City of Houston Infrastructure Design Manual | Sec.40-551 through 561

Update the planned provided to show:

• A 5-foot sidewalk on local streets
• A 6-foot sidewalk on major thoroughfares
• A minimum 4-foot buffer between the sidewalk and street
• If meeting the full sidewalk and buffer requirement is not feasible, provide an approved sidewalk modification *OR* pay a fee in lieu of sidewalk construction.
• To request a sidewalk modification, fill out the online form at https://houstontx.gov/planning/sidewalk-regulations.html and email a site plan and supporting documents to [email protected].
• If you choose to pay a fee in lieu of sidewalk construction, add the following note on the site plan:
• The single-family residential development on this site meets all the criteria prescribed on Sec 40-560(b)(1). The property owner chooses to pay a Fee in Lieu of Sidewalk Construction.”

City of Houston Infrastructure Design Manual Sec.42- 151

Show that encroachments of the _xxx_-foot building line meet the following standards:

• Sec 42-151 (b): For a building line requirement of 10 feet or greater established by this article, an encroachment shall be permitted as follows:
  • An encroachment of up to 30 inches into the building line requirement shall be permitted for eaves, bay windows, balconies, fireplace chimneys, decorative features and habitable area if: the minor encroachment is cantilevered into the building line requirement and is not supported by other means;
  • The lowest point of the encroachment is at least 9 feet higher than the highest point of the building foundation.
  • The encroachment for habitable living area for each floor does not have an area greater than 50% of the total area of the building facade for that floor

An encroachment of up to five feet into the building line requirement shall be permitted for open stairways and wheelchair ramps.

City of Houston Infrastructure Design Manual | Sec.42- 152

Show that the encroachments of the 25-foot building line meet the following standards:

• Sec 42-151 (b): For a building line requirement of 10 feet or greater established by this article, an encroachment shall be permitted as follows:
  • An encroachment of up to 30 inches into the building line requirement shall be permitted for eaves, bay windows, balconies, fireplace chimneys, decorative features and habitable areas if: the minor encroachment is cantilevered into the building line requirement and is not supported by other means.
  • The lowest point of the encroachment is at least 9 feet higher than the highest point of the building foundation.
  • The encroachment for habitable living area for each floor does not have an area greater than 50% of the total area of the building facade for that floor
  • An encroachment of up to five feet into the building line requirement shall be permitted for open stairways and wheelchair ramps.

City of Houston Infrastructure Design Manual | Sec.42-156 C; 157 B

If using a 19-foot garage building line, show compliance with Sec. 42-157 b:

• The building line requirement for a subdivision or development in the city restricted to single-family residential use adjacent to a collector street or a local street shall be:
• (1) Ten feet for the principal structure;
• (2) 19 feet for a garage or carport facing the street. An occupiable space above the garage or carport may overhang the building line up to 9 feet; and
• (3) For lots with the garage facing the street, at least 1/3 of the structure along the street must be occupiable space with the front door facing the street. This 1/3 of the structure can be located within the 9 feet ahead of the garage building line or no more than 4 feet behind the garage building line. For narrow lots, functional balconies or a minimum of 36 square feet of windows (with at least one window of minimum 3 feet by 5 feet) facing the street can be provided.

Alternatively, a 20-foot garage building line applies (Sec. 42-156 C).

City of Houston Infrastructure Design Manual |Sec.10-32

There can be no encroachment into a utility easement:

• Sec. 10-32 It shall be unlawful for any person to build, erect, or construct, or cause to be built, erected or constructed any building, structure or edifice for any use or occupancy whatsoever in, upon, over or across any easement, or any part thereof, granted to the city for sanitary sewer, storm water, water main, or electric line conduit purposes, or a combination of same, or upon, over or across any privately constructed sanitary sewer, storm sewer, water main, or electric line conduit managed, supervised, or controlled by the city or connected with the sanitary sewer

system, storm sewer system, water main system, or electric line conduit system of the city when such person has actual or constructive notice of such privately constructed sewers, mains, or conduits, without first procuring a written permit to do so from the utility official.

