Historic Preservation Manual

City of Houston Planning and Development Department > Historic Districts > Avondale > Setting

Avondale East & West

Setting

The setting of a house – how it is located on and sized to fit a lot – should also be compatible with the rest of the historic district. The homes in Avondale East are mostly two stories in height. Setback from the street is based on the original deed restrictions: 25 feet on Stratford and 35 feet on Avondale. Garages are located in two-story carriage houses accessed via rear alleys.

When considering a building project within the Avondale East Historic District, please refer to this chart. It shows which setting-related elements are compatible and which are not. Definitions of common terms can be found in the glossary.

Compatible Incompatible
Driveways
  • No driveway visible from the front of the house
  • Driveway at the side of the house
  • Parking pads in front of the building
Garages and Carports
  • Located in rear half of the lot; often fully or partially obscured visually by house in front
  • Attached to the building
  • In front of the house
Height
  • One or two stories
  • Typical overall height less than 40 feet
  • Finished attic space with dormers
  • Three or more stories
  • Overall heights greater than 40 feet
Front setback
  • 25-foot or greater front setbacks on most blocks
  • 35-foot or greater front setbacks on Avondale Avenue
  • Any setback inconsistent with the containing blockface