REQUIREMENTS FOR PARKING SPACES AND BICYCLE SPACES

Houston Code of Ordinances ch. 26, art. VIII, div. 2

in effect

Houston Code of Ordinances § 26-489 In general.

Sec. 26-489. - In general. The building official shall not issue a building permit or certificate of occupancy for the construction of a building or alteration of a building or tract unless the building or tract includes the construction of or provides for the parking facilities required by this article. The parking facilities shall be on the same tract as the use classification those facilities are intended to serve except as otherwise provided for in this article. (Ord. No. 2013-208, § 2(Exh. A), 3-6-2013)

Houston Code of Ordinances § 26-490 Use of parking space or bicycle space.

Sec. 26-490. - Use of parking space or bicycle space. All required parking facilities shall conform to the following standards: (1) Parking facilities shall be: a. Available for use by employees, customers, and patrons; b. Maintained at all times the building or tract is in use or occupied; and c. Used exclusively for their intended purpose. A parking space shall be used exclusively for the temporary parking of passenger automobiles not exceeding one ton in capacity and a bicycle space shall be used exclusively for the temporary parking of bicycles; (2) Parking facilities that are required by this article shall only be used for parking, and are not to be used for any other use, including but not limited to, the sale, display or storage of merchandise, as a place of public gathering, or for the storage or repair of vehicles or equipment. If a tract provides for more parking spaces than the number required by this article, the excess number of parking spaces may be used for any purpose permitted by law. All parking spaces required by this article may be used for valet parking in accordance with the requirements of this chapter. (3) For a project that will be built in phases, an applicant may install the required parking spaces or bicycle spaces in phases if the applicant has submitted a schedule for phased development and that schedule has been approved by the director. Each phased parking installation must include enough parking to meet the parking requirements for the completed phases of the development for which the parking is provided. This schedule for phased development must indicate the dates on which all parking approved pursuant to this article will be provided. (Ord. No. 2013-208, § 2(Exh. A), 3-6-2013)

Houston Code of Ordinances § 26-491 Fractional requirements.

Sec. 26-491. - Fractional requirements. (a) If the parking space requirements of this article result in a fractional requirement that is 0.5 or greater, the applicant or responsible party shall provide parking spaces equal to the next higher whole number. (b) If the bicycle space requirements of this article result in a fractional requirement, the applicant or responsible party shall provide bicycle spaces equal to the next higher whole number. _____ (Ord. No. 2013-208, § 2(Exh. A), 3-6-2013)

Houston Code of Ordinances § 26-492 Parking spaces for certain types of use classifications.

