Zoning dictates what you can build on land when it comes to land use. For example, construction in residential areas is restricted to housing likes homes and sometimes apartment buildings, while construction on commercially zoned land is used for businesses like restaurants and stores. Zoning is set by local governments and most typically applies within city limits, as well as some in rural areas.
There are some states with special statewide zoning codes, and some states without much zoning, but Texas isn’t one of these: most of the major metro areas in Texas are zoned. But, there is one exception: Houston.
Key Takeaways
- The only city in Texas with no zoning regulations is Houston. However, construction in Houston is still subject to land use regulations and headaches like so many other cities.
- Land use in Houston is regulated by things like building codes, ordinances, and private deed restrictions.
- You can get land with the zoning you need by working with SRC Land. We have affordable land for sale in South Texas.
About Houston’s Lack of Zoning Laws
In Texas, the only city without formal zoning laws is Houston, the largest city in the state. If a city does not have a zoning ordinances, you might think that it means the land is not regulated at all, but that’s not true. It is still subject to regulations that govern the use of land.
Houston’s land use regulations are dictated by things like deed restrictions, city ordinances from the city council, building codes, development ordinances from the City Planning Commission, and other community-specific restrictions. But, what does that actually mean?
How It Works
The regulations on land in Houston are similar to other zoning regulations. For example, some policies prohibit the construction of a manufacturing facility or a corner store within a residential neighborhood. Private and separately filed restrictions can also be implemented by private organizations, individual property owners, and neighborhood associations. Many regulations are meant to protect property values, encourage construction of affordable housing, and protect historic districts.
Throughout Houston neighborhoods, building codes dictate things like structural standards and safety. In places like downtown Houston, building codes dictate additional things like parking requirements, while building height restrictions are set by private deed restrictions and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
So, although Houston doesn’t have any Texas zoning codes, the city is still subject to policies and restrictions on land usage. Figuring out the separate restrictions in each area can be difficult and make the land purchase and building process a challenge.
How to Change Zoning for Your Land Use
Of course, not everyone can or is interested in moving to Houston, and there are no other cities without zoning. If the existing zoning on a property you are interested in doesn’t meet your needs, you do have options. The primary solution is to file a rezoning application with the city or county. You’ll need to do your research about project feasibility and other land use restrictions on the land. With the right project and support, you may be able to successfully get the different zoning you needed.
Typically, rezoning applications may be rejected either if your idea for new zoning doesn’t match the city or county’s plan for the area or surrounding neighborhoods or if it’s likely to cause infrastructure issues. For example, you may not get approval to build something for even light industrial purposes in a residential area. On the other hand, less significant changes, such as changes from zoning for single family homes to multi-family residences, may be more likely to succeed.
Get Land With the Right Zoning With SRC Land
If you want to get land with the right zoning without the hassle of dealing with city governments, you should turn to a land developer like SRC Land. Here at SRC Land, we work to take land and develop it by getting the proper zoning and setting up necessary utilities and access.
Avoid the complicated mess of changing local zoning laws. You can find land that’s all ready for your home project with help from the team at SRC Land. We have a variety of affordable land for sale in Texas.
If you want to find affordable land for sale in Texas that meets your needs, reach out to the SRC Land team today.
