Right of Way - Traffic and Mobility

Walk-In Services

The traffic section offers walk-in services to assist customers with inquiries about issues including design requirements, red tags, status of commercial and residential projects, inspections, etc.

Note:

Walk-in services do not address existing project review comments. For traffic review comments, please contact the project reviewer directly.

Every Tuesday and Thursday (excluding City Holidays) from 8:00 AM till 3:00 PM. 

1002 Washington Avenue, 2nd Floor
Houston, TX 77002

Please consider using our live chat for easier access to our assisting team.

Infrastructure Design Manual (IDM) Variance Request Form for Privately Funded Projects

A variance is an allowed deviation from the standard rules and regulations of Chapter 10 and 15 of the Infrastructure Design Manual (IDM). Requests are reviewed and evaluated by the Office of the City Engineer.

• IDM Variance Request Form for Privately Funded Projects
• Please follow instructions and procedures on the 1st page of the application form.
• Form shall be completed by an Engineer or Architect with reasonable engineering judgement based upon site conditions or limitations.
• All incomplete variance request forms will be returned.
• Variances are granted based solely on technical and engineering justifications; cost or financial reasons are not considered as justification to grant a variance.

Sidewalk Information

A new sidewalk ordinance went into effect on October 1, 2020. The Planning Department reviews sidewalk widths and applications for sidewalk modifications within the city limits of Houston. For more information, please contact the Planning Department.

Planning Department Contact Information:
Phone: (832) 393-6660
Location: 1002 Washington Ave, 3rd Floor Houston, TX 77002
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.houstontx.gov/planning/sidewalk-regulations.html

**Traffic Right of Way section only reviews the engineering components of sidewalk construction details**

Alleys Information

For more information regarding alleys, please refer to the City of Houston Code of Ordinances, Chapter 40, Article XV.

The City of Houston Accepted Alleys list is provided below:

• COH Accepted Alleys

Access Management Form (AMF)

An Access Management Form is required for all commercial developments except for developments with no change in use and/or size. Alterations to roadway access points may result in significant site plan revisions. For this reason, Access Forms should be submitted prior to or during plat submittal. If platting is not required, this form shall be approved prior to submitting plans for permitting.

AMF Application Form:

• Access Management Form Application 

Carefully read the form and completely fill out the form.

Trip Generation Information:

For trip generation information please refer to the latest edition of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation Manual.

Instructions:

• Subject Line of any correspondence should be consistent and unique, such as:

  • Project Name/Project Address

  • Project Number

• Please include the following items with the completed Access Management Form application:

  • Dimensioned Civil Site Plan

  • Recorded plat/Re-plat

  • CPC 101 Conditions (if applicable)

  • Certified Survey

Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA)

The purpose of a TIA is to identify the adequacy of the existing street right of way to accommodate any changes in trips generated from a proposed development/redevelopment (as a stand-alone development or a stage of a master plan). If impacts are identified, potential mitigation measures (on-site or off-site) can be proposed and evaluated. The traffic impact analysis will be used to make a determination as to whether driveway(s) being considered are necessary to provide reasonable access to the private property consistent with the safety and convenience of the public.

For more information regarding Traffic Impact Analysis, please refer to Chapter 15 of the City of Houston IDM.

Objectives of a TIA within the City of Houston

• To identify any and all potential adverse traffic impacts to the existing area street system, the surrounding community and to additional proposed developments.
• To identify transportation improvements with an aim to cost effectively mitigate identified adverse traffic impacts to mobility within the study area/analysis area.
• To assist public and private sector entities in identifying and resolving issues related to the location of driveways, median openings, turn lanes, traffic signals, and other transportation facilities.

Scheduling a Scoping Meeting

To schedule a scoping meeting, please email Ms. Angela Washington at [email protected]. Attach all required scoping meeting documents in the email.

Required Scoping Meeting Documents:

• Copy of the reviewed Access Management Form
• Dimensioned Civil Site Plan
• Exhibits showing the following:
  • Development Information
  • Location and Analysis Area
  • Trip Generation Information
  • Proposed Study Intersections
  • Proposed Trip Distribution
  • Proposed Growth Rate

Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) Report Submittal

Once the engineer completes the Traffic Impact Analysis report for the proposed development, send a PDF copy of the TIA report to [email protected]. The Traffic Impact Analysis report must bear the seal and signature of a Texas Licensed Professional Engineer specializing in the branch of civil engineering.

TIA Related Documents

• TIA Milestones
• TIA Scoping Meeting - Typical Meeting Agenda 
• TIA Content Guide and OCE Format Requirements Update 12_22_2020
• TIA Approval Package 

Office of the City Engineer (OCE) Review

All OCE plans and profiles must be designed and submitted to OCE department by a register PE Civil Engineer.

• Refer to the OCE Plan Review User Guide for the procedures for submittal.

• Office of the City Engineer Contact Information
  Email: [email protected]
  Phone: 832.394.8810

A mobility permit allows the City to maintain a safe and orderly movement of vehicles and pedestrians through safe work zone practices.

It shall be unlawful for any person to place, cause, or allow any impairment or obstruction of a sidewalk or roadway, except as authorized by a permit. Permits should be secured prior to obstructing a public roadway or public sidewalk.

For information on how to apply for a mobility permit, please refer to mobility permits.