Building Setbacks & Zoning in Houston, TX (2026)
2 verified building setbacks & zoning rules for Houston, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
Houston has no zoning setbacks; instead Chapter 42 platting sets minimum building lines: 25 feet on major thoroughfares, up to 25 feet on collector streets, and 20 feet on local streets for single-family lots, enforced when plats are filed and permits are issued.
Houston Yard Setbacks Via Building Lines
Some RestrictionsHouston Code of Ordinances § 42-150
An improvement that requires a building permit shall not be constructed within the building line requirement established by this chapter... The building line requirements established by this chapter are minimum standards. Where deed restrictions provide for a greater building line or setback, the deed restrictions shall control over the provisions of this chapter... Major Thoroughfares In gener...
Structure Height Limits
Houston has no zoning height district, but its Multi-Unit Residential (MUR) performance standards under Chapter 42 cap any 3-to-8-unit residential development at 30 feet, measured from average grade to the highest roof surface. The rule reached the Code of Ordinances through Ordinance No. 2023-801, part of the platting standards that substitute for zoning.
Houston Caps Multi-Unit Residential Height at 30 Feet
Some RestrictionsHouston Code of Ordinances § 42-237(c)(8)
(8)Building height may not exceed 30 feet as measured from average grade to the highest roof surface. Roof surface is defined, in accordance with Section D of the International Fire Code, as the measurement to the eave of a pitched roof, the intersection of the roof to the exterior wall, or the top of a parapet wall, whichever is greater.
Looking for Harris County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Houston city rules.
Building Setbacks & Zoning in Harris County →