Houston Building Code Changes/Sidewalks (new construction)

On Wednesday, August 19^th, City Council voted to approve changes to the sidewalk requirements in the Houston Building Code. (Please click here to view a copy of the ordinance) In summary the changes are as follows:

• Increases sidewalk width from 4’ to 5'
• Identifies a new sidewalk design detail drawing
• Reassigns the authority for modifications and variances to sidewalk requirements from the Building Official to the City Engineer
• Requires a 6’ wide sidewalk on COH designated Transit Corridor streets and the associated designated ‘A’ Streets (online maps of the classified roadways will be forthcoming).

Please note that Chapter 42 of the Code of Ordinances was recently modified to expand the Urban Area from inside 610 Loop to inside Beltway 8; this change will require properties inside Beltway 8 to install a 5’ sidewalk.

For questions regarding the sidewalk changes or the new procedures please contact the City Engineer’s Office at cityengineer@cityofhouston.net or Rick Kovacich at 713-837-7250.

For questions regarding the Chapter 42 changes, please visit www.houstonplanning.com.

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