Planning & Development

Prohibited Yard Parking Ordinance


PDF   Status of PYP Applications (updated 2.29.2024)
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PDF   Prohibited Yard Parking Ordinance
PDF   Prohibited Yard Parking Application - HOA or Civic Club (update 4.10.2020)
PDF   Prohibited Yard Parking Application - Homeowner (updated 4.10.2020)
PDF   Application Flow Chart

The Prohibited Yard Parking Program is intended to protect neighborhood property values, prevent damage to the City of Houston’s underground infrastructure, and to stop the degradation of the aesthetic appearance of single-family residential areas. Parking of vehicles on any unimproved surface in the front or side yard within single-family residential areas will be prohibited where a Prohibited Yard Parking Requirement Area has been established.

The Planning and Development Department accepts applications for the Prohibited Yard Parking Program on the first two business days of each month before 5:00 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who May Apply?

Active homeowner’s associations / civic clubs may apply for a Prohibited Yard Parking Requirement Area or a homeowner may gather 60% support from single-family residential property owners within the proposed Prohibited Yard Parking Requirement Area and file a petition with the City of Houston’s Planning and Development Department.

What Is Required For A Homeowner's Association Or Civic Club Application?

  • Complete application
  • Copy of the meeting minutes denoting the resolution from the Board of the homeowner's association or civic club authorizing the filing of the Prohibited Yard Parking application
  • Copy of the homeowner's association's or civic club's bylaws
  • Letter of support by an authorized homeowner’s association or civic club that is signed by the president
  • Map of the proposed boundary of the Prohibited Yard Parking Requirement Area - must include a minimum of five contiguous blockfaces
  • Map of all property land uses within the proposed boundary
  • Copy of public notification wording

What Is Required For A Homeowner's Petition?

  • Complete application
  • Signed petition
  • Evidence of support from 60% of single-family property owners within the proposed Prohibited Yard Parking Requirement Area
  • Map of the proposed boundary of the Prohibited Yard Parking Requirement Area - must include a minimum of five contiguous blockfaces
  • Map of all property land uses within the proposed boundary
  • Copy of public notification wording

What Criteria Must The Proposed Prohibited Yard Parking Requirement Area Meet To Qualify For The Program?

At least 60% of the proposed boundary area must be single family; single family is defined as:

  • the use of a lot with one building designed for and containing not more than two separate units with facilities for living, sleeping, cooking and eating therein; or
  • a lot upon which is located a free-standing building containing one dwelling unit and a detached secondary dwelling unit of not more than 900 square feet; or
  • a building that contains one dwelling unit on one lot that is connected by a party wall to another building containing one dwelling unit on an adjacent lot

The proposed boundary area must include a minimum of five (5) contiguous blockfaces.

What Happens After The Application Is Submitted?

  • City staff will review applications for completeness; incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant
  • Within ten (10) days of an application being deemed complete:
    • the Houston Planning and Development Department will mail a notification letter to all property owners within the proposed Prohibited Yard Parking Requirement Area
    • the applicant must post signs within the proposed boundary
    • the applicant must provide public notice to all property owners using a method approved by the Planning and Development Department. A copy of the public notification must be provided to the Planning and Development Department
  • The Planning Director will approve the application and forward it to City Council for final consideration if no written protest is received
  • The Planning Director must refer the application to the Prohibited Yard Parking Hearing Officer for consideration if a timely protest is filed with the Planning and Development
  • The Prohibited Yard Parking Hearing Officer will hold a public hearing with written notice sent to the applicant and protestors fifteen (15) days prior to the hearing date
  • If approved, the Prohibited Yard Parking Hearing Officer will forward the application to City Council for final action; if the Hearing Officer disapproves the application, it is denied

Can The Application Be Protested?

Property owners in the proposed boundary area may file a written protest with the City of Houston's Planning and Development Department within twenty (20) days of the notice of the letter.

How Long Is The Prohibited Yard Parking Requirement Area In Effect?

Once City Council approves the Prohibited Yard Parking Requirement Area, it is in effect for twenty (20) years.

What Is The Fine For Violating The Prohibited Yard Parking Requirement Area?

Any person who violates the Prohibited Yard Parking Requirement Area shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined up to $150.00 each day a violation occurs.

GIS Map: Prohibited Yard Parking

Contact Information

Physical Address:
City of Houston
Planning & Development Department
ATTN: Tonya Sawyer
611 Walker Street, Sixth Floor
Houston, TX 77002

Mailing Address:
City of Houston
Planning & Development Department
ATTN: Tonya Sawyer
P.O. Box 1562
Houston, TX 77251

For more information, please contact
Planning and Development Department
Phone: 832.393.6600
E-mail: Tonya.Sawyer@houstontx.gov