{
  "dataset": "lotcodex-development-code-facts",
  "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
  "generated_at": "2026-08-20T22:38:24.996Z",
  "license": "CC BY 4.0",
  "attribution": "LotCodex, https://lotcodex.com",
  "note": "Each row is a claim about the cited section, read from the archived ordinance text identified by source_id. The claims are ours; the authority is the cited section. Verify against the code before relying on it.",
  "sources": [
    {
      "id": "houston-ch42-art1-in-general",
      "title": "Houston Code of Ordinances Ch. 42, Art. I - In General",
      "publisher": "Municode Library (CivicPlus)",
      "adopted": "Supplement 92",
      "retrieved": "2026-08-13",
      "authority": "primary"
    },
    {
      "id": "houston-ch42-art3-div3-building-lines",
      "title": "Houston Code of Ordinances Ch. 42, Art. III Div. 3 - Building Lines",
      "publisher": "Municode Library (CivicPlus)",
      "adopted": "Supplement 92",
      "retrieved": "2026-08-13",
      "authority": "primary"
    },
    {
      "id": "houston-ch26-art8-off-street-parking",
      "title": "Houston Code of Ordinances Ch. 26, Art. VIII - Off-Street Parking",
      "publisher": "Municode Library (CivicPlus)",
      "adopted": "Supplement 92",
      "retrieved": "2026-08-13",
      "authority": "primary"
    },
    {
      "id": "houston-ch42-art2-requirements-procedures",
      "title": "Houston Code of Ordinances Ch. 42, Art. II - Requirements and Procedures",
      "publisher": "Municode Library (CivicPlus)",
      "adopted": "Supplement 92",
      "retrieved": "2026-08-13",
      "authority": "primary"
    },
    {
      "id": "houston-ch42-art3-div4-lots-reserves",
      "title": "Houston Code of Ordinances Ch. 42, Art. III Div. 4 - Lots and Reserves",
      "publisher": "Municode Library (CivicPlus)",
      "adopted": "Supplement 92",
      "retrieved": "2026-08-13",
      "authority": "primary"
    }
  ],
  "count": 89,
  "facts": [
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "building-line-vs-setback",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/building-line-vs-setback",
      "page_title": "What is a building line, and how is it different from a setback?",
      "fact_index": 0,
      "section": "42-1",
      "topic": "building-line",
      "claim": "A \"building line\" means the line shown on a subdivision plat or development plat establishing the building line requirement; a \"building line requirement\" means the minimum required distance from an easement or a property line adjacent to a street or private street in which no improvements requiring a building permit can be constructed.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art1-in-general",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "building-line-vs-setback",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/building-line-vs-setback",
      "page_title": "What is a building line, and how is it different from a setback?",
      "fact_index": 1,
      "section": "42-150(a)",
      "topic": "building-line",
      "claim": "An improvement that requires a building permit shall not be constructed within the building line requirement established by Chapter 42; each subdivision plat and development plat shall show all applicable building lines.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div3-building-lines",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "building-line-vs-setback",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/building-line-vs-setback",
      "page_title": "What is a building line, and how is it different from a setback?",
      "fact_index": 2,
      "section": "42-150(b)",
      "topic": "building-line",
      "claim": "The building line requirements established by Chapter 42 are minimum standards; where deed restrictions provide for a greater building line or setback, the deed restrictions control over Chapter 42.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div3-building-lines",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "building-line-vs-setback",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/building-line-vs-setback",
      "page_title": "What is a building line, and how is it different from a setback?",
      "fact_index": 3,
      "section": "42-156(d)",
      "topic": "building-line",
      "claim": "When a plat contains a typical lot layout and notes restricting vehicular access to an approved public alley, no front building setback line is required for a single-family lot along a local street, except for corner lots — using \"building setback line\" to refer to the same figure the rest of Sec. 42-156 calls a \"building line.\"",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div3-building-lines",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "building-line-vs-setback",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/building-line-vs-setback",
      "page_title": "What is a building line, and how is it different from a setback?",
      "fact_index": 4,
      "section": "26-473(a)(5)e",
      "topic": "building-line",
      "claim": "A site plan submitted under Chapter 26 must show building setback lines required by Chapter 42 of the Code or contained in any separately recorded instrument.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch26-art8-off-street-parking",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "building-lines",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/building-lines",
      "page_title": "How close to the property line can I build in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 0,
      "section": "42-151(a)",
      "topic": "building-line",
      "claim": "A tract within the central business district is not subject to a building line requirement.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div3-building-lines",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "building-lines",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/building-lines",
      "page_title": "How close to the property line can I build in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 1,
      "section": "42-152(a)",
      "topic": "building-line",
      "claim": "The portion of a lot or tract adjacent to a major thoroughfare has a building line requirement of 25 feet, unless otherwise authorized by Chapter 42.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div3-building-lines",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "building-lines",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/building-lines",
      "page_title": "How close to the property line can I build in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 2,
      "section": "42-152(b)",
      "topic": "building-line",
      "claim": "A building line requirement of 10 feet is authorized for the portion of a single-family residential lot that backs onto a major thoroughfare, provided the plat restricts the 15 feet behind that building line to a one-story, uninhabited garage and bars vehicular access from the major thoroughfare.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div3-building-lines",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "building-lines",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/building-lines",
      "page_title": "How close to the property line can I build in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 3,
      "section": "42-153(b)",
      "topic": "building-line",
      "claim": "In the city, a single-family residential lot with frontage on a major thoroughfare that has a planned right-of-way of 80 feet or less may build to a 15-foot building line if it takes vehicular access via an alley, flag staff, shared driveway, permanent access easement, or courtyard access drive, and the plat meets Sec. 42-153(b)'s other conditions — including that units front the street with an entry feature and no area within the building line is used for parking.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div3-building-lines",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "building-lines",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/building-lines",
