use regulations for properties located within the areas described below and in attached map: The City of Houston does not have a city-wide comprehensive zoning ordinance. gov Copyright © 2025 State of Mississippi Aug 4, 2022 · City of Houston, Texas Parks & Wildlife, CONANP, Esri, TomTom, Garmin, SafeGraph, METI/NASA, USGS, EPA, NPS, USDA, USFWS | City of Houston Airports - Brett Redman Interactive map displaying the City of Houston's Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) boundaries. To view the City of Houston official zoning map, click here. The Houston Sign Code was originally adopted in May 1980 and revised in July 2020. The City of Houston has a code of ordinances that govern how property can be developed. However, there are certain land use regulations for properties located within the areas described below and in attached map: Planning & Development Development Regulations The Department of Planning and Development regulates land development in Houston and within its extraterritorial jurisdiction, ETJ. us/ and overlay the zoning layer to see the most up to date zoning. Jan 8, 2020 · Nearly 180 years since the city was founded, nobody is really sure whether Houston's lack of zoning laws is a point of pride or not. The City of Houston does not have zoning, but development is governed by ordinance codes that address how property can be subdivided. However, there are certain land use regulations for properties located within the areas described below and in attached map: NO ZONING!!! Houston is the largest city in the United States without formal zoning regulation but development is governed by codes that address how property can be subdivided. The Department uses these rules to check for compliance on subdivision plats, development site plans, parking applications, sidewalk modifications, and more. Get Planning and Zoning records in Houston TX and find the property data, zoning maps, and zoning reports you need. Analyze with charts and thematic maps. Section 6. Imminent revision of parking, dwelling, and lot size rules could trigger a wave of sorely needed missing middle housing. Complaints of zoning violations are handled in conjunction with city code enforcement personnel. The City Secretary is hereby directed to record this ordinance and the 1985 Code of Ordinances in the ordinance records of the City of Houston. Jan 24, 2019 · For our first “City Systems Series” we decided to go with the outlier, Houston. May 14, 2018 · Zoning Map Feet Source: City of Houston, Houston County, MnDOT, MnDNR, Google Imagery Houston is unique and it shouldn't simply be dismissed as having zoning by another name or being no different than a city that actually does have zoning. The City of Houston will not accept liability of any kind in conjunction with its use. This blog provides a detailed breakdown of the primary land use categories and key development concepts within Houston. ms. While Houston does not have zoning districts to restrict certain uses, it does enforce development requirements through its ordinance, one of which is the off- Zone LookupWelcome! Search for an address to learn more about the location and its surrounding area. Houston Sign Administration regulates and permits all advertising signs within the City of Houston. By establishing this standard, lots cannot be subdivided below the “special The City of Houston Residential Development Best Practices Study examines other jurisdictions across the country where development regulations result in highly accessible and affordable communities with diverse housing types. The code provides standards for the use, quality, construction, and location of advertising signs throughout the City. However, the city employs land use classifications and regulations to guide how properties can be utilized and developed. This map is made available for reference purposes only and should not be substituted for a survey product. Explore Municipal Level GIS Resources Discover GIS resources provided by the member municipalities of Houston-Galveston Area Council. Jan 12, 2020 · The biggest difference, of course, is the lack of zoning — but what that really means in Houston is that there is no zoning for use. Take the next step and create storymaps and webmaps. Plan Analysts review plans for new structures, additions and remodels to ensure compliance with lot size requirements, building setbacks, parking, and landscaping. Map Viewer - ArcGIS Map Viewer Map Viewer Classic is a deprecated product and will be removed in Q1 of 2026. The Department of Planning and Development Provides quality customer service to Sep 19, 2016 · Houston was the only major city to hold a public vote on comprehensive zoning and it was the only major city to turn it down. Apr 24, 2024 · Houston is famous for being the largest city in the United States without formal zoning ordinances. The height, size, and lighting of signs is determined by the category of the street from which The map entitled “Land Use District Map of the City of Houston, Alaska,” as may be amended from time to time, is adopted and made a part of this chapter, and shall be on file at Houston City Hall. 6569 Alicia Mendoza, Director’s Assistant, 832. 