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Planning & Development DepartmentHouston, the 4th largest city in the United States, is a dynamic, growing city, rich in culture and diversity. The Planning and Development Department's mission is to work to ensure that it remains a vibrant and sustainable city by partnering with decision makers and the community to balance a spectrum of needs and interests while addressing the dynamics of growth and change.

Complete Communities

Complete CommunitiesMayor Sylvester Turner kicked off a new program on April 17, 2017 that aims to improve quality of life for residents in areas that are not thriving at a level enjoyed by other Houston neighborhoods. Acres Homes, Gulfton, Second Ward, Near Northside and Third Ward are the first neighborhoods selected for the mayor’s new Complete Communities initiative. The city will work in a concentrated manner with stakeholders in each community and partners across Houston to create more complete neighborhoods with enhanced access to quality affordable homes, jobs, well-maintained parks and greenspace, improved streets and sidewalks, grocery stores and other retail, good schools and transit options. The work in these areas will help develop solutions that are transferable to other communities across the city. Please visit the project page for more information.

Historic Districts Design Guidelines

Historic Preservation

On Wednesday, December 13, 2017, the Houston Archeological and Historical Commission (HAHC) voted unanimously (with one abstention) to approve the Houston Heights Historic Districts Design Guidelines, as drafted in August 2017, with a number of amendments. A presentation will be given to the Quality of Life Committee on Wednesday, March 28th, 2018. For more information and updates go to the project page.

Proposed Amendments to Chapter 33 (Historic Preservation)

The City seeks input on proposed changes to the rules for Historic Preservation found in Chapter 33 of the Code. The proposed amendments improve ordinance enforcement language, establish double fees for work performed without the required approval, and modify how publicly owned land is considered when establishing a historic district. To view the proposed changes, please click here. The Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission (HAHC) will consider these changes at the Thursday, May 17th HAHC Meeting. Submit comments to planningdepartment@houstontx.gov.

Walkable Places and Platting Standards

Walkable Places

The City of Houston Planning Commission has created two committees – Walkable Places and Platting Standards – to review and consider potential changes to the City’s Code of Ordinances (Chapters 26 & 42) pertaining to walkability and platting. These two committees are chaired by members of the Commission and comprised of a broad-spectrum of stakeholders from the community.

Want to Build a Carport

Carport BrochureP&D has released an updated brochure on carport guidelines and permitting. The brochure is printer-friendly and is meant to help homeowners understand the permitting process and importance of getting their carport permitted. The Carport brochure is available in English or Español

Proposed Amendments to Chapter 28

The City seeks input on proposed changes to the rules for Hazardous Enterprises found in Chapter 28 of the Code. The proposed amendments establish a variance process, clarify notification requirements, and improve enforcement language. To view the proposed changes, please click here. Submit comments to planningdepartment@houstontx.gov.

2018 Major Thoroughfare and Freeway Plan Amendment Requests

Study AreaThe Planning and Development Department is now accepting applications requesting amendments to the 2017 Major Thoroughfare and Freeway Plan. The submittal period for the annual amendment process will close on March 2nd at 5 PM. A pre-submittal meeting with department staff is required before an application can be submitted. You can begin scheduling those appointments by contacting Wu Ying at 832-393-6643 or wu.ying@houstontx.gov. The application form and more information about this year’s amendment requests can be found on the 2018 MTFP amendment requests webpage.

Houston Bike Plan & Bicycle Advisory Committee

Houston Bike Plan The Houston Bike Plan was adopted by City Council on March 22, 2017. The Plan’s vision calls to transform Houston into a safer, more accessible, gold level bicycle-friendly city by 2027. Completion of the bikeway network will put comfortable bikeways within reach of over 95% of people and jobs in the city. On March 7, 2018, the Bicycle Advisory Committee was appointed to advise city staff on Bike Plan implementation and other recommendations to encourage bicycling in Houston.

Please visit HoustonBikePlan.org to view the Plan and related documents.

Lower Westheimer Corridor Study

Study AreaThe Lower Westheimer Corridor Study is the City of Houston’s first Enhanced Pre-Engineering Study, a process applied to corridors with unique historic, cultural, and community significance requiring an advanced level of design sensitivity. The process is intended to develop a preferred design that enhances the character of the corridor while improving mobility and safety, enhances collaboration between stakeholders, and ensures the design considers community interest.

The final public meeting of a series of three public meetings was held on April 20, 2017. Proposed concepts and enhancements developed throughout the Enhanced Pre-Engineering Study were presented at the public meeting. Please visit LowerWestheimerStudy.org to review these proposed concepts.

Amendments Approved to Off-Street Parking Ordinance (Chapter 26)

On March 1, 2017, City Council approved amendments to Article VIII of Chapter 26 of the Code of Ordinances related to Off-Street Parking and Loading. The amendments 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 amendments, please click here.

Amendments Approved to Chapter 33

On March 22, 2017, City Council approved amendments to Chapter 33 of the Code of Ordinances related to the Major Thoroughfare & Freeway Plan and the Bicycle Master Plan. The amendments clarify the existing annual processes related to the adoption and amendment of the Major Thoroughfare & Freeway Plan (MTFP) and establish the processes related to the adoption and amendment of the Bicycle Master Plan. To view the amendments, please click here.