      "page_title": "How close to the property line can I build in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 4,
      "section": "42-156(a)",
      "topic": "building-line",
      "claim": "For a single-family residential lot adjacent to a collector street that is not an alley, the building line requirement is 25 feet along the front of the lot and 10 feet along the back and sides.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div3-building-lines",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "building-lines",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/building-lines",
      "page_title": "How close to the property line can I build in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 5,
      "section": "42-156(b)",
      "topic": "building-line",
      "claim": "For a single-family residential lot adjacent to a local street that is not an alley, the building line requirement is 20 feet along the front and 10 feet along the back and side, or 10 feet along the front if the subdivision plat contains a typical lot layout with the required plat notations.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div3-building-lines",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "building-lines",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/building-lines",
      "page_title": "How close to the property line can I build in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 6,
      "section": "42-156(c)",
      "topic": "building-line",
      "claim": "Notwithstanding the other building-line figures of Sec. 42-156 (including the 10-foot and 20-foot front-of-lot figures for the principal structure), a garage or carport facing the street on a collector or local street has its own building line of 20 feet, except as provided in Sec. 42-157(b).",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div3-building-lines",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "building-lines",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/building-lines",
      "page_title": "How close to the property line can I build in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 7,
      "section": "42-156(d)",
      "topic": "building-line",
      "claim": "When a plat contains a typical lot layout and notes that restrict vehicular access to an approved public alley, no front building line is required at all for a single-family lot along a local street — except for corner lots.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div3-building-lines",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "building-lines",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/building-lines",
      "page_title": "How close to the property line can I build in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 8,
      "section": "42-157(b)",
      "topic": "building-line",
      "claim": "In the city, a subdivision or development restricted to single-family residential use adjacent to a collector street or a local street that is not an alley may set its building line at 10 feet for the principal structure — but, notwithstanding the other provisions of this performance standard, a garage or carport facing the street still needs 19 feet, an occupiable space above the garage or carport may overhang the building line by up to 9 feet, and — for a lot with the garage facing the street — at least one-third of the street-facing structure must be occupiable space with a street-facing front door, with alternative balcony or window standards for a narrow lot that cannot meet that share.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div3-building-lines",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "building-lines",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/building-lines",
      "page_title": "How close to the property line can I build in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 9,
      "section": "42-157(c)",
      "topic": "building-line",
      "claim": "In the city, a front building line requirement of 5 feet is authorized for single-family lots adjacent to a collector or local street where vehicular access is taken only from the rear or side (via an alley, flag staff, permanent access easement, or courtyard access drive) or from a qualifying shared driveway.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div3-building-lines",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "building-lines",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/building-lines",
      "page_title": "How close to the property line can I build in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 10,
      "section": "42-157(d)",
      "topic": "building-line",
      "claim": "In the city, a front building line requirement of zero feet is authorized for single-family lots in a subdivision plat that is SOLELY a replat of a lot on a corner at the intersection of two public streets, where every lot in the replat shares one or more shared driveways with at least one other dwelling unit — not merely \"rear access and shared driveways\" in general — among other conditions, including that each unit have a street-facing entry feature, that electrical service be installed underground, and that there be adequate room within the right-of-way for required sidewalks and utilities.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div3-building-lines",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "building-lines",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/building-lines",
      "page_title": "How close to the property line can I build in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 11,
      "section": "42-158",
      "topic": "building-line",
      "claim": "The building line requirement for habitable structures along a private street or a Type 2 permanent access easement is 5 feet.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div3-building-lines",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "building-lines",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/building-lines",
      "page_title": "How close to the property line can I build in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 12,
      "section": "42-159",
      "topic": "building-line",
      "claim": "A shared driveway that is 18 feet or greater in width has a building line of 3 feet along each side; a shared driveway less than 18 feet wide has a building line of 4 feet for a garage or carport along each side.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div3-building-lines",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "building-lines",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/building-lines",
      "page_title": "How close to the property line can I build in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 13,
      "section": "42-151(b)(1)",
      "topic": "building-line",
      "claim": "For a building line requirement of 10 feet or greater, an encroachment of up to 30 inches into the building line is permitted for eaves, bay windows, balconies, fireplace chimneys, decorative features, and habitable area, subject to conditions including that the encroachment is cantilevered and not supported by other means.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div3-building-lines",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "building-without-a-plat",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/building-without-a-plat",
      "page_title": "What happens if you build without a plat in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 0,
      "section": "42-5(a)",