Sec. 26-492. - Parking spaces for certain types of use classifications. The construction of a building or alteration of a building or tract for any of the following types of use classifications shall provide the required number of parking spaces, or the incremental increase in the number of parking spaces in the case of an alteration, as shown below for that use classification. Use Classification | Required Number of Parking Spaces Class 1. Office: a. | Office | 2.5 parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet of GFA or 2.75 parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet of UFA b. | Financial facility | 4.0 parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet of GFA Class 2. Residential: a. | Apartment | 1.250 parking spaces for each efficiency dwelling unit 1.333 parking spaces for each one-bedroom dwelling unit 1.666 parking spaces for each two-bedroom dwelling unit 2.0 parking spaces for each dwelling unit with 3 or more bedrooms b. | Single-family residential or manufactured home | 2.0 parking spaces for each dwelling unit, except 1.0 parking space per dwelling unit that is 1,500 sf or less No parking space if the criteria of § 42-186(a)(2) is met Second dwelling unit | If the first unit meets off-street parking requirements, then the second unit needs +0 parking space if the unit is 1,000 sf or less +1 parking space if the unit is 1,001 sf—1,500 sf Single-family residential lots within Courtyard style development | 1.0 parking space per dwelling unit 1,000 sf or less 2.00 parking spaces per dwelling unit is 1,001—1,800 sf c. | Special residential | 0.3 parking spaces per sleeping room, plus 1.0 parking space per employee on largest shift d. | Retirement community (with kitchen facilities) | 0.75 parking spaces per dwelling unit, plus 1.0 space per employee on the largest shift e. | Retirement community (without kitchen facilities) | 1.0 parking space for every 6 beds, plus 1.0 parking space per employee on largest shift f. | Hotel or motel | 1.0 parking space for each sleeping room up and including 250 rooms; 0.75 parking spaces for each sleeping room from 251 rooms to 500 rooms; 0.50 parking spaces for each sleeping room in excess of 500 rooms g. | Multi-unit residential (MUR) | 1.0 Parking space per dwelling unit 1,000 sf or less 2.0 parking spaces per dwelling unit greater than 1,000 sf Class 3. Health Care Facilities: a. | Hospital | 2.2 parking spaces for each bed b. | Psychiatric hospital | 1.0 parking space for every 4 beds and 1.0 parking space for every 4 employees c. | Clinic (medical complex) | 2.7 parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet of GFA d. | Clinic (medical or dental) | 3.5 parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet of GFA e. | Nursing home | 1.0 parking space for every 3 beds and 1.0 parking space for every 4 employees f. | Funeral home or mortuary | 0.5 parking spaces for every chapel seat g. | Veterinary clinic | 5.0 parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet of UFA Class 4. Industrial and Commercial Manufacturing: a. | Multi-tenant (or multi-building project): 1. At grade (no docks) | 2.5 parking spaces per 1,000 square feet of GFA of office space; and 1.0 parking space per 5,000 square feet of GFA of warehouse space 2. Semi-dock high | 2.5 parking spaces per 1,000 square feet of GFA of office space; and 1.0 parking space per 5,000 square feet of GFA of warehouse space 3. Full-dock high | 2.5 parking spaces per 1,000 square feet of GFA of office space; and 1.0 parking space per 7,000 square feet of GFA of warehouse space b. Bulk warehouse | 2.5 parking spaces per 1,000 square feet of GFA of office space; and 1.0 parking space per 7,000 square feet of GFA of warehouse space c. Heavy manufacturing and industrial | 2.5 parking spaces per 1,000 square feet of GFA of office space; and 1.0 parking space per 2,000 square feet of GFA of warehouse space d. Light manufacturing assembly and research and development | 2.5 parking spaces per 1,000 square feet of GFA of office space; and 1.0 parking space per 1,500 square feet of GFA of assembly space e. Transportation terminal | 6.5 parking spaces per 1,000 square feet of GFA of waiting area f. Truck terminal | 1.0 parking space per 2,000 square feet of GFA g. Mini-warehouse facility | 1.0 parking space for every 50 storage units or bays Class 5. Religious and Educational: a. Church | 1.0 parking space for every 5 fixed seats in auditorium or sanctuary or, if there are no fixed seats, 1.0 parking space for every 40 square feet of GFA in the main auditorium or sanctuary b. Nursery school or day care center | 1.0 parking space for every employee on duty during the largest shift, plus 1.0 parking space for every 5 children in attendance when the facility is operating at maximum capacity 1.0 parking space for every employee on duty during the largest shift and 1.0 parking space for every 10 children in attendance when the facility is operating at maximum capacity if a drop-off, drive-in, or drive-through facility is provided c. | School (public, denominational or private): 1. Elementary school | 1.0 parking space per every 12 occupants 2. Junior high school (including a school for 9 th grade only) | 1.0 parking space per every 7 occupants 3. Senior high school | 1.0 parking space per every 3 occupants d. | College, university, or trade school | 1.0 parking space for every 3 employees plus 1.0 parking space for every 10 students residing on campus and 1.0 parking space for every 5 students not residing on campus e. | Library | 1.2 parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet of GFA f. | Art gallery or museum | 3.0 parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet of GFA of exhibit area or gallery space Class 6. Recreation and