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Planning & Development

Walkable Places and Transit-Oriented Development

People Walking on a Sidewalk

On August 5, 2020, the City of Houston City Council adopted the Walkable Places and Transit-Oriented Development ordinances to promote pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use development. The new ordinances encourage combined commercial, office, and multifamily residential developments to create more vibrant, walkable streets.

Walkable Places support communities, property owners, and developers by providing options that create safe pedestrian spaces at interesting and enjoyable destinations. The program gives property owners more flexibility in their development to create these places. This encourages more pedestrian and business activities in closer proximity.

Walkable Places and Transit-Oriented Development both benefit:

  • property owners by allowing more buildable area and adjusting parking requirements;
  • pedestrians by creating safer and more walkable streetscapes and public spaces; and
  • neighborhoods by creating an activated area with more eyes on the street.
These programs were the result of three years of planning, research and public engagement by the Walkable Places Committee. The Walkable Places and Transit-oriented Development rules do not regulate land uses. Instead, they regulate several types of design elements to promote safe, pleasant walking experiences for pedestrians of all ages, identities, and abilities. For details of the specific rules, please refer to the Ordinance and the Users’ Guide.

Auto-Centric Suburban Style Development Encouraged by Current Ordinances

Pedestrian Friendly Urban Style Development Encouraged by the Proposed Ordinances