6589 Robert Williamson, Deputy Director, 832. Maybe they’re getting their way through the court. Part I of the study identifies the challenges that Houston faces, identifies high level emerging trends and describes the City of Houston development regulations. Sep 29, 2022 · Houston—usually criticized for its lack of zoning—has done a few things right, which Gray dedicates an entire book chapter to explain. Planning & Development About the Department: Directory Planning and Development Department Directory Planning Information: 832. The Planning Commission, a 26-member board appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council includes citizens, elected officials and the Director of Planning and Development. Feb 7, 2024 · Although Houston doesn't have zoning laws, the city does enforce land regulations across the city that some say provide similar results to zoning. However, there are certain land use regulations for properties located within the areas described below and in attached map: Municode. This approach to development contrasts sharply with that of most other American cities, where restrictive zoning policies prevent new housing construction in wealthier The City of Houston does not have a city-wide comprehensive zoning ordinance. Providing excellent service, streamlining business processes, implementing innovative technologies City of Houston, HPB, Texas Parks & Wildlife, Esri, HERE, Garmin, USGS, NGA, EPA, USDA, NPS 2mi -95. The Houston Planning Commission, established in 1940, plays a crucial role in overseeing land-use policies, platting requirements, and infrastructure planning. Houston Planning and Zoning Commission The purpose of the Planning and Zoning Commission is to undertake a general review of the comprehensive plan, the land use plan, a community facilities plan, a transportation plan in addition to a compilation of policies, goals and standards in the City of Houston's physical, social and economic development. As Gray admits, it remains as segregated as many other cities, but Houston has also been able to build much more housing in the central city. Houston Building Department also known as the “Houston TX, Planning and Redevelopment Department, was created in 2003 and is located at 900 Bagby Street, Houston Texas 77002. This chapter establishes the general rules and regulations governing plats, subdivisions and development of land within the city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction to promote the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the city and the safe, orderly and healthful development of the city. To view the most current zoning maps go to https://myproperty. gov Site Policies ms. However, there are certain land use regulations for properties located within the areas described below and in attached map: Jan 3, 2025 · Houston residents feel the effects of the city’s lack of zoning every day. Although Houston has no zoning, we do regulate towers according to Chapter 28 Article XVI requirements. Jan 1, 2025 · The City of Houston does not have a city-wide comprehensive zoning ordinance. The city is a byword for urban sprawl and car culture. Building Code Enforcement manages Building Code Services and administers the provisions in the City's Code of Ordinances and state/federal regulations relating to private building construction, and sign administration. We opened in June 2011 with a mission to help customers achieve their goals while complying with the City’s regulations. 26-492. No Zoning Letter and Boundary Map for 2025 (updated January 2025) The Department checks subdivision plats for the proper subdivision of land and for adequate street or right-of-way, building lines and for compliance with Chapter 42, the City’s land development ordinance. City of Houston. Conversely, every other major city in the US organizes land development through some form of zoning ordinance. Frequently Asked Questions This section addresses key aspects of residential zoning laws and regulations in Houston, TX, including setbacks, property use, building regulations, and common exceptions. Applications from City designated Historic Districts use the slightly lower threshold of 60%. 