Sidewalk Rules are changing in Houston

The Sidewalk Network Ordinance, which was adopted by Houston City Council on January 25, 2023, went into effect on March 1, 2023. The ordinance applies to new building permit applicants and applicants previously approved for a sidewalk construction deferral.

The ordinance gives property owners and developers another option to comply with the City’s existing sidewalk ordinance requirements, while still advancing the City’s goals to create a safe, comfortable, and accessible sidewalk network for all Houstonians.

Compliance options include

1. Construct the required sidewalk. (Refer to Sec 40-553 to find out the development activities requiring sidewalk construction)

2. Construct a sidewalk with modified width if the Sidewalk Committee approves the Sidewalk Standard Modification Application.

3. Pay a Fee in Lieu of Sidewalk Construction if meeting the criteria prescribed on Sec 40-560(b)(1) or Sec 40-561(d).

The last option allows property owners and developers to opt out of constructing the required sidewalk and instead pay a Fee in Lieu of Sidewalk Construction for qualifying properties that meet certain criteria such as homes in neighborhoods without existing sidewalks. These fees will be collected for a Sidewalk Fund, which will be used to construct sidewalks that extend the sidewalk network to key destinations. For more information visit the Sidewalk Ordinance Website.