Houston's Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment decide how the city grows. The Planning Commission reviews subdivision plats and development plans, meeting every other Thursday at 611 Walker Street. The Board of Adjustment hears requests for exceptions to setback, parking, and building rules, meeting weekly at 1002 Washington Avenue. If a development near your home needs approval, these are the meetings to attend. You can speak in person or submit written comments before each meeting.
Two bodies, one mission: how Houston grows
Houston does not have traditional zoning. Instead, two bodies regulate land use and development:
- Planning Commission — reviews subdivision plats, city planning, and development proposals. Meets every other Thursday at 2:30 PM at 611 Walker Street, 6th Floor.
- Board of Adjustment — hears requests for exceptions to setback, parking, and building rules. Meets every Wednesday at Houston Permitting Center, 1002 Washington Avenue.
Why these meetings matter to you
If someone wants to build something near your home that needs a variance or plat approval, it goes through one of these bodies. A new townhome project, a reduced parking requirement, a setback exception — these decisions happen here. If you get a notice in the mail about a nearby development, this is where to show up.
How to give public comment
Planning Commission
1. Check the agenda at houstontx.gov/planning — it lists the specific plats and proposals.
2. Submit written comments to speakercomments.pc@houstontx.gov before the meeting.
3. Show up in person and sign up to speak.
4. Be specific: reference the agenda item number, the property address, and your concern.
Board of Adjustment
1. The agenda lists each variance application by address. Find your case.
2. Show up. Neighbors and property owners affected by a variance can speak for or against.
3. Bring photos, maps, or documents if you have concerns about drainage, traffic, or building proximity.
4. The board votes on each case individually.
Tips for first-timers
- These are technical meetings, but do not be intimidated. Your experience as a neighbor is valid testimony.
- "I live at [address] and this proposal would affect my property because..." is all you need to say.
- Numbers matter. If ten neighbors show up to oppose a variance, the board notices.
- You can support a proposal too. Developers sometimes do good projects that deserve community backing.
- If you received a notification letter about a nearby variance, bring it with you.
- Meetings can run long. Ask staff which item number is yours and arrive for that portion.
What the Board of Adjustment cannot do
Houston has no zoning. The Board of Adjustment cannot stop a land use change if it follows existing deed restrictions and city codes. They can only grant or deny specific variance requests from rules that do exist — such as setbacks, parking, and lot size.
Getting there
- Planning Commission: 611 Walker Street, 6th Floor. METRORail to Central Station. Limited street parking.
- Board of Adjustment: Houston Permitting Center, 1002 Washington Avenue. Near METRORail UH-Downtown station.
After the meeting
- Decisions are recorded and posted on the city planning website.
- If a variance is granted over your objection, contact your Council Member — they can sometimes step in on later permits.
- Deed restriction enforcement is separate from city rules. Contact your civic club or HOA for deed restriction matters.