9251, that receive federal assistance through the City of Houston Housing & Community Development Department (HCDD). The primary objective of the Minimum Property Standards Jan 1, 2018 · The City of Houston does not have a zoning ordinance. MunicodeNEXT, the industry's leading search application with over 3,300 codes and growing! Mar 12, 2025 · Understanding Houston's Zoning Laws Unlike most major cities, Houston does not have traditional zoning laws. 05. The City of Houston does not have a city-wide comprehensive zoning ordinance. Sep 19, 2014 · Sec. As the fourth largest city in the nation, Houston is the only major U. Introduction This document is intended to provide the Minimum Property Standards (MPS) for new construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of multifamily housing facilities, as required by 24 CFR §200. Houston Land Use Map Viewer NO ZONING!!! Houston is the largest city in the United States without formal zoning regulation but development is governed by codes that address how property can be subdivided. . Whether you’re developing a new property, renovating an existing structure, or changing a building’s use, the City of Houston requires proper permits to ensure compliance with zoning laws, safety codes, and construction regulations. All rights reserved. gov Home ms. I would love to see other cities such as Los Angeles, San Diego, Austin, Miami, Seattle or New York City abolish their zoning codes. However, there are certain land use regulations for properties located within the areas described below and in attached map: The Zoning Map for the City of Houston in TX divides the city’s real estate into zones differentiated according to land use and building regulations. 6559 Anna Sedillo, Chief of Staff / Council Liaison / Media Relations, 832. 6578 Angelita “Angie Houston: An Urban Planner's Guide to the City 4 minute read Infamous for its lack of zoning codes, this east Texas port city grew thanks to the energy industry and an abundance of developable land. Approval by Planning Commission is often the first step required in the development process. Without the Aug 14, 2023 · Although Houston is famous for having no zoning, its land-use codes are nearly as complicated. It also manages to exert some influence over development patterns through an emerging set of rules, from parking The Commission also studies and makes recommendations to City Council on development issues in Houston. The Houston Building Department in Houston city in Harris County, Texas plans and guides the development of the Houston in order to improve the quality of life of Houston residents. MYCITY HOUSTON GIS Maps Dec 24, 2021 · City of Houston, is a big win for the history buffs. Aug 7, 2024 · The City of Houston does not have a city-wide comprehensive zoning ordinance. 6600 Director’s Office Vonn Tran, Director, 832. This does not address any separately filed restrictions that may be applicable to the property. Before you buy or build in the City of Houston (COH), the City recommends the Amount (in dollars) Matanuska-SusitnaBorough City of Houston Zoning Map City of Houston Zoning Map Contact Us Contacts Join Us Planning & Development About the Department The Planning and Development Department is responsible for the implementation of a variety of ordinances, policies, contracts, programs and studies. After all, Houston residents have tried three times to adopt zoning through the ballot box. You may use this letter to present to your lender. The Department of Planning and Development Provides quality customer service to Jan 7, 2025 · Explore Houston's cadastral data including parcels, subdivisions, easements, addresses, roads, and land use with this interactive web map. The Department continues to make investments for the future that will increase our capacity to work effectively. The Steering Committee met monthly beginning in June 2014 to work on the plan. 15 Disclaimer: MyCity websites and apps have been produced by the City of Houston as a public service for the sole purpose of geographic reference. IN GENERAL Sep 14, 2023 · These findings suggest that Houston’s lot-size reform enabled more middle- and high-income residents to find homes in high-demand neighborhoods without driving significant numbers of existing residents out of the city. This letter will be updated on January 1, 2019. Various chapters are relevant to Houston’s land development process, including: Chapter 42 - subdivisions, development, platting Chapter 26 - parking space requirements Chapter 28 - hazardous enterprises, hotel, tower regulations and prohibited yard parking Home • 311 Help & Info • Contact Us • FAQs • Privacy Policy • CitizensNet© 2025. This map is incorporated as part of this title as if the districts were described in detail in this title. Find API links for GeoServices, WMS, and WFS. Feb 18, 2025 · The Evolution of Houston’s Planning Institutions While Houston does not have traditional zoning, it has developed institutions to guide urban planning and development. Code of Ordinances Searchable text-based Code of Ordinances and City Charter files are outsourced and can be found by clicking on the link below. Interactive web application for exploring geographic information and map data using ArcGIS tools. matsugov. It is rarely held up as an example of ‘good’ planning, despite its success restraining house price and rent inflation. The Supreme Court affirmed the judgment of the trial court denying Homeowners' request seeking declaratory judgment that the Historic Preservation Ordinance adopted by the Houston City Council was void and unenforceable because it violated the City Charter's limits on zoning and did not comply with certain provisions of Chapter 211 of the Local Government Code, holding that the City did not We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. gov Help Center Transparency. 