      "topic": "enforcement",
      "claim": "The violation of any provision of this chapter within the corporate limits of the city, including the failure to do any act or perform any duty required, shall be punishable as provided by section 1-6 of this Code, and each day a violation continues constitutes a separate offense.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art1-in-general",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-14"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "building-without-a-plat",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/building-without-a-plat",
      "page_title": "What happens if you build without a plat in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 1,
      "section": "42-5(a)",
      "topic": "enforcement",
      "claim": "Prosecution or conviction under the penal provision shall never be a bar to any other remedy or relief for violation of this chapter.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art1-in-general",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-14"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "building-without-a-plat",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/building-without-a-plat",
      "page_title": "What happens if you build without a plat in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 2,
      "section": "42-5(b)",
      "topic": "enforcement",
      "claim": "The violation of any provision of this chapter outside the corporate limits of the city but within the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction shall not constitute an offense, and no fine shall be applicable to the violation.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art1-in-general",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-14"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "building-without-a-plat",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/building-without-a-plat",
      "page_title": "What happens if you build without a plat in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 3,
      "section": "42-5(c)",
      "topic": "enforcement",
      "claim": "In addition to criminal prosecution where applicable, the city shall have the right to seek the judicial remedies provided in section 42-6 for any violation of this chapter within the city or its extraterritorial jurisdiction.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art1-in-general",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-14"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "building-without-a-plat",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/building-without-a-plat",
      "page_title": "What happens if you build without a plat in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 4,
      "section": "42-6(1)",
      "topic": "enforcement",
      "claim": "The city may file an action in a court of competent jurisdiction to enjoin the violation or threatened violation by the owner of land of a requirement of this chapter applicable to the land.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art1-in-general",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-14"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "building-without-a-plat",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/building-without-a-plat",
      "page_title": "What happens if you build without a plat in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 5,
      "section": "42-6(2)",
      "topic": "enforcement",
      "claim": "The city may file an action to recover damages from the owner of a tract of land in an amount adequate for the city to undertake any construction or other activity necessary to bring about compliance with this chapter.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art1-in-general",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-14"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "building-without-a-plat",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/building-without-a-plat",
      "page_title": "What happens if you build without a plat in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 6,
      "section": "42-7(a)(1)",
      "topic": "enforcement",
      "claim": "The building official shall not issue any building permit or other permits required for the installation of any utility, either public or private, to serve lots or tracts within the city for which a subdivision plat has not been properly recorded as required by this chapter.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art1-in-general",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-14"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "building-without-a-plat",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/building-without-a-plat",
      "page_title": "What happens if you build without a plat in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 7,
      "section": "42-7(a)(2)",
      "topic": "enforcement",
      "claim": "The building official shall not issue any building permit or other permits required for the installation of any utility to serve a development within the city that is subject to this chapter for which a development plat has not been properly approved.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art1-in-general",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-14"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "building-without-a-plat",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/building-without-a-plat",
      "page_title": "What happens if you build without a plat in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 8,
      "section": "42-7(b)",
      "topic": "enforcement",
      "claim": "The utility official shall not permit any tract of land to receive any service from the city water or wastewater collection systems unless, at the time of the application for service, the applicant provides satisfactory evidence that the tract was subdivided or developed in compliance with this chapter.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art1-in-general",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-14"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "building-without-a-plat",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/building-without-a-plat",
      "page_title": "What happens if you build without a plat in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 9,
      "section": "42-7(c)",
      "topic": "enforcement",
      "claim": "In the extraterritorial jurisdiction, the utility official shall not approve plans for construction of any wastewater collection system or domestic water distribution system, and the city engineer shall not approve plans for a storm drainage system, within any utility district for which the city has granted consent for creation or enlargement, until this chapter has been complied with for any tract served by that district.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art1-in-general",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-14"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "building-without-a-plat",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/building-without-a-plat",
      "page_title": "What happens if you build without a plat in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 10,
      "section": "42-9",
      "topic": "enforcement",
      "claim": "This chapter is cumulative of other requirements imposed by ordinances and regulations of the city, and to the extent of any inconsistency the more restrictive provision shall govern.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art1-in-general",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-14"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "building-without-a-plat",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/building-without-a-plat",
