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December 2021
A Bright Spot in My Day: From the Planning Director
As of December 15, I have been an employee of the City of Houston Planning and Development Department for 35 years. My, how the years have flown. As I look back, I am awed by how our beloved Houston has changed and am grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of this change.

To be Director of Planning in the city I love, leading a talented group of professionals who have chosen public service, is more meaningful than words can express. As I look forward to the next year (and my next 35 years?), I assure you that our Department will continue to work with you to ensure that Houston remains a future-thinking city that works for all Houstonians. 

Margaret Wallace Brown, A.I.C.P.
Director, Planning and Development Department
Kudos to These Employee Achievements
Transportation Planner Peter Eccles recently earned the prestigious American Institute of Certified Planners certification. The American Institute of Certified Planners provides the only nationwide, independent verification of planners' qualifications. Certified planners pledge to uphold high standards of practice, ethics, and professional conduct, and to keep their skills sharp and up to date by continuously pursuing advanced professional education.

Administrative Manager Kevin Shuff received a certificate of appreciation from Mayor Sylvester Turner on Dec. 16. Shuff was selected as the Planning Department's recipient of this Mayoral Employee Recognition based on his dedication, leadership, integrity, positive attitude, and ability to solve problems with a smile and humor. Kevin is an above and beyond person, and the first person who PD colleagues call for any problems; from troubleshooting IT issues, procurement submittals, creating mail-outs and purchasing supplies.
Recordation Appointment Scheduling for All Plat Applicants
The Planning Department stopped using TimeTap for scheduling plat recordation appointments as of Dec. 1, 2021. Plat recordation appointment requests will continue to be made by completing a recordation appointment scheduling form.
 
For subdivision plats: Submit the recordation application and pay the fee in Plat Tracker, prior to filling out the appointment form.

For amending plats: State the name of the amending plat on the form; there is no application number. Confirm that review was complete by submitting at planning.amendingplats@houstontx.gov. Pay by contacting the Department.

Planning staff will contact you to verify that the recordation application is received and is ready to be processed. You will receive a recordation appointment date and time.

Questions? Monitor the Planning Department Subdivision Plat Recordation webpage for updates, or contact Development Services Planners at 832-393-6624.
Livable Places Focuses on Population Projections
 and Development Demand
During the Dec. 14 Livable Places Action Committee virtual meeting, staff presented future population growth projections, increased demand for housing and actions recommended in various plans. The Committee had a robust discussion about walkability, challenges with the current development patterns and the guiding principles for future residential development. 

At the Jan. 11 meeting, the Committee will discuss proposals to allow a variety of housing types based on previously received guidance. Staff plans to present an update on the Residential Buffering ordinance as well as Conservation Districts topics that were discussed early this year.
Visit Let’s Talk Houston for meeting details. Take a moment to read the articles and other resources to better understand future population growth and housing demand.
Video: 2021 Planning Department Highlights
611 Walker Street, 6th Floor,
Houston, TX 77002 
832-393-6600