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Proposed Housing Amendments to Chapter 42

The Planning and Development Department has been working with the Livable Places Action Committee (LPAC) to update portions of the City’s development codes, to create more opportunities for walkability, affordability, and equity. As part of the housing amendments, the LPAC recommended revisions and additions to the Chapter 42 Subdivisions, Developments and Platting ordinance and recommended updates to Chapter 26 Article VIII Off-Street Parking and Loading ordinance.

The ordinance amendments will allow the construction of variety of missing-middle housing types that are in neighborhood scale, encourage smaller units with parking requirements adjusted based on unit sizes, and promote rear access or shared access for narrow lots to preserve the curb space. Planning Commission made two changes and approved the recommendations with overwhelming support on June 8, 2023 before forwarding them to the City Council for their consideration. A public hearing at the Houston City Council on these amendments was held on Wednesday, June 21 at 9 a.m. in Council Chambers, City Hall. City Council will consider these amendments on Wednesday, September 27 at 9 a.m. in Council Chambers, City Hall. View the agenda and meeting information here.

For more information Regarding the Livable Places project visit LetsTalkHouston page.

Summary of the proposed changes address four main areas:

  • Second Dwelling Unit: Allows this housing type to be larger and parking based on the unit size where deed restrictions do not prohibit their construction.
  • Multi-Unit Residential: Brings back this affordable housing type which is small scale 3–8-unit apartments with a height restriction and parking based on the unit size to fit better within neighborhoods.
  • Courtyard Style Development: Promotes this housing type where lots are located around a common courtyard, and do not require street frontage. The proposal includes courtyard space requirement per lot, parking could be separate from the units and height restriction so that homes are at neighborhood scale.
  • Narrow Lot Development: Incentivizes this housing type where lots take rear access or shared access to reduce the number of times pedestrians come in potential conflict with automobiles. In addition, the regulations help the redevelopment be more walkable by reducing the driveway widths, reducing impervious surfaces in the right-of-way and preventing vehicles from hanging into the sidewalk. They require front doors and windows along the street to fit in with the neighborhood character and provide better visibility on the street.

Chapter 42 – Signed Adopted Ordinance – Effective November 27, 2023
Chapter 26 – Signed Adopted Ordinance– Effective November 27, 2023
Livable Places Housing Recommendations FAQ
Amendments overview video by Director
Draft ordinances (C42 and C26)
LP Recommendations Flyer
Streetscape exhibit for narrow lots
Comments matrix

The residential buffering ordinance seeks 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. It also seeks to address light from garages and outdoor light fixtures on commercial properties as well as dumpster screening.

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. These changes will apply to all building permit applications for commercial properties starting February 25, 2023.

Signed Adopted Ordinance - Effective June 10, 2022
View the Residential Buffering Web Page

City Council approved amendments to Chapter 42 of the Code of Ordinances, the City’s standards for subdivision platting, on May 18, 2022, with an effective date of June 10, 2022.

The amendments eliminate inconsistencies, clarify and codify certain requirements and policies, simplify the notification area, and provide additional time for notice to make the subdivision platting process more efficient.

Summary of the Chapter 42 Technical Amendments
Chapter 42 Technical Amendments Blackline
Chapter 42 Technical Amendments Adopted Ordinance
Signed Adopted Ordinance - Effective June 10, 2022