As we reflect on 2022, we wanted to remind the Planning & Development Department staff how much our work makes a difference in the community. So we reached out to Planning Commission, Livable Places Action Committee members, nonprofit and community leaders and many of the partners who we work with every day to record their take on why Planning means so much in Houston. Take a moment to watch this video to hear what they have to say. Thank you for your support and encouragement. The Department looks forward to more collaboration in 2023.

The Livable Places initiative is proposing residential buffering amendments to the City Code of Ordinances. A public hearing will be held at 9 a.m., Jan. 11 in the City Hall Council Chambers. The proposed amendments address four main topics:

Residential buffering standards – Proposes a buffer distance between all single-family residential or multi-unit residential properties and tall structures 65 feet and above.

Garage screening and lighting standards – Proposes measures to prevent headlights and garage ceiling lights from shining on adjacent residential properties or streets.

Wall or pole mounted light fixtures standards – Proposes measures to prevent all outdoor fixtures on commercial properties from shining onto residential properties or streets and avoid light trespass.

Dumpster screening standards – Proposes that commercial developments provide screening for dumpsters when they are located adjacent to streets or residential properties and include the dumpster location on site plans.

To learn more about the proposed amendments and review the presentation to the Planning Commission on Sep 29, visit letstalkhouston.org/livable-places. Email questions to LivablePlaces@houstontx.gov.

What will City Council districts look like for the he next election? Click the image above to open the app created by our Geographic Information Systems team. Redistricting was completed in October 2022. New districts will be active January 2024.

If you’re looking for a last-minute holiday outing in Houston, don’t overlook our historic attractions. While popular events like Lights in the Heights were held earlier in the month, here are three festive historic places you can still visit:

Historic Market Square Park, The site of the original City Hall and just two blocks from Allen’s landing, the site where the Allen brothers first landed and later founded the city. Historic Market Square is surrounded by some of Downtown’s oldest buildings. Evenings feature holiday lights, several restaurants to grab a bite, and a calendar of holiday happenings. Learn more about the history of Market Square Park.

Sam Houston Park, the first city park established in 1899, is home to many buildings of historic significant relocated to further preserve their historic character including the John Henry Yates house originally located in Freedmen’s town, a pre-civil war era cabin, the Kellum-Nobel house and many more. Schedule a guided tour with the Heritage Society, or stroll the park from dawn to dusk. After dark, check out the “Winter Wanderland” light displays along Bagby Street and walk over to see the City Hall holiday tree.

Christmas Village at Bayou Bend is an immersive holiday experience that leads you over the bridge of lights into the 14-acre estate and historic home (shown above) once owned by Houston historian and philanthropist Ima Hogg. The event also features live actors and music, thousands of garden lights, a historic home tour, and activities for the whole family. It is open until December 30, but closed December 24 and 25.

Planning staff took a break from the day-to-day to celebrate the holidays with a visit from Mayor Turner at our luncheon, an ugly sweater contest and office decorating contest. View more photos on the PD Facebook page.

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