• Encroachment must be removed, or an encroachment agreement must be provided:
  • To coordinate an encroachment agreement, please email [email protected]

If the easement in question has been abandoned, the applicant must provide a letter of abandonment or other appropriate documentation reflecting the removal of the easement.

City of Houston Infrastructure Design Manual | Chapter 10 Sec.8

Because the proposed construction is less than 3 feet (or less than 2 feet for a roof overhang) from the property line, the following applies:

• Chapter 10-8: Access rights to adjacent single-family residential property.
  • The building official shall not issue a permit for the construction of a new building or addition to an existing building within 3 feet of property used for or restricted to single-family residential use, as that phrase is defined in Chapter 42 of the Houston Code of Ordinances, unless the owner of the property for which a permit is sought has filed a separate instrument in the form provided for by the director of the department of planning and development for recordation in the real property records that provides for the owner’s right to enter onto the adjacent single-family residential property for the purpose of performing construction, repairs, and maintenance to the building on the property for which a permit is sought.
  • Please visit http://houstontx.gov/planning/Forms/ and download the Access Agreement for Construction and Maintenance. This form must be signed by all applicable parties and subsequently notarized and recorded with the County Clerk’s office. Please include a copy of the recorded document with the submission packet.

**OR**

Please refer to the Access Agreement for Construction and Maintenance. Amend your common area agreement or other comparable document to include provisions for the construction and maintenance and repair of building improvements on the property. Refer to section(s) 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. Wording similar to or taken from these sections should appear in the revised common area agreement to allow for the appropriate easement to be established on the properties in question.

The Access Agreement for Construction and Maintenance/Common Area Agreement must be recorded with the County Clerk’s Office before it is accepted.

Please provide a legible copy of the recorded subdivision plat or replat (with seals and signatures) that includes the proposed building site.

Copies are available from the city Open Records Office (832-394-8800 or houstontx.gov/public information) and/or the Harris County Clerk’s Office (713-274-8600 or cclerk.hctx.net).

On the site plan, please update the legal description to match the survey/plat.

FORM: CE-1105, CE-1301, CE-1050

Required documents to accommodate the Stormwater Information Form: Upload the site survey/plat, HCAD and recorded deed to the “Utility Letters” subfolder. 

FORM: CE-1105, CE-1301, CE-1050

Required documents to accommodate the Stormwater Information Form: Upload the site survey/plat, HCAD and recorded deed to the “Utility Letters” subfolder. 

2023 City of Houston Infrastructure Design Manual |Chapter 9 Sec.9.1.02c

Required documents to accommodate the Stormwater Information Form: Upload the site survey/plat, HCAD and recorded deed to the “Utility Letters” subfolder. 

 2023 City of Houston Infrastructure Design Manual | Chapter 9 Sec. 9.2.01.B, 9.2.01.C

• Inlets and storm pipes: provide top of grate elevation and flow line elevation for each inlet; provide size, % of slope, distance of run and type of material for each segment of storm pipe.
• Swales: provide swale dimensions, slope and cross section. All grass/dirt swales must have a 2 ft minimum grading set-back between top of cut and property line. Swales proposed for conveyance only shall have not stating: “Swale will not be compacted after excavation and will be sodded back.” 

Calculations: provide design calculations for the 2-year and 100-year rain events based on IDM CH9 Figure 9.3 – Storm Sewer Calculation Form. 

2023 City of Houston Infrastructure Design Manual | Chapter 9 Sec.9.2.01.H | SUPPLEMENT 5/15/2025 

• Detention facility: show the location of proposed detention facility. Show the cross-section view of detention facilities with elevations, dimensions, slopes, details, top of the pavement, top of the curb, flowline, top of the rim, maximum WSE and etc. When storing water in the parking area, the actual water storage line (perimeter of ponding) is required to be marked on the plan view. All detention ponds must have a 2 ft minimum grading set-back between top of cut and property line. 
• Detention notes: the below notes must be shown on plans. 
  • Responsibility for maintenance of the detention facility will be by the property owner. 

Subsurface drainage systems are required to be drained in 48 hours. 