      "page_title": "What happens if you build without a plat in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 11,
      "section": "42-8",
      "topic": "enforcement",
      "claim": "The director is authorized to promulgate forms for implementing this chapter, including standardized language to be used on the face of subdivision plats and development plats, and the city attorney must review each form for legal sufficiency before it is used.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art1-in-general",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-14"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "how-development-is-regulated",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated",
      "page_title": "How is development regulated in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 0,
      "section": "42-2",
      "topic": "scope",
      "claim": "Chapter 42 of the Houston Code of Ordinances applies to all development and subdivision of land within the city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction, and establishes the general rules and regulations governing plats, subdivisions and development of land there.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art1-in-general",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "how-development-is-regulated",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated",
      "page_title": "How is development regulated in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 1,
      "section": "42-20(a)",
      "topic": "platting",
      "claim": "Before any subdivision of property within the city or its extraterritorial jurisdiction, the owner (or the owner's agent) must obtain an approved subdivision plat; the city recognizes no other subdivisions.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art2-requirements-procedures",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "how-development-is-regulated",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated",
      "page_title": "How is development regulated in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 2,
      "section": "42-22",
      "topic": "platting",
      "claim": "New construction or the enlargement of any exterior dimension of a building, structure or improvement within the city or its extraterritorial jurisdiction requires an approved development plat, with listed exemptions — including construction of (or an enlargement to) a detached single-family residential unit THAT MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF ARTICLE III OF CHAPTER 42 (building lines, lot size, and the rest of that article) on a lot that is part of, and complies with, a recorded subdivision plat; construction within the central business district; a parking lot or its expansion; and a retaining wall, masonry wall or fence under eight feet high.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art2-requirements-procedures",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "how-development-is-regulated",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated",
      "page_title": "How is development regulated in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 3,
      "section": "42-150(a)",
      "topic": "building-line",
      "claim": "An improvement that requires a building permit may not be constructed within the building line requirement established by Chapter 42; each subdivision plat and development plat must show all applicable building lines.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div3-building-lines",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "how-development-is-regulated",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated",
      "page_title": "How is development regulated in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 4,
      "section": "42-181(a)",
      "topic": "lot-size",
      "claim": "The minimum lot size for a single-family residential lot with wastewater collection service is 3,500 square feet within the city, or 5,000 square feet within the extraterritorial jurisdiction.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div4-lots-reserves",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "how-development-is-regulated",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated",
      "page_title": "How is development regulated in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 5,
      "section": "26-471(a)",
      "topic": "parking",
      "claim": "Houston's off-street parking article establishes standards for sufficient off-street parking and loading facilities of newly developed or redeveloped buildings or tracts within the city.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch26-art8-off-street-parking",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "minimum-lot-size",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/minimum-lot-size",
      "page_title": "What is the minimum lot size for a house in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 0,
      "section": "42-181(a)(2)",
      "topic": "lot-size",
      "claim": "The minimum lot size for a single-family residential lot within the city is 3,500 square feet.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div4-lots-reserves",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "minimum-lot-size",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/minimum-lot-size",
      "page_title": "What is the minimum lot size for a house in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 1,
      "section": "42-181(a)(1)",
      "topic": "lot-size",
      "claim": "The minimum lot size for a single-family residential lot within the extraterritorial jurisdiction is 5,000 square feet.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div4-lots-reserves",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "minimum-lot-size",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/minimum-lot-size",
      "page_title": "What is the minimum lot size for a house in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 2,
      "section": "42-181(c)",
      "topic": "lot-size",
      "claim": "A subdivision plat may not include a lot smaller than 1,400 square feet, unless the property is located within the city and all lots within the subdivision take vehicular access from the shared driveway or permanent access easement, with the average lot size for the subdivision (and for each full blockface) staying at or above 1,400 square feet.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div4-lots-reserves",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "minimum-lot-size",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/minimum-lot-size",
      "page_title": "What is the minimum lot size for a house in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 3,
      "section": "42-184",
      "topic": "lot-size",
      "claim": "Within the city, a plat may provide a single-family lot size of less than 3,500 square feet, but not less than an average of 1,400 square feet, under the optional performance standards for reduction in lot size.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div4-lots-reserves",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "minimum-lot-size",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/minimum-lot-size",
      "page_title": "What is the minimum lot size for a house in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 4,
      "section": "42-182",
      "topic": "lot-size",
      "claim": "Under the compensating open space schedule, average lot size within the city may be reduced as low as 1,400 square feet by providing 600 square feet of compensating open space per lot (the extraterritorial jurisdiction requires 720 square feet of open space for that same reduction).",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div4-lots-reserves",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "minimum-lot-size",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/minimum-lot-size",
