Zoning laws govern the use of land in a given area. These laws regulate and determine the structures that can be built and those that are prohibited in particular areas within Texas.
Keep reading to learn how the Texas zoning laws can impact your building plans and how you can navigate the requirements stress-free with SRC Land.
What is Zoning?
Under the Texas Local Government Code, each local government has the authority to create its own zoning laws and land use regulations. This freedom allows the county or municipal zoning authority to maintain an orderly city pattern and makes it easy to identify the types of buildings that can be constructed in different areas. Zoning typically means two things:
- The method by which land is divided and used for different purposes
- The laws and regulations that govern the various land uses
Zoning ordinances can dictate things like the appearance and amenities of a building, such as the existence of parking or adequate light, and they can also regulate what types of buildings can be built. For example, some parts of the city might be zoned for apartment buildings, others for offices, and some for restaurants and warehouses.
These restrictions help improve living conditions, roadway congestion, and overall city functionality. While individual property owners lose some land-related rights due to zoning, the community gains protection and rights to govern their space.
When zoning changes, previously existing locations may face new regulations and development costs. Depending on the system of zoning used, you may be able to seek zoning changes through a public hearing. Zoning changes can raise construction prices and changes to the character of existing neighborhoods.
What Can You Build in Different Zoning Areas?
Generally, zoning areas are divided into categories based on their purposes. These zoning classifications include residential, commercial, and industrial zones. Here’s a brief overview of the different types of construction that can happen in each zone:
What Can You Build on Residential Land?
Residential land is set apart for people to build their homes and other buildings they intend to live in. Existing zoning regulations ensure that the land is used correctly and people live comfortably in their neighborhoods by permitting buildings like:
- Apartment buildings
- Single-family residences (SFR)
- Duplexes
- Condominiums
- Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
- Trailer park homes
- Suburban homesteads (SH)
Generally, residential zoning laws prohibit home-based businesses from operating in these areas. These restrictions help to control noise levels and encourage the use of community spaces. However, some laws may allow these businesses to operate on residential land, depending on the type of business and the operating hours.
What Can You Build on Commercial Land?
Commercial land is set aside for business operations and other commercial purposes. This area is zoned according to factors like the type of business, the number of clients, and parking requirements. Here are some structures that can be constructed on commercial land:
- Office buildings
- Department stores
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Warehouses
- Nursing homes
- Resorts
What Can You Build on Agricultural Land?
Agricultural land is zoned to make sure that there is adequate land for agricultural activities like farming and ranching. Here are some of the structures that are permitted on agricultural land:
- Barns
- Farmhouses
- Livestock shelters
- Poultry coops
- Equipment storage
- Hay and feed storage
- Riding arenas
What Can You Build on Industrial Land?
Industrial land is used for manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution activities. Texas industrial zoning laws regulate economic development and provide environmental protection from these activities. Some of the buildings allowed on this land include:
- Factories
- Storage facilities
- Manufacturing plants
- Research facilities
- Warehouses
- Industrial parks
- Distribution centers
Are There Cities in Texas with No Zoning Codes?
If a city does not have a zoning commission, you might think that it means the land is not regulated at all. But that’s not true. In Texas, the only city without zoning codes is Houston. However, it is still subject to regulations that govern the use of land.
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.
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.
Get Land with the Right Zoning with Help from SRC Land
You need to comply with the existing zoning laws in your area to make sure your property doesn’t break any rules. Unfortunately, worrying about all those zoning laws can make your land ownership journey incredibly stressful. That’s why hiring a land developer is your best bet for carrying out thorough evaluations, saving time, and getting your desired land with the right zoning.
At SRC Land, our Texas land developers will guide and support you in your dream of buying land. We can make sure that you get the right land with zoning that suits your building and financial needs.