2023 City of Houston Infrastructure Design Manual |Chapter 1 SEC1.2.01.B |Chapter 3 SEC 3.2.10.A |Chapter 9 SEC 9.2.01.H |SUPPLEMENT 5/15/2025 

Outfall to City ROW and other jurisdictions: apply for ROW permit with OCE for connections to the City storm sewer system or show approval from other jurisdictions for proposed connection. 

2023 City of Houston Infrastructure Design Manual |Chapter 9 SEC 9.8.03.P, 9.8.03.S, 9.10.01.B |BUILDING CODE Chapter 47 SEC 47-601|Chapter 19 SEC 19-16 |SUPPLEMENT 5/15/2025

Stormwater Quality (SWQ): obtain an SWQ permit if proposing new development or proposing redevelopment that results in an increase of 0.2 acres or more in impervious cover on tracts 1 acre or larger. 

2023 City of Houston Infrastructure Design Manual |Chapter 9 SEC SEC 9.8.03.R, 9.9.01.B, 9.2.01.H

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP): provide a standard SWPPP detail or a site-specific SWPPP plan. 

Chapter 19 SEC 19-17(a) Permit Application |Chapter 19 SEC 19-34 Mitigation 

Mitigation Plan & calculations are required.

• The Mitigation plan must consist of a side-by-side comparison of (existing & proposed) spot elevations from a topographic survey, with cross-sections showing cut & fill - resulting in zero net fill in the Special Flood Hazard Area. 
• Mitigation is calculated between the Natural Grade & 500-yr (DFE) floodplain, NOT the 100-yr (BFE) floodplain.
• Fill includes dirt, mulch, concrete (foundation slabs, piers, beams, stem walls, solid & enclosed stairs), CMU walls & fences, and flatwork such as driveways, sidewalks, paving for uncovered patios & carports, planters & solid fences (other than wood).
• Floodplain compensatory mitigation volume must be able to drain by gravity to the approved point of connection.
• Please see link for Mitigation Plan examples.

Chapter 19 SEC 19-17(a) Permit Application 

The proposed site plan is incomplete and missing information. 

• The proposed site plan must indicate the Finish Floor Elevation (FFE) of first floor of house, the garage elevation, as well as the location of all equipment: HVAC, electrical (meter, panel & disconnect) along with generators. 
• All elevations must be referenced in mean sea level (MSL). 

Chapter 19 SEC 19-33 BASE FLOOD ELEVATION 

The Finish Floor Elevation (FFE) provided is non-compliant.

• The (FFE) any new structure built in the floodplain is required to be 2 FT above the 500-yr flood elevation, NOT the 100-yr floodplain (BFE). 
• The proposed building Finish Floor Elevation (FFE), crawlspace elevation, and equipment elevation must be shown on all site plans.
• Please see step-by-step guide on how to obtain the 500-yr floodplain elevation for your property.

Chapter 19 SEC 19-1 7(A) PERMIT APPLICATION

Architectural Elevation drawings must show all the following in reference to mean sea level:

• Lowest Adjacent Grade (LAG) and Highest Adjacent Grade (HAG)
• Crawlspace Elevation
• Base Flood Elevation (BFE) / 100-yr floodplain
• 500-yr Floodplain Elevation
• Finish Floor Elevation (FFE)     
• HVAC equipment, & Electrical (panels, meters, disconnects) elevation & locations.
• Flood vent locations.

Chapter 19 SEC 19-32 (A)(8) GENERAL STANDARDS 

Foundation / Crawlspace plans & Architectural Elevation Elevations must include the dimensions & location of flood vent openings. 

• Flood openings are required for each enclosure below the minimum flood protection elevation and must be located on two different walls. 
  • Ex. garage, storage, crawlspace, stairs.
•  Provide Flood Opening calculations on your drawings.
  • Flood openings are calculated at 1 sq. inch for every sq. foot of area for each enclosure.
  • Identify the enclosure name & sq. feet divided by the flood opening net area of coverage. 
• The bottom of each flood vent openings shall not be more than 1 foot above natural grade.  
• Provide the net opening per the Manufacturer’s cut sheet and/or the Engineer ICC sheet.  
• Upload non-engineer manufacturer flood vent and/or Engineer ICC cut sheets to the Flood folder.  
• Ensure the (quantity, net opening size, & calculations) all match on the Crawlspace / Foundation plan, Architectural Elevations, Flood opening calculations & Elevation Certificate.
• Please see the link to FEMA Technical Bulletin 1.

