Monthly Planner
Newsletter | December 2020
City Sets Vision Zero
Action Plan In Motion

After extensive data analysis, community engagement and multiagency collaboration, the Planning and Development Department created the Vision Zero Action Plan (VZAP). On Dec. 16, Mayor Sylvester Turner launched the plan to improve street safety and equity for road users of all ages, abilities and modes of transportation. Watch a video of the press conference. Read the press release, and view and download the Vision Zero Action Plan.
A Bright Spot in My Day:
From the Planning Director 

Vision Zero: By the time you read this, Mayor Sylvester Turner will have released the Vision Zero Action Plan for Houston. This is a big deal. In my 34-year career with the City, I do not remember an effort that can be as transformative to Houston and as beneficial to Houstonians as this Plan. Vision Zero is the City’s commitment to end traffic-related deaths and serious injuries by 2030. Not reduce, end. Eliminate. Make no more. Read more.
Livable Places Activity: Residential Buffering

The Livable Places Action Committee discussed the Residential Buffering Ordinance at the Dec. 8 virtual meeting. The Planning Department introduced an interactive map tool to gather community feedback on the effects of tall structures next to single-family homes. Participate in this interactive activity by dropping a pin on the map tool, uploading photos and answering a few short questions about tall structures in the community by Jan. 1, 2021. The Committee will meet again on Tuesday, Jan. 12, from 3 - 5 p.m. Read more.
NHHIP Update:
Mayor's Letter to TxDOT

Mayor Sylvester Turner sent a letter to TxDOT District Engineer Eliza Paul, P.E. and Sue Theiss, Director of Project Development, regarding the North Houston Highway Improvement Project.
"This project can be transformational and can achieve the City's and TxDOT's objectives," Mayor Turner wrote. "The project, however, has shortcomings that must be addressed and impacts that must be further mitigated to maintain my support." Read the full letter.
Keeping Up With
Land Development

The Plat Tracker system used for submitting plat applications, received significant upgrades in September to aid land developers and their technical advisors to continue to have fingertip platting convenience. Enhancements include a new payment portal, revamped recordation appointment scheduling and other technical options. Additional improvements are slated for 2021. More information about platting processes are available on the Development Regulations websiteRead more.
Historic Preservation
Success Story

Glenbrook Valley resident Isabel Doniz recently thanked the Houston Office of Preservation for their assistance in securing a historical designation for her home, thereby thwarting demolition plans from the Texas General Land Office (GLO). Doniz did not want to demolish the home in which she raised her son and daughter, so she asked if a historic designation would offer any protection. She was passionate about the memories she had within the “Modern Junior Executive” model home, which was featured on the 1956 Parade of Homes.  Read more.
Complete Communities Phase 2 Action Plans

The Planning and Development Department released action plans for the five Phase 2 Complete Communities: Alief-Westwood, Fort Bend Houston, Kashmere Gardens, Magnolia Park-Manchester and Sunnyside. During the development of the action plans, PD organized 23 community-wide meetings and drew participation from 2,400 stakeholders. An additional 1,515 people participated in the extended engagement through online surveys, virtual meetings, and website activities. Read the press release. View the action plans.
Chapter 28
Hazardous Enterprises

Houston City Council voted to strengthen safety measures to protect Houston neighborhoods and improve enforcement of the city’s hazardous enterprises ordinances. Changes to Chapter 28 of the Code of Ordinances will increase the regulation of hazardous operations and materials by strengthening enforcement language. The changes also expand certain definitions, create a review process for appeals and modifications, and establish related fees to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of Houstonians. Read more about Chapter 28 revisions.
Department Calendar and Information

1/1 New Year's Day - City Holiday
1/7 Planning Commission
1/12 Livable Places Action Committee Meeting
1/18 Martin Luther King Day - City Holiday
1/21 Planning Commission
1/27 Bicycle Advisory Committee

View the full PD Calendar
View development activity reports
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Happy Holidays from the
Planning & Development Team