April 2025

Shown above: Click the image at left to visit the new PlatTracker homepage. At right, Development Services staff Tammi Williamson and Suvidha Bandi celebrated the moment when the Department transitioned from the PlatTracker system developed in-house more than 10 years ago, to the new and improved PlatTracker launched on April 14.

The new PlatTracker system launched Monday, April 14, creating a more efficient method to submit subdivision plat applications and to follow the platting process. The new PlatTracker also allows the public to search for recently recorded subdivision plats and stay informed about land development proposals in their neighborhood.

“PlatTracker is one of the most critical tools that impacts our development customers and the work we do every day,” said Planning and Development Department Director Vonn Tran. “It is often the first point of contact for our customers and the gateway to kickstart the staff review and Planning Commission approval process. Those decisions have long-lasting impact and ultimately shape our city," Tran said. "The Department has fully leveraged the capabilities of the system we have been using over the last decade, so we are excited to modernize our customers’ user experience and still have room to grow.”

This effort reflects more than two years of research, development, testing and collaboration between various divisions of the Planning and Development Department, Houston Information Technology Services Department, and Spruce Technology, a third-party technical service provider. Before launching the new PlatTracker, the Planning Department created a focus group inviting the most frequent PlatTracker applicants to test the new system and give feedback. Read the full press release.



The City of Houston’s 2025 Major Thoroughfare and Freeway Plan (MTFP) amendment request process is underway. Mark your calendar for these important upcoming dates: 

• The MTFP Workshop will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 15 in person at the City Hall Annex, 900 Bagby. 
• The MTFP Open House will be held virtually from 6–7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11. 
• The public comment period will be open from May 12–July 3.  

The MTFP is a long-range right-of-way plan to preserve adequate ROW for the orderly and efficient expansion of the transportation network. The purpose of the MTFP is to preserve mobility and ensure safe and efficient development of the roadway system.

Over the past several months, the Planning and Development Department Geographic Information Systems Services mapping team developed a robust methodology to accurately identify short-term rentals (STRs) within the city, and compare their impact on neighborhood conditions using public safety data. These insights helped shape data-driven conversations around the regulation and community impact of short-term rentals, and assisted in the creation and approval of the Short-Term Rental Ordinance. Read the full press release.

Their analysis involved integrating 311 and 911 call reports to assess whether STR properties correlate with increased neighborhood disruptions or safety concerns. By geocoding call locations and matching them to STR and non-STR properties, staff was able to analyze trends such as the frequency of noise complaints, suspicious activity, or emergency service calls. Initial findings indicated noticeable differences between STR and non-STR properties, particularly in areas with high STR density. Senior GIS Analyst Kyle Lloyd and GIS Manager Sona Zechariah led the data analysis and mapping for this project.

Congratulations to Tiwa Bayo-Adeyemo for earning the LEED Green Associate Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED Green Associate Certification recognizes proficiency in sustainable design, construction and operations standards. This credential will enable Bayo-Adeyemo to share sustainable practices and provide a new perspective for future Planning Department initiatives and efforts throughout her career. Bayo-Adeyemo is an Assistant Planner who has been with the Planning and Development Department for a little over a year.



The Planning and Development Department thanks the following retirees for their contributions to the City, congratulates them on this milestone occasion, and extends our best wishes for a long and happy retirement. Read more about our retirees.

ROGER HAMILTON Deputy Assistant Director Finance, Management Services

34 Years

RUSSELL CALHOUN

GIS Analyst

Geographic Information Systems Services

32 Years

MICHAEL GRIFFIN

GIS Analyst

Geographic Information Systems Services

29 Years

TERESA HOST

Senior Planner

Community and Regional Planning

19 Years



SHARON MOSES

Division Manager

Development Services

Deed Restriction Analysis

19 Years

Three Austin High School students assisted Planning Department staff over the course of their spring semester as part of the Houston Pathfinders Initiative internship. Anthony Garcia, Cryztal Ilanas, and Sergio Martinez were a valuable part of the team, and we congratulate them on their upcoming high school graduation. The interns were mentored by Marbet Alonzo, Jacinta Davis, Misty Staunton, and John Cox.

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611 Walker Street, 6th Floor,

Houston, TX 77002 

832-393-6600

www.houstonplanning.com

planningdepartment@houstontx.gov