Chapter 19 SEC 19-32 (A)(4) GENERAL STANDARDS 

All equipment & utilities in the floodplain must be elevated 2 FT above the 500-yr flood elevation.  

• Show the location of all HVAC, Electrical (panels, disconnects & meters) on the Architectural Elevations, along with outlets & switches on the Architectural Floor plans.
• Any required outlets & switches located below the minimum flood protection elevation must be separately circuited, and flood protected in a NEMA rated enclosure.
• Any building utility systems within the crawlspace must be elevated 2 FT above the 500-year (DFE) flood elevation (or) be designed so floodwaters cannot enter or accumulate within system components during flood conditions.  
• Ductwork & Electrical must be placed 2 FT above the 500-year flood elevation (or) sealed to prevent the entry of floodwater. 
• Please see the link to FEMA PUBLICATION 312.  
   

Chapter 19 SEC 19-19 (c) REVIEW 

An Elevation Certificate is required for the new proposed scope of work based on construction drawings.

• The Elevation Certificate must demonstrate the FFE of the structure is 2 FT above the 500-yr floodplain elevation. 
• The Elevation Certificate must match drawings provided.
• The Elevation Certificate must be signed, sealed & dated by a licensed and registered State of Texas, Professional Engineer, Land Surveyor or Architect.
• Please see the link to FEMA Elevation Certificate.

Chapter 19 SEC 19-32 (a) General Standards

Portions of the building below the minimum flood protection elevation must be constructed with materials resistant to flood damage. 

• This includes not only the foundation walls of the crawlspace used to elevate the building, but also any joists, insulation, or other materials that extend below the minimum flood protection elevation. 
• The recommended construction practice is to elevate the bottom of joists and all insulation above the minimum flood protection elevation. 
• Batt Insulation & Drywall / Gypsum Board or Green Board are not flood-resistant materials.
• Please see link to FEMA Technical Bulletin 2

Chapter 19 SEC 19-33 (d) Base Flood Elevation

There must be an adequate drainage system that removes floodwater from the interior area of the crawlspace. The enclosed area must be drained within a reasonable time after a flood event. 

• The type of drainage system will vary because of the site gradient and other drainage characteristics, such as soil types. 
• Possible options include natural drainage through porous, well-drained soils and drainage systems such as perforated pipes, drainage tiles, or gravel or crushed stone drainage by gravity or mechanical means.
• Please see link to FEMA Technical Bulletin 11

Chapter 19 SEC 19-17 (d) PERMIT APPLICATION

This property is in a conveyance area. A conveyance analysis will be required comparing the proposed capacity with the existing conveyance capacity. 

• The proposed site must strive to maintain the existing level of conveyance. 

• The conveyance analysis must be signed and sealed by a licensed Engineer. 

• The conveyance calculations must be included in the documentation. The proposed site must strive to maintain the existing level of conveyance. 

• A conveyance loss of no more than 0.5% percent will be considered (OR) if the conveyance increases more than 0.5%, then a no Adverse Impact Analysis will be required.

• These calculations may be performed using a HEC-RAS model. 

• Model inputs must be provided solving for the (K) value/K=1.49 AR2/3/n and the depth of the cross-sections and document the roughness (n). Existing minus Proposed divided / by existing times X or/ multiplied one hundred 100. 

• For additional HELP, please consult FMO.

2021 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE R315.3

Carbon monoxide detectors should be shown on the electrical sheet or the floor plan in the immediate vicinity outside of each separate sleeping area. A carbon monoxide alarm is required within the bedroom, where a bedroom or its attached bathroom contains a fuel fired appliance.
 

2021 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE

Note: Complete the REScheck checklist. The instructions for completing the checklist are at the top of the first page of the checklist.

