Development Regulations

The Department of Planning and Development regulates land development in Houston and within its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). The city of Houston does not have zoning but development is governed by codes that address how property can be subdivided. The City codes do not address land use.

The Department’s primary function in this role is to review plats for compliance with development codes and recommend action on the plats to the City’s Planning Commission. Plats are submitted to the city every two weeks for consideration by the Commission the following week.

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. Development site plans are checked for compliance with regulations that include parking, tree and shrub requirements, setbacks, and access.

Proposed Changes to Chapter 42

• Presentation to the Community
  
• Notice of Community Meetings on Chapter 42
• Summary of changes to Chapter 42
  
• Chapter 42 Frequently Asked Questions
• Proposed ordinance
  
• Proposed ordinance related to minimum lot size/building line

Platting:

• Development Fees
• Rules for Plat Notification Adopted
• Dedication to the Public of Unobstructed Visibility Easement - Example Form
• Stormwater Detention and Sight Distance Requirements for Plats
• CLARIFICATION - Additional Requirements for Variances & Special Exceptions (August 26, 2008)
• Parks and Open Space Sector Map
• Parks and Open Space Worksheet
• Houston Parks and Open Space Plat Notes
• The Plat Cycle Review Process Diagram
• Vested Right
• Ordinance Notes
• Deadlines for filing deferred plat
• Implementation and clarification of certain
• Chapter 42 procedural requirements
• Residential Buffering Ordinance


• Chapter 42 - Land Development Ordinance (Searchable Code of Ordinances)


• Major Thoroughfare & Freeway Plan (MTFP)


• Minimum Lot Size & Building Line Ordinances


• Additional Land Development Ordinances


• Surveying Requirements for Subdivision Plats


• Harris County Design Standards Manual


• Public Works & Engineering - Infrastructure Design Standards Manual

On-line Filing:

• Plat Submittal E-Pay Customer Service Guide
• Recorded
• Plat Submittal Application Requirements

Development Site Plan Requirements:

• Transit Corridor Performance Standards Analysis Form
• Parking Requirements
• Landscape Regulations/Tree Protection
• Parking Ordinance
• Development Site Plan Forms