Proposed Street Name Change: Dowling Street to Emancipation Avenue
The City of Houston is considering a proposal to rename Dowling Street to Emancipation Avenue. The Planning and Development Department will host two informational community meetings to provide general information and answer questions about the proposed street name change process on September 13th and 15th. A public hearing will then be held by the Houston Planning Commission to accept public comments on the proposal on October 13th.
You may submit comments on the proposed name change prior to October 3, 2016Proposed Amendments to Chapter 41
The City of Houston is proposing amendments to Chapter 41 of the Code of Ordinances related to Street Names and Site Address. The intent of the changes is to establish a City-initiated process for changing a public street name. To view the changes, please click here. Public comments on the changes will be accepted until Sunday, September 18th. Please submit comments on the online comment form. A public hearing on the amendments will be held by the Planning Commission on Thursday, September 29, 2016. The Commission meets at 2:30pm in the City Hall Annex Public Chambers at 900 Bagby Street (downtown).
Proposed Amendments to Chapter 26, Article VIII
The City of Houston is proposing amendments to Article VIII of Chapter 26 of the Code of Ordinances related to Off-Street Parking and Loading. The intent of the changes is to correct a typo, clarify bike rack standards, and allow for reasonable administrative flexibility within the rules similar to the flexibility already found in other sections of the existing ordinance. To view the changes, please click here. Public comments on the changes will be accepted until Sunday, September 18th. Please submit comments on the online comment form. A public hearing on the amendments will be held by the Planning Commission on Thursday, September 29, 2016. The Commission meets at 2:30pm in the City Hall Annex Public Chambers at 900 Bagby Street (downtown).
Proposed Amendments to Chapter 33
The City of Houston is proposing amendments to Chapter 33 of the Code of Ordinances related to the Major Thoroughfare and Freeway Plan and the Bicycle Master Plan. Public comments were accepted and a public hearing was held by the Planning Commission on August 18th. To view a summary of the public comments and related staff recommendation, please click here. The modified amendments will be considered by the Planning Commission on Thursday, September 1st. To view a “clean version” of the final document under consideration, please click here. For questions on the proposed amendments, please contact Brian Crimmins at Brian.Crimmins@houstontx.gov
Transportation
Lower Westheimer Corridor Study begins. The city of Houston is seeking public input for improvements to the Lower Westheimer corridor. Public meetings will solicit community input on corridor design alternatives. Results from the study will be incorporated into the final recommendations and design concept for improving the street. Visit LowerWestheimerStudy.org for details.
Special Parking
A Special Parking Area application for a portion of the Montrose area has been submitted and is under review by the Planning Department. Consideration by the Planning Commission will come after we have heard from the community and the plan has been revised. Citizens are encouraged to express their comments and concerns by filling out the online comment card.
Historic Districts Design Guidelines
Historic preservation design guidelines are being developed for nine historic districts in the City of Houston. Phase 1 of this project will produce design guidelines for the following districts: Houston Heights East, Houston Heights West, Houston Heights South, Freeland, Norhill, Woodland Heights, and Old Sixth Ward. Phase 2, which will begin in 2017, will include design guidelines for Main Street/Market Square Historic District and Glenbrook Valley Historic District. For more information and updates go to the project page.
City to Update Houston Bike Plan
The Planning & Development Department (P&D) in coordination with the Public Works & Engineering Department and Houston Parks and Recreation Department is leading this comprehensive update to address the City’s current and future bicycling needs.
View the Presentation on the Proposed Bike Plan 
The City of Houston has updated its Bikeways website with new maps and links to make it more user friendly. Visit houstonbikeways.org to see the changes.
About the Director
Patrick Walsh, P.E., is the Director of the City of Houston’s Planning and Development Department. Walsh brings 19 years of experience in community development, planning, engineering, and municipal infrastructure management to the position.