      "page_title": "What is the minimum lot size for a house in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 5,
      "section": "42-181(e)",
      "topic": "lot-size",
      "claim": "A special minimum lot size requirement established for a specific block or area controls over the other minimum lot size provisions of this section.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div4-lots-reserves",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "parking-requirements",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/parking-requirements",
      "page_title": "How many parking spaces does my project need in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 0,
      "section": "42-186(a)",
      "topic": "parking",
      "claim": "Each subdivision plat or development plat providing for a single-family residential use shall provide at least 2 off-street parking spaces per dwelling unit on each lot.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div4-lots-reserves",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "parking-requirements",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/parking-requirements",
      "page_title": "How many parking spaces does my project need in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 1,
      "section": "42-186(a)(1)",
      "topic": "parking",
      "claim": "For a dwelling unit that is not more than 1,500 square feet, only 1 off-street parking space is required per dwelling unit.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div4-lots-reserves",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "parking-requirements",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/parking-requirements",
      "page_title": "How many parking spaces does my project need in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 2,
      "section": "42-186(a)(2)",
      "topic": "parking",
      "claim": "For a dwelling unit that is less than or equal to 1,000 square feet, no off-street parking is required if the lot has less than 33 feet of public street frontage, 100 percent of the unit has occupiable space fronting the street, and driveway access from the public street is not permitted.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div4-lots-reserves",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "parking-requirements",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/parking-requirements",
      "page_title": "How many parking spaces does my project need in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 3,
      "section": "42-186(b)(1)",
      "topic": "parking",
      "claim": "If a first dwelling unit meets its off-street parking requirement, a second dwelling unit of not more than 1,000 gross square feet requires no additional off-street parking spaces.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div4-lots-reserves",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "parking-requirements",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/parking-requirements",
      "page_title": "How many parking spaces does my project need in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 4,
      "section": "42-186(b)(2)",
      "topic": "parking",
      "claim": "If a first dwelling unit meets its off-street parking requirement, a second dwelling unit greater than 1,000 square feet but less than or equal to 1,500 square feet requires 1 additional off-street parking space.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div4-lots-reserves",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "parking-requirements",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/parking-requirements",
      "page_title": "How many parking spaces does my project need in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 5,
      "section": "42-186(c)",
      "topic": "parking",
      "claim": "A courtyard style development plat for single-family residential use must provide 1 off-street parking space per dwelling unit of 1,000 square feet or less, and 2 spaces per dwelling unit between 1,001 and 1,800 square feet.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div4-lots-reserves",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "parking-requirements",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/parking-requirements",
      "page_title": "How many parking spaces does my project need in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 6,
      "section": "42-186(e)",
      "topic": "parking",
      "claim": "A single-family residential subdivision plat with a courtyard access drive, shared driveway, or Type 2 permanent access easement serving 6 or more dwelling units must provide 1 additional parking space for every 6 dwelling units.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div4-lots-reserves",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "parking-requirements",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/parking-requirements",
      "page_title": "How many parking spaces does my project need in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 7,
      "section": "26-491(a)",
      "topic": "parking",
      "claim": "If the parking space requirements of Chapter 26 result in a fractional requirement of 0.5 or greater, the applicant must provide parking spaces equal to the next higher whole number.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch26-art8-off-street-parking",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "parking-site-plan-review",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/parking-site-plan-review",
      "page_title": "How does Houston review a parking site plan?",
      "fact_index": 0,
      "section": "26-474(a)",
      "topic": "parking",
      "claim": "The building official shall not issue a building permit for the construction of a building or alteration to a building or tract within the city unless the director approves the site plan verifying that the applicant provides for the parking and loading facilities required by this article.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch26-art8-off-street-parking",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-14"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "parking-site-plan-review",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/parking-site-plan-review",
      "page_title": "How does Houston review a parking site plan?",
      "fact_index": 1,
      "section": "26-474(b)",
      "topic": "parking",
      "claim": "The building official shall not issue a certificate of occupancy unless the applicant constructs or provides for the required parking and loading facilities, and prior to issuance the building official shall inspect the parking and loading facilities provided to verify compliance with the approved site plan.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch26-art8-off-street-parking",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-14"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "parking-site-plan-review",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/parking-site-plan-review",
      "page_title": "How does Houston review a parking site plan?",
      "fact_index": 2,
      "section": "26-474(c)",
      "topic": "parking",
      "claim": "The director shall not approve a site plan and the building official shall not issue a building permit or certificate of occupancy until the applicant has produced all supporting documentation including required licenses, title reports, deed restrictions, surveys, and other required documentation.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch26-art8-off-street-parking",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-14"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "parking-site-plan-review",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/parking-site-plan-review",