829 29. The ordinance further promotes the greening of Houston by offering incentives to property owners who preserve and protect existing trees on private property. No warranty is made by the City of Houston regarding specific accuracy or completeness. However, there are certain land use regulations for properties located within the areas described below and in attached map: Parks and Recreation Fire Department Contact Us City of Houston Zoning Maps Zoning Ordinances Address 120 East Madison Street Mar 16, 2025 · Introduction If you’re planning a commercial construction project in Houston, securing a Houston commercial building permit is a critical step. And perhaps it’s an end run around the zoning prohibition. It also compares municipal and county regulations. city that doesn’t have a zoning ordinance. Sep 7, 2023 · Space City made space. The department's Site Plan Review team is one of the steps in the building permit process. Jul 15, 2020 · I. The City codes do not address land use. Instead, the city operates through a combination of land use regulations, deed restrictions, and development codes. Parking spaces for certain types of use classifications. The City of Houston has zoning laws that limit the types of construction in certain areas. Consider opening this content in Map Viewer to ensure the best experience. The Houston Business Portal is meant to provide you with much of the information necessary to successfully plan, start, manage, and grow your business in the City of Houston. For decades, folks scoffed at Houston for refusing to implement residential segregation, mixed-use prohibitions, and density restrictions. Its mandate also involves restoring This is a City of Houston led board. To view zoning rules and regulations in Title 10 of Houston Municipal Code, click here. This map shows the land use in Houston. The Plan was developed with guidance from the Steering Committee made up of City of Houston Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council members. But why does the Bayou City look so different? Plat Application FAQ’s These frequently asked questions and answers about plat applications can help you get a better understanding about subdivision platting and the City of Houston’s land planning and development regulations. To view the City of Houston official zoning please use the Matanuska-Susitna Borough parcel map for the most up to date map layer, click here. S. It’s sometimes said that Houston has ‘no zoning By law, the Commission is required to approve subdivision and development plats that meet the requirements of Chapter 42 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Houston and related regulations. Planning & Development About the Department The Planning and Development Department is responsible for the implementation of a variety of ordinances, policies, contracts, programs and studies. The City of Houston requires a tower permit for towers 60’ or higher located in the City limits, prior to obtaining a building permit. Zoneomics provides the most comprehensive real estate zoning information available through clusters of municipal zoning maps City Council approved amendments to the City Code of Ordinances (Chapter 42, Chapter 39) and City of Houston Construction and Electrical Codes on January 25 to address the effects that may arise when newly constructed, mid-rise and high-rise structures abut single-family and small scale multi-family residential structures. Contact Us South Houston 1018 Dallas South Houston, TX 77587 City Hall (Main Line) Phone: 713-947-7700 Staff Directory Helpful Links Mayor and City Council Ordinances and Resolutions Library Open Records Request (PDF) WHEREAS the City Council of the City of South Houston, Texas, has heretofore deemed the existing zoning ordinance to be in need of corrections and has appointed a zoning commission to recommend boundaries of various districts, appropriate regulations to be enforced therein and any changes thereto as the existing ordinance may require and such zoning commission having held public hearings after Jul 11, 2022 · Thanks in part to a lack of zoning, Houston builds housing at nearly three times the per capita rate of cities like New York City and San Jose. lnmcgh ifcxw nrqudc oqut nlxmo nghkano izuynqg juapc oqk ptlmf blrvmw mfpa awyol ahhobt tybqu