Staffing & Operations
Houston has NO traditional zoning — the only major U.S. city without a zoning ordinance. Instead, land use is governed by deed restrictions (private covenants), Chapter 42 of the City Code (subdivision and development ordinance), minimum lot sizes, building setbacks, and parking requirements. The City of Houston Permitting Center handles building permits through the Houston Permitting Center (HPC) online portal. Builders should verify deed restrictions with the property HOA or county records before site selection.
Recent Changes
City Council approved updates to Chapter 42 subdivision ordinance in Nov 2025, relaxing minimum lot size requirements in certain inner-loop areas. New stormwater detention requirements for lots in floodplain effective Jan 2026.