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Houston, the 4th largest city in the United States, is a dynamic, growing city, rich in culture and diversity. The Planning & Development Department’s mission is to grow and preserve Houston’s diverse communities to create a resilient city. |
Meetings: Stay tuned to our program webpages for information about meeting dates and how you can participate.
Announcements
Scroll through the slides to see what's happening in the Planning and Development Department.
Projects
Sidewalk Requirements
The Planning & Development Department reviews sidewalk widths and applications for sidewalk modifications. These standards enhance walkability and improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians. Learn more about Sidewalk Requirements.
Livable Places
The Livable Places initiative creates opportunities in the development standards to encourage housing variety and affordability. Learn more about proposed changes and how to get involved in Livable Places.
Vision Zero
Vision Zero Houston is the City of Houston’s commitment to end traffic deaths and serious injuries on Houston streets by 2030. Vision Zero Houston prioritizes safety and accessibility in street design for people of all ages and abilities. Read More about Vision Zero.
Neighborhood Resilience Planning
Neighborhood Resilience Planning efforts have begun in East Houston, Edgebrook and Independence Heights to make these communities more resilient, increase sustainability, reduce flooding impacts and improve quality of life. Read more about Resilience Planning.
Complete Communities
Complete Communities is an initiative focused on bridging the gap between equity and opportunity. Made up of 10 historically under-resourced neighborhoods, Complete Communities exists to ensure all residents can achieve success without barriers to opportunity. Read more about Complete Communities.
Redistricting Information
Houston City Council Districts are in the process of being reconfigured. Join the conversation and get details on the proposed maps and next steps. Read more about City Council Redistricting.
Historic Preservation
The Houston Office of Preservation and Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission are stewards to Houston’s historical heritage. This office oversees the creation of historic districts, landmarks and reviews requests for any new construction, demolition, or alterations to historic structures. Learn more about Historic Preservation.
Walkable Places
The Walkable Places and Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) initiatives promote pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use development. The ordinances encourage combined commercial, office, and multifamily residential developments to create more vibrant, walkable streets that support alternative modes of transportation. Learn more about Walkable Places.
North Houston Highway Improvement Project (NHHIP)
The North Houston Highway Improvement Project (NHHIP) is an ongoing project of the Texas Department of Transportation to reconstruct portions of Interstate 45. Read More about the City’s role in the North Highway Improvement Project.
2023 Major Thoroughfare & Freeway Plan (MTFP)
The Major Thoroughfare and Freeway Plan is a long-range right-of-way (ROW) requirement plan to preserve adequate ROW for the orderly and efficient expansion of the transportation network. The MTFP is updated annually through a process that begins in January and ends in September. Learn more about the MTFP.
ADU | HOU
Learn about the benefits of Accessory Dwelling Units through workshop videos, resources and a free, downloadable book of designs submitted by contestants to the ADU|HOU Design Competition. Public engagement on ADUs is related to ongoing efforts of the Livable Places initiative. Learn more about ADU|HOU.
Houston Bike Plan / Bicycle Advisory Committee
Almost 1,800 miles of high-comfort bikeways are planned for the City of Houston. Explore the full network guiding the implementation of the Houston Bike Plan, including the Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC). Attend a BAC public meeting to get involved. Learn more about the Houston Bike Plan.
More Space Main Street Program
The More Space: Main Street programs was established to help restaurants along downtown’s Main Street to accommodate more customers while maintaining social distancing during COVID-19. The popular program was made permanent in 2023. Read more about the More Space: Main Street programs.
Houston BCycle Program Expansion
Houston BCycle is the City’s bike share program that offers 155 stations throughout the city. The program provides equitable access to bikes and fosters recreation, mobility and personal wellness. Learn more about the grant program to expand the Houston BCycle network.
Off-Street Parking
This downloadable guide explains when and how much parking is required for your build. It provides direct links to frequently used sections of our website for your convenience. Download the Off-Street Parking Guide.
Chapter 28 Hazardous Enterprises
Recent changes to the Chapter 28 Code of Ordinances related to the Hazardous Enterprises Ordinance increases the regulation of hazardous operations and materials in our city by strengthening enforcement language and additional safeguards to better protect neighborhoods. Read more about Chapter 28.
About the Director
Margaret Wallace Brown oversees the City’s regional and community-based planning efforts, including land-development ...
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