      "page_title": "How does Houston review a parking site plan?",
      "fact_index": 3,
      "section": "26-474(c)",
      "topic": "parking",
      "claim": "Any site plan approved or building permit or certificate of occupancy issued on the basis of either erroneous documentation or false information is void with the same force and effect as if it had never been approved or issued, without the necessity of any action by the city or any other person or agency.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch26-art8-off-street-parking",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-14"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "parking-site-plan-review",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/parking-site-plan-review",
      "page_title": "How does Houston review a parking site plan?",
      "fact_index": 4,
      "section": "26-474(d)",
      "topic": "parking",
      "claim": "The director shall not approve a site plan containing a drop-off, drive-in, or drive-through facility configuration unless the configuration provides sufficient area for access to the facility without blocking the public right-of-way or any parking space required by this article.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch26-art8-off-street-parking",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-14"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "parking-site-plan-review",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/parking-site-plan-review",
      "page_title": "How does Houston review a parking site plan?",
      "fact_index": 5,
      "section": "26-475(a)",
      "topic": "parking",
      "claim": "A site plan submitted for review shall not include any land to be used for off-site parking that is restricted to residential use where the use or intended use of that restricted property as an off-site parking facility for a different purpose or enterprise would violate the applicable deed restrictions.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch26-art8-off-street-parking",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-14"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "parking-site-plan-review",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/parking-site-plan-review",
      "page_title": "How does Houston review a parking site plan?",
      "fact_index": 6,
      "section": "26-475(b)",
      "topic": "parking",
      "claim": "No site plan shall be approved by the director if any portion of an off-site parking facility used to satisfy the off-street parking requirements includes land restricted to residential use where that use as an off-site parking facility for a different purpose or enterprise would violate the applicable deed restrictions.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch26-art8-off-street-parking",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-14"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "parking-site-plan-review",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/parking-site-plan-review",
      "page_title": "How does Houston review a parking site plan?",
      "fact_index": 7,
      "section": "26-475(c)",
      "topic": "parking",
      "claim": "Every applicant who submits a site plan for review shall furnish to the director a certified copy of the instruments containing the deed restrictions, or any other recorded document containing restrictions that affect the use of all or any part of the property within the site plan, including any property to be used for on-site and off-site parking facilities.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch26-art8-off-street-parking",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-14"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "parking-site-plan-review",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/parking-site-plan-review",
      "page_title": "How does Houston review a parking site plan?",
      "fact_index": 8,
      "section": "26-475(d)",
      "topic": "parking",
      "claim": "If there are no recorded restrictions affecting the use of any property within the site plan, the applicant shall submit a current abstractor’s certificate or title report expressly stating that there are no recorded restrictions applicable to the subject property, prepared within 30 days prior to the date submitted by a title company authorized by law to do business in this state or by an attorney licensed to practice law in this state.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch26-art8-off-street-parking",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-14"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "parking-site-plan-review",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/parking-site-plan-review",
      "page_title": "How does Houston review a parking site plan?",
      "fact_index": 9,
      "section": "26-476(a)",
      "topic": "parking",
      "claim": "It is a violation of this article for any person to construct a building or alter a building or tract in the territorial limits of the city without first complying with the provisions of this article, and any person violating any provision is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable on conviction by a fine of not less than $100.00 and not more than $500.00.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch26-art8-off-street-parking",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-14"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "parking-site-plan-review",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/parking-site-plan-review",
      "page_title": "How does Houston review a parking site plan?",
      "fact_index": 10,
      "section": "26-476(a)",
      "topic": "parking",
      "claim": "Each day that a violation of this article continues shall constitute a separate offense, and prosecution or conviction shall not be a bar to any other remedy or relief for violation of the article.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch26-art8-off-street-parking",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-14"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "parking-site-plan-review",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/parking-site-plan-review",
      "page_title": "How does Houston review a parking site plan?",
      "fact_index": 11,
      "section": "26-476(b)",
      "topic": "parking",
      "claim": "If a person constructs a building or alters a building or tract prior to complying with this article, the fees described in the article shall be doubled, and paying a double fee shall not relieve a person from complying with the requirements or bar any other remedy.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch26-art8-off-street-parking",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-14"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "reserves",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/reserves",
      "page_title": "What is a reserve, and why does my plat have one?",
      "fact_index": 0,
      "section": "42-1",
      "topic": "reserves",
      "claim": "A \"reserve tract\" means a parcel of land that is not a lot, but is created within a subdivision plat for other than single-family residential use and is established to accommodate some purpose for which a division into lots is not suitable or appropriate.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art1-in-general",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "reserves",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/reserves",
      "page_title": "What is a reserve, and why does my plat have one?",
      "fact_index": 1,
      "section": "42-190(a)",
      "topic": "reserves",
