Chapter 10.02
LAND USE MAP AND DISTRICTS
Sections:
10.02.010 Districts established.
10.02.050 District boundary – Interpretation when uncertainty exists.
10.02.060 District boundary – Interpretation when street or alley vacated or abandoned.
10.02.070 Zoning of annexed territory.
10.02.010 Districts established.
The City of Houston is divided into the following use districts:
1. PLI: Public Lands and Institutions;
2. R-1: Single-Family and Two-Family Residential District (low density);
3. MFR: Multifamily Residential District (medium density);
4. RA-2.5: Residential/Agriculture District;
5. RA-5: Low-Density Residential Agricultural District;
6. NC: Neighborhood Commercial District;
7. C: Commercial District;
8. LI: Light Industrial District;
9. HI: Heavy Industrial District;
10. H: Holding District;
11. PH: Parks Highway District. (Ord. 08-13 § 5, 2008; Ord. 09-23 § 4, 2009; Ord. 11-06 § 4(2), 2011. Formerly Ch. 10.41 Art. III)
10.02.020 Land use map.
The use districts described herein are bounded and defined on an official map or maps dealing with the distinct areas of the City of Houston entitled “Land Use District Map of the City of Houston, Alaska.” The map entitled “Land Use District Map of the City of Houston, Alaska,” as may be amended from time to time, is adopted and made a part of this chapter, and shall be on file at Houston City Hall. This map is incorporated as part of this title as if the districts were described in detail in this title. (Ord. 08-13 § 5, 2008; Ord. 09-23 § 4, 2009; Ord. 11-06 § 4(2), 2011. Formerly Ch. 10.41 Art. III)
10.02.030 Map changes.
A. No changes of any nature shall be made in the official land use district maps or matters shown thereon except in conformity with the procedure set forth in this title. Any unauthorized change of whatever kind by any person or persons shall be considered a violation of this title and punishable as provided by law.
B. Regardless of the existence of copies of the official land use office maps, which may from time to time be made or published, the official land use map shall be located at Houston City Hall and shall be final authority as to the current land uses allowed on lands, water areas, buildings, and other structures within the City of Houston. (Ord. 08-13 § 5, 2008; Ord. 09-23 § 4, 2009; Ord. 11-06 § 4(2), 2011. Formerly Ch. 10.41 Art. III)
10.02.040 Map replacements.
In the event that the official land use district map becomes damaged, destroyed, lost, mutilated or difficult to interpret because of the nature or number of changes and additions, the Council may, by ordinance, adopt a new official land use district map which shall supersede the prior official land use district map. (Ord. 08-13 § 5, 2008; Ord. 09-23 § 4, 2009. Formerly Ch. 10.41 Art. III)
10.02.050 District boundary – Interpretation when uncertainty exists.
A. Where uncertainty exists as to the boundaries of districts as shown on an official land use district map, the following rules shall apply:
1. Boundaries indicated as approximately following the centerlines of easements, streets, highways or alleys shall be construed to follow such centerlines;
2. Boundaries indicated as approximately following platted outlines shall be construed as following such lot lines;
3. Boundaries indicated as following section subdivision lines shall be construed as following such section or section subdivision lines;
4. Boundaries indicated as approximately following City limits shall be construed as following such City limits;
5. Boundaries indicated as following shorelines shall be construed to follow the waterline at the shore and, in the event of change in the shoreline, shall be construed as moving with the actual shoreline;
6. Boundaries indicated as following approximately the centerline of streams, rivers, canals, lakes, or other bodies of water shall be construed as following such centerlines;
7. Boundaries indicated as following railroad lines shall be construed to be at the center of the railroad right-of-way.
B. Boundaries indicated as parallel to or extensions of features indicated in subsections (A)(1) through (7) of this section shall be so construed. Distances not specifically indicated on the land use district map shall be determined by the scale of the map.
C. Boundaries bisecting parcels shall be interpreted as follows:
1. If each portion of the parcel is the minimum lot size, the boundary shall be as shown;
2. If either portion is the minimum lot size, the entire parcel shall be within the zone affecting the larger portion;
3. If either portion is rendered without possible legal and physical access, the entire parcel shall be within the zone where access is possible.
4. Where a district boundary line divides a lot which was in single ownership at the time of passage of the ordinance codified in this chapter, the Council may permit the extension of the regulations for either portion of the lot not to exceed 500 feet beyond the district line into the remaining portion of the lot.
D. Where physical and cultural features existing on the ground are at variance with those shown on the official Land Use District Map, or in other circumstances not covered by subsections (A)(1) through (7) of this section, the City Council shall interpret the district boundaries. (Ord. 08-13 § 5, 2008; Ord. 09-23 § 4, 2009; Ord. 11-06 § 4(2), 2011. Formerly Ch. 10.41 Art. III)
10.02.060 District boundary – Interpretation when street or alley vacated or abandoned.
Where any public street or alley is officially vacated or abandoned, the regulations applicable to each parcel of abutting property shall apply to the portion of each street or alley added thereto by such vacation or abandonment. (Ord. 08-13 § 5, 2008; Ord. 09-23 § 4, 2009. Formerly 10.41.425)
10.02.070 Zoning of annexed territory.
All territory which may hereafter be annexed to the City shall be placed in the appropriate zoning district(s) by recommendation of the Commission based upon existing and proposed land use(s). (Ord. 09-23 § 4, 2009; Ord. 11-06 § 4(2), 2011)
10.02.080 Setbacks.
Setbacks are set at 60 feet from the centerline of the road and 10 feet from any easements. (Ord. 09-23 § 4, 2009)