Houston has no zoning but regulates building setbacks through Chapter 42, Sec. 42-150. Minimum setbacks include 3-foot side yards and 10-25 foot building lines depending on street classification. Deed restrictions may impose greater setbacks.
Houston is the largest US city without a traditional zoning ordinance. Building setbacks are regulated through Chapter 42 (Subdivisions, Developments and Platting), Sec. 42-150, which provides building setback requirements for all new plats. The minimum side setback is 3 feet. Corner lots require at least 10 feet from local street-facing sides. A 10-foot or 25-foot building line is required depending on the street classification and whether a Pedestrian Realm Plan is submitted (Sec. 42-603, 621, 622, 651-654). Properties adjacent to Major Thoroughfares must comply with Sec. 42-152. Where deed restrictions provide greater setbacks, the deed restrictions control. The minimum building line application process establishes that at least 70% of existing structures in an area must meet the minimum building line. Existing non-conforming structures may remain but new construction must comply. The Planning and Development Department Site Plan Review at 1002 Washington Avenue reviews plans for compliance.
Building in violation of setback requirements results in failed plan review, stop-work orders, and required modifications or demolition.
Houston, TX
Smoke alarms in Houston dwellings are governed by Tex. Health & Safety Code Chapter 766 and the Houston Fire Code, which adopts the International Fire Code (...
Houston, TX
Houston has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations on residential property. With no zoning and limited aesthetic c...
Houston, TX
Houston has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Inflatable size, location, lighting, and motor noise are governed by subdiv...
Houston, TX
Houston has no municipal ordinance regulating holiday light displays. With no zoning and limited aesthetic regulation, holiday lighting is governed by deed r...
Houston, TX
Houston requires building permits for built-in outdoor kitchens that include gas lines, plumbing, electrical wiring, or structural roofs. Standalone freestan...
Houston, TX
Houston has no specific ordinance prohibiting residential smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens. Smoke nuisance complaints may be addressed under Chapt...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Harris County.
See how other cities in Harris County handle setback rules.
See how Houston's setback rules rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.