      "claim": "A tract of land that is not restricted to single-family residential use shall not be designated on a subdivision plat as a lot, but shall be designated as a reserve and is subject to Chapter 42's provisions pertaining to reserves.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div4-lots-reserves",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "reserves",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/reserves",
      "page_title": "What is a reserve, and why does my plat have one?",
      "fact_index": 2,
      "section": "42-190(b)",
      "topic": "reserves",
      "claim": "A subdivision plat must identify each reserve by alphabetical letter and show its total acreage; the applicant may note the reserve's intended use, and a reserve for which no use has been determined must be identified as an unrestricted reserve.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div4-lots-reserves",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "reserves",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/reserves",
      "page_title": "What is a reserve, and why does my plat have one?",
      "fact_index": 3,
      "section": "42-190(c)",
      "topic": "reserves",
      "claim": "An unrestricted reserve must be at least 5,000 square feet, front a public street with a minimum width of 60 feet (50 feet within a street width exception area), and have a minimum street frontage of 60 feet.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div4-lots-reserves",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "reserves",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/reserves",
      "page_title": "What is a reserve, and why does my plat have one?",
      "fact_index": 4,
      "section": "42-190(c)",
      "topic": "reserves",
      "claim": "A restricted reserve for compensating open space must be at least 240 square feet, front a public street or Type 1 permanent access easement with a minimum width of 50 feet (28 feet for a Type 2 permanent access easement, or 16 feet for a shared driveway), and have a minimum frontage of 12 feet.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div4-lots-reserves",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "reserves",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/reserves",
      "page_title": "What is a reserve, and why does my plat have one?",
      "fact_index": 5,
      "section": "42-183(e)",
      "topic": "reserves",
      "claim": "The minimum size of any area used for compensating open space is 240 square feet, with dimensions of 20 feet by 12 feet.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div4-lots-reserves",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "reserves",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/reserves",
      "page_title": "What is a reserve, and why does my plat have one?",
      "fact_index": 6,
      "section": "42-191",
      "topic": "reserves",
      "claim": "Subdivision plats must provide a one-foot reserve within the street right-of-way as a buffer strip dedicated to the public to prevent access to public streets, when a proposed public street stub ends into adjacent acreage or where the proposed public street is adjacent to the plat boundary and abutting acreage; the reserve vests in the public for street right-of-way purposes once the adjacent property is later subdivided or re-subdivided.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div4-lots-reserves",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "reserves",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/reserves",
      "page_title": "What is a reserve, and why does my plat have one?",
      "fact_index": 7,
      "section": "42-192(a)",
      "topic": "reserves",
      "claim": "All or part of an area included in an approved open space amenities plan may qualify as compensating open space, reducing the required minimum lot size elsewhere in the subdivision.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div4-lots-reserves",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "shared-driveway-lots",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/shared-driveway-lots",
      "page_title": "What is a shared driveway lot in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 0,
      "section": "42-1",
      "topic": "definitions",
      "claim": "A \"shared driveway\" means a private roadway that is not an extension of any street or private roadway and that provides access to two or more single-family residential lots through appropriate cross-access easements.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art1-in-general",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "shared-driveway-lots",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/shared-driveway-lots",
      "page_title": "What is a shared driveway lot in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 1,
      "section": "42-181(a)",
      "topic": "lot-size",
      "claim": "The minimum lot size figures of Sec. 42-181(a) do not apply to a lot within a courtyard style development meeting the requirements of Sec. 42-194, which follows its own, separate size rules instead.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div4-lots-reserves",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "shared-driveway-lots",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/shared-driveway-lots",
      "page_title": "What is a shared driveway lot in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 2,
      "section": "42-181(b)",
      "topic": "lot-size",
      "claim": "The lot size for a single-family residential lot may be less than the Sec. 42-181(a) minimum (3,500 square feet within the city, or 5,000 square feet within the extraterritorial jurisdiction) only if the subdivision plat meets the compensating open space performance standards of Sec. 42-182, or — for a plat within the city — the performance standards of Sec. 42-184.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div4-lots-reserves",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "shared-driveway-lots",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/shared-driveway-lots",
      "page_title": "What is a shared driveway lot in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 3,
      "section": "42-181(c)",
      "topic": "lot-size",
      "claim": "A subdivision plat may include a lot smaller than 1,400 square feet only if the property is within the city and all lots in the subdivision take vehicular access from a shared driveway or permanent access easement, with the average lot size across the subdivision — and across each full blockface — staying at or above 1,400 square feet.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div4-lots-reserves",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "shared-driveway-lots",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/shared-driveway-lots",
      "page_title": "What is a shared driveway lot in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 4,
      "section": "42-181(e)",
      "topic": "lot-size",
      "claim": "A special minimum lot size requirement established for a specific block or area controls over the other minimum lot size provisions of this section — including the shared-driveway averaging rule above.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div4-lots-reserves",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "shared-driveway-lots",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/shared-driveway-lots",
      "page_title": "What is a shared driveway lot in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 5,
      "section": "42-185(a)",
      "topic": "lot-width",
      "claim": "The minimum width of any lot along a street or shared driveway is 20 feet, unless otherwise allowed by Chapter 42.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div4-lots-reserves",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "shared-driveway-lots",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/shared-driveway-lots",