Note: If the scope of work includes an attached garage and/or covered porch with conditioned space above, the REScheck should include a line item for floor insulation. The software calculation must represent the entire building thermal envelope.

Please see link for REScheck list

2023 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE 110.26A 1

Provide the location of the electrical meter and panel (if located on the outside of the building) on the site plan. There must be at least 36 inches of clearance from the energized portions of the meter can or panel box and the property line.

CENTERPOINT ENERGY REGULATIONS

Indicate on the site plan the proposed location of the gas meter installation. The gas meter should have 36” of clearance between the face of the meter and a property line.

2021 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE R302.4

Plans show the floor or roof trusses penetrating the interior membrane of the firewall. Provide a tested design for this membrane penetration

OR

Attach a copy of the City of Houston penetration drawing 19-04-M 

2021 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE TABLE R302.1(1)

Provide a 1 hour rated soffit design for projections less than 5’ from a property line. The protection must be on both the underside and face. Or provide fire blocking from the wall top plate to the underside of the roof sheathing.

For the City of Houston standard design, click here.

2021 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE R312.2.1

Provide the finished sill heights for all operational windows more than 72” above grade on the exterior of the building. If the sill height is less than 24” above the finished floor, upload a copy of the manufacturer’s specifications for the opening control devices or fall prevention devices that comply with ASTM F 2090.

2021 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE R401.3

Plans should show a complete drainage pattern to the right of way and note that the grade will fall a minimum of 6 inches within the first 10 feet away from the foundation or provide a swale where a physical barrier does not allow a 6-inch drop in the first 10 feet.

This is typically a two-part rejection for the drainage pattern and the statement for the grade note.

2021 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE R302.2.3

Plans and/or sections should show that any required firewalls are to be built continuously from the foundation to the underside of the roof sheathing, deck or slab.

2021 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE R106.1

Provide a complete wall section from the foundation to the roof showing all framing materials, insulation, exterior finish material, interior finish material, etc.

2021 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE TABLE R302.1(1)

Roof projections may not extend to a point less than 2’ to a property line.

2021 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE R301.5 (TABLE)

Plans should specifically note that the required handrails and guardrails will be designed for a 200- pound live load in any direction along the top.

2021 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE R301.2, R301.4, R301.5

All code references shall reference the 2021 IRC. Plans shall list all applicable live loads, dead loads and wind loads.

Provide a breakdown of the total square footage of the structures. Include everything under cover.

2021 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE TABLE 302.6 2021 IRC

The garage shall be separated from the residence and its attic area by not less than 1/2-inch gypsum board applied to the garage side and 5/8” Type X gypsum board where the separation is a floor/ceiling assembly.

2021 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE TABLE 302.5.1 2021 IRC

Openings from a private garage directly into a room used for sleeping purposes shall not be permitted. Other openings between the garage and residence shall be equipped with solid wood doors not less than 13/8 inches in thickness, solid or honeycomb-core steel doors not less than 13/8 inches thick, or 20- minutes fire-rated doors. Doors shall be self-latching and equipped with a self-closing or automatic-closing device.

CITY OF HOUSTON INFRASTURCE DESIGN MANUAL CHAPTER 1, SEC 1.1.04 TO 1.2.05

The Proposed site plan review is incomplete and missing following information. 

Copy of the most recent survey of property must be provided 

A copy of the recorded subdivision plat (with lot, block, and subdivision name) must be provided.

CITY OF HOUSTON INFRASTURCE DESIGN MANUAL CHAPTER 15, SEC 15.2.07. C

The proposed site plan is incomplete and missing information. 

The proposed driveway width, radius and driveway approach pavement material (asphalt or concrete) must be shown on the site plan posed is incomplete and missing information. 

The distance from edge of proposed driveway to the closest property line must be shown. The driveway radius cannot extend past the property line. 

The proposed driveway must be of consistent width within the right of way. 

For corner lots, provide the Driveway Offset distance between the edge of driveway and the property line near the street intersection, minimum 20 ft required.   

For corner lots, provide the visibility triangle at the corner of the property must be shown. 

