Houston minimum lot size calculator

Answer five questions and this returns the governing figure from Sec. 42-181, with the section each part of the answer comes from — and what it cannot determine for you.

Where is the property?

Wastewater collection service?

A courtyard style development?

Using a reduction route?

Do ALL lots take access from a shared driveway or permanent access easement?

3,500 square feet

Without one of the two reduction routes, the Sec. 42-181(a) baseline governs: 3,500 square feet within the city. Sec. 42-181(b) makes Sec. 42-182 and Sec. 42-184 the only two ways below it.

What this rests on

  • Sec. 42-181(a)(2) — The minimum lot size for a single-family residential lot within the city is 3,500 square feet. read it
  • Sec. 42-181(b) — A lot may go below the subsection (a) minimum only by meeting Sec. 42-182 or, within the city, Sec. 42-184. read it

What it cannot tell you

  • Whether the block carries a special minimum lot size designation. Sec. 42-181(e) makes such a requirement control over the other minimum lot size provisions of the section, so a designation overrides every figure below. The Planning and Development Department maintains a list of current designations.
  • Whether deed restrictions impose something stricter. They are private, enforced by whoever holds them, and a city approval is no defence to a suit on one.

This is how the code reads; confirm with the city — or ask a builder who's actually pulled this permit in Houston. The authoritative text is the Houston Code of Ordinances; permitting questions go to Houston Permitting Center.