October 2024

Over the last year and a half, the Planning and Development Department listened and gathered feedback about the Sidewalk Network Ordinance (Article XXII of Chapter 40) and permitting process from the Planning Commission, City Council, stakeholders, and the public.



The Department is proposing ordinance amendments that will expand the sidewalk construction exemption criteria, simplify the ordinance, eliminate confusion and redundancy, streamline the application process, and address unconnected sidewalk segments in neighborhoods.

The Department hosted a series of in-person and virtual meetings to outline and clarify the changes in the proposed sidewalk amendments. The final meeting will be held virtually at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2. Meeting link: bit.ly/VM-1102

Important dates:

Nov. 7: Last day to submit advance comments on Let's Talk Houston

Nov. 14: Planning Commission public hearing

Dec. 2: Quality of Life Council Committee meeting

Dec. 11: City Council meeting

Visit Let's Talk Houston for more details

Read the Draft Ordinance Amendments

Read the Frequently Asked Questions

The Houston Office of Preservation is working with the Norhill neighborhood to develop a set of guidelines that would provide predictability to historic property owners and the community. This process was put on hold during the pandemic, but resumed last summer at the request of the Norhill Neighborhood Association. The NNA submitted a revised draft that included measurable standards and hosted meetings to engage property owners in reviewing the draft restrictions.

The Department is hosting meetings to review the latest draft and get comments from property owners in the district. When a significant number of property owners agree on the draft guidelines, staff will present them to the Houston Archeological and Historical Commission. The HAHC will consider the draft recommendations, vote, and then request City Council approval or ask staff to work with the neighborhood to continue refining the guidelines.

Visit https://www.letstalkhouston.org/historic-district-norhill to view the draft design guidelines.

Permitting experts from multiple City departments will convene for the Permitting Center Annual Workshop on Tuesday, Nov. 19 from 1-4:30 p.m.



The free workshop will be held in person at the United Way Center, 50 Waugh Drive. Get the breakdown on the permitting process and learn how to get your plans, permits, and inspections approved more efficiently. Assistant Director Hector Rodriguez will represent the Planning Department on the panel.

Register at bit.ly/3XLqyYM.

Planning and Legal Department staff Suvidha Bandi, Nicole Broussard and Kim Mickelson traveled to Allen, Texas earlier this month to attend the American Planning Association (APA) Texas Chapter conference for professional development, to accept awards and to join a panel presentation.

The Livable Places initiative earned the APA Texas Gold Award for Best Practices and the APA Houston Chapter Silver Award for Best Practices. The City of Houston was also awarded recognition in the Richard R. Lillie, FAICP Planning Excellence Recognition Program for 2024.

At the Texas APA conference, Suvidha Bandi joined city leaders from Austin, Dallas and Fort Worth for a session titled, “How Big Cities are Attempting to Close the Housing Affordability Gap.” Bandi discussed Houston’s efforts related to “small lot reform.”

Earlier this year, Kevin Shuff, Planning Department Administration Manager and Assistant Chief of Staff, came to the aid of Houston Police Officer E. McNichols who was trying to subdue a suspect armed with a folding knife in Tranquility Park.

Shuff intervened when the officer lost their footing and the suspect began to attack Officer McNichols. On Oct. 29, HPD honored Shuff with a Public Service Award in recognition of his extraordinary commitment and unselfish service rendered to the Houston Police Department.

"Shuff's heroic and swift actions helped bring the incident under control to prevent further injuries to the officer, bystanders or the suspect. This collaboration between the community and law enforcement exemplifies the bond between citizens and the Houston Police Department," the certificate stated.

The Development Services staff presented at the annual Professional Surveyors Educational Foundation, Inc. Platting Workshop (PSEFI) earlier this month. Topics included platting basics, research tools and resources, sidewalk regulations, development incentives (Chapters 42 & 26), off-street parking, and the updated plat tracker. This year was a great success, with 126 in attendance, and $28,350 raised for scholarships.

Planning Department staff helped strengthen community ties at various National Night Out events across the city on Oct. 1. Misty Staunton, Teresa Geisheker, John Cox and Tonya Sawyer were among the team members who joined or hosted events in East Houston/Settegast, Midtown, Sharpstown and Greater Inwood, respectively.

Department Resources:

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611 Walker Street, 6th Floor,

Houston, TX 77002 

832-393-6600

www.houstonplanning.com

planningdepartment@houstontx.gov