      "page_title": "What is a shared driveway lot in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 6,
      "section": "42-185(b)",
      "topic": "lot-width",
      "claim": "The minimum width of a lot within the city may be 15 feet, instead of the standard 20 feet, if all lots in the subdivision take vehicular access from a shared driveway or permanent access easement and the average lot width across the subdivision — and across each full blockface — stays at or above 18 feet, with any lot wider than 30 feet counted as 30 feet for that average.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div4-lots-reserves",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "shared-driveway-lots",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/shared-driveway-lots",
      "page_title": "What is a shared driveway lot in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 7,
      "section": "42-159",
      "topic": "building-line",
      "claim": "A shared driveway that is 18 feet or greater in width has a building line of 3 feet along each side; a shared driveway less than 18 feet wide has a building line of 4 feet for a garage or carport along each side.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div3-building-lines",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "shared-driveway-lots",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/shared-driveway-lots",
      "page_title": "What is a shared driveway lot in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 8,
      "section": "42-186(e)",
      "topic": "parking",
      "claim": "A single-family residential subdivision plat with a courtyard access drive, shared driveway, or Type 2 permanent access easement serving 6 or more dwelling units must provide 1 additional off-street parking space for every 6 dwelling units.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div4-lots-reserves",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "shared-driveway-lots",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/shared-driveway-lots",
      "page_title": "What is a shared driveway lot in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 9,
      "section": "42-187(a)",
      "topic": "lot-access",
      "claim": "The maximum number of lots that may take vehicular access from a flag staff is 4 — a different access mechanism from a shared driveway, referenced in this page's FAQ to distinguish the two.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art3-div4-lots-reserves",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "subdividing-a-lot",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/subdividing-a-lot",
      "page_title": "Can I subdivide my lot in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 0,
      "section": "42-20(a)",
      "topic": "platting",
      "claim": "Any subdivision of property in the city or its extraterritorial jurisdiction requires a subdivision plat approved by the commission or the director; the city recognizes no other subdivisions.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art2-requirements-procedures",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "subdividing-a-lot",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/subdividing-a-lot",
      "page_title": "Can I subdivide my lot in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 1,
      "section": "42-1",
      "topic": "platting",
      "claim": "A division of land into parts each greater than five acres — where each part has access to a public street and no public improvement must be dedicated — does not meet the definition of \"subdivision\" under Chapter 42.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art1-in-general",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "subdividing-a-lot",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/subdividing-a-lot",
      "page_title": "Can I subdivide my lot in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 2,
      "section": "42-21(a)",
      "topic": "platting",
      "claim": "A subdivision plat is not required for a reserve tract that is part of a subdivision plat already approved, if the reserve tract is not encumbered by a one-foot reserve and will not be used for single-family residential purposes.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art2-requirements-procedures",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "subdividing-a-lot",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/subdividing-a-lot",
      "page_title": "Can I subdivide my lot in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 3,
      "section": "42-21(b)",
      "topic": "platting",
      "claim": "A subdivision plat is not required for a remainder tract that is included in a general plan previously approved by the commission, or filed simultaneously with a subdivision plat application for a portion of the same tract.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art2-requirements-procedures",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "subdividing-a-lot",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/subdividing-a-lot",
      "page_title": "Can I subdivide my lot in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 4,
      "section": "42-23(d)",
      "topic": "platting",
      "claim": "A Class I plat creates no more than four lots, each fronting on an existing street, does not require or propose a new street or the dedication of an easement for public water, wastewater collection, or storm sewer lines, and is not a replat.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art2-requirements-procedures",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "subdividing-a-lot",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/subdividing-a-lot",
      "page_title": "Can I subdivide my lot in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 5,
      "section": "42-23(c)",
      "topic": "platting",
      "claim": "A Class II plat does not require or propose the creation of a new street, does not require or propose the dedication of a public water, wastewater collection, or storm sewer easement, and is not a replat that requires adjacent-property-owner notification.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art2-requirements-procedures",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "subdividing-a-lot",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/subdividing-a-lot",
      "page_title": "Can I subdivide my lot in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 6,
      "section": "42-23(b)",
      "topic": "platting",
      "claim": "A Class III plat is required for a subdivision that requires or proposes the creation of any new street or the dedication of any easement for public water, wastewater collection, or storm sewer lines, and for a vacating plat.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art2-requirements-procedures",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    },
    {
      "jurisdiction": "houston-tx",
      "page": "subdividing-a-lot",
      "page_url": "https://lotcodex.com/houston/how-development-is-regulated/subdividing-a-lot",
      "page_title": "Can I subdivide my lot in Houston?",
      "fact_index": 7,
      "section": "42-4",
      "topic": "enforcement",
      "claim": "It is unlawful to lay out, subdivide, or plat land into lots, blocks, tracts, or streets in the city, or sell property that has not been laid out, subdivided, and platted in accordance with Chapter 42; the building official may not issue a building permit for construction on property subdivided after March 15, 1963 unless the property is included in an approved, recorded subdivision plat.",
      "source_id": "houston-ch42-art1-in-general",
      "last_verified": "2026-08-13"
    }
  ]
}