The proposed driveway radius must be offset at least 2 ft from the existing power pole. 

Any existing driveway not providing access to the property must be removed and replaced with new curb & gutter or regrade the open ditch with sod/grass for positive drainage flow (based on type of street). 

CITY OF HOUSTON INFRASTURCE DESIGN MANUAL CHAPTER 17, SEC 17.2.03

The sidewalk provided is non-compliant. 

For corner lots, sidewalk connectivity through visibility triangle requires copy of Recorded Sidewalk easement dedication. 

If any obstructions in the proposed sidewalk must be relocated out of sidewalk. Water meter is allowed to be flushed with the sidewalk and must be installed in concrete box. 

Any deviation from the sidewalk requirements requires copy of planning department sidewalk modification approval. 

CITY OF HOUSTON INFRASTURCE DESIGN MANUAL CHAPTER 9, SEC 9.2.01.f-3.C &f-3.f

Driveway Culverts over open ditch must show the following dimensions. 

Existing ditch dimensions such as distance between the center line to high bank, high bank to property line must be shown. 

Driveway culvert details must be shown such as length, type (RCP/HDPE), and diameter. Minimum culvert size shall be 24 inch or equivalent (elliptical or arch pipe) with headwalls at both sides of inlet and outlet of a culvert. 

Provide driveway culvert spacing. If the distance between the proposed driveway culvert(s) and/or neighboring culvert is less than 8 ft long, then provide a junction box with grate top to connect the two culverts. Please refer to Dwg No. 02081-06 

CITY OF HOUSTON INFRASTURCE DESIGN MANUAL CHAPTER 17, SEC 17.06-A.6

Driveway Culverts over open ditch must show the following dimensions. 

Existing ditch dimensions such as distance between the center line to high bank, high bank to property line must be shown. 

Driveway culvert details must be shown such as length, type (RCP/HDPE), and diameter. Minimum culvert size shall be 24 inch or equivalent (elliptical or arch pipe) with headwalls at both sides of inlet and outlet of a culvert. 

Provide driveway culvert spacing. If the distance between the proposed driveway culvert(s) and/or neighboring culvert is less than 8 ft long, then provide a junction box with grate top to connect the two culverts. Please refer to Dwg No. 02081-06 

CITY OF HOUSTON INFRASTURCE DESIGN MANUAL CHAPTER 10, SEC 10.3.03.G

Alley access must include the following information on site plan. 

The alley approach connecting to the public street and approach width, radius, and pavement type must be shown. The approach must be paved with asphalt or concrete only. No gravel is allowed. 

Alley Right of Way width and surface material inside the property must be called out and must match with the recent updated survey. 

Please refer to COH IDM, Figure 10.12  

The site plan shall include the following existing right of way conditions below to demonstrate any conflicts with proposed driveway and sidewalk. 

Show the location of existing power poles, light poles, guy wires, traffic signs/ cabinets, parking meters, METRO bus stops, fire hydrants, water valves, water meters, storm inlets, manholes, utility markers, historic monuments, subdivision markers etc. 

CODE OF ORDINANCES SEC. 42-188

The site plan shall include the following. 

A single-family residential lot shall not have direct vehicular access to a major thoroughfare unless a vehicular turnaround is provided on the property

CODE OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 28 & 33

Driveways/Sidewalk in conflict with existing trees in the Right of Way must show the following.  

Site plan shall show all existing trees in the right way; state whether they are to remain or to be removed and call out the caliper and species of the trees. 

Driveways/sidewalks/walkways near the trees shall be approved by the parks department. All requests along with site plan must be submitted to [email protected] 

CODE OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 28 & 33

The site plan must include the following. 

For relocation, removal, and addition of traffic signs in right of way approval from Traffic. Operations MSD Group at  [email protected] must be obtained. 

The location of power pole and the Guy wire in the right of way must be shown. If needed, provide a note stating that the owner is responsible for the contact/relocation process of the guy wire and the fees associated with CenterPoint energy. Contact Ted Broaddus at 713-945-4242 for assistance in power poles & guy wires lines, and Norbert Gonzales at 713-598-2324 for assistance in electrical