Entertainment: a. | Golf course | 5.0 parking spaces for every green b. | Movie theater | 0.3 parking spaces for every seat c. | Bowling alley | 5.0 parking spaces per lane d. | Theater, auditorium or arena | 1.0 parking space for every 3 seats e. | Tennis or racquet club | 3.0 parking spaces per court f. | Sports club or health spa | 5.0 parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet of GFA g. | Roller or ice skating rink | 5.0 parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet of GFA h. | Swimming club | 9.0 parking spaces per employee i. | Park (5 to 10 acres) | 1.0 parking space for the first 2 acres and 1.0 parking space for each additional acre and additional parking spaces must be provided for each separate use classification constructed in the park j. | Park (over 10 acres) | 5.0 spaces for the first acre; and 1.0 space for each additional 10.0 acres and additional parking spaces must be provided for each separate use classification constructed in the park k. | Park pavilion | 1.0 parking space for each picnic table l. | Sports complex | 1.0 parking space for every 40 square feet of seating m. | Miniature golf | 1.0 parking space for each hole n. | Driving range (golf) | 1.0 parking space for each tee o. | Arcade or game room | 5.0 parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet of GFA Class 7. Food and Beverage: a. | Take-out restaurant | 4.0 parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet of GFA b. | Dessert shop | 6.0 parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet of GFA and outdoor decks, patio and seating areas in excess of 15% of GFA c. | Small restaurant | 8.0 parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet of GFA and outdoor decks, patio and seating areas in excess of 15% of GFA d. | Neighborhood restaurant | 9.0 parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet of GFA and outdoor decks, patio and seating areas in excess of 15% of GFA e. | Restaurant | 10.0 parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet of GFA and outdoor decks, patio and seating areas in excess of 15% of GFA f. | Tavern or pub | 10.0 parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet of GFA and outdoor decks, patio and seating areas g. | Small bar | 12.0 parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet of GFA and outdoor decks, patio and seating areas h. | Bar, club or lounge | 14.0 parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet of GFA and outdoor decks, patios and seating areas Class 8. Retail Services: a. | Supermarket | 5.0 parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet of GFA b. | Furniture store | 2.0 parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet of GFA c. | Retail store | 4.0 parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet of GFA d. | Building materials or home improvement store | 4.0 parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet of GFA of retail sales area e. | Barber or beauty shop | 8.0 parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet of GFA f. | Shopping center (strip) (up to 25,000 square feet of GFA) | 4.0 parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet of GFA, plus the incremental increase in the number of parking spaces required by 26-495(a) g. | Shopping center (neighborhood)(25,000—100,000 square feet of GFA) | 4.0 parking spaces per 1,000 square feet of GFA, plus the incremental increase in the number of parking spaces required by 26-495(b) h. | Shopping center (regional) (over 100,000 square feet of GFA) | 4.0 parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet of GFA Class 9. Automobiles: a. | Auto sales dealer | 5.5 parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet of GFA b. | Auto repair establishment | 5.0 parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet of GFA c. | Car wash (automated) | 2.5 parking spaces for each bay or stall for stacking space d. | Car wash (all other) | 1.0 parking space per bay or stall e. | Service station | 3.0 parking spaces for each service stall and 1.0 space for each employee on duty during largest shift f. | Auto parts and supply store | 4.0 parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet of GFA of retail sales area _____ (Ord. No. 2013-208, § 2(Exh. A), 3-6-2013; Ord. No. 2023-802, § 4, 9-27-2023)

Houston Code of Ordinances § 26-493 Unspecified uses.

Sec. 26-493. - Unspecified uses. The director shall determine the minimum number of parking spaces and bicycle spaces required for any use not specified in section 26-492 of this Code. The director shall consider the following criteria to determine the parking requirements for the unspecified use: (1) Documentation supplied by the applicant regarding actual and anticipated demand for parking spaces and bicycle spaces for the proposed use; (2) Evidence or data in available planning and technical studies relating to the proposed use; (3) Parking requirements for the proposed use as determined by other comparable jurisdictions; and (4) Parking requirements for similar uses. (Ord. No. 2013-208, § 2(Exh. A), 3-6-2013)

Houston Code of Ordinances § 26-494 Changes in use classification for grandfathered uses.

Sec. 26-494. - Changes in use classification for grandfathered uses. For buildings or tracts with a valid building permit or certificate of occupancy, a change in use classification shall not require additional parking spaces or bicycle spaces if the following criteria are satisfied: (1) The number of parking spaces and bicycle spaces provided at the time of the most recently approved site plan, building permit, or certificate of occupancy is maintained; (2) The change in use classification of the building or tract results in a lower overall parking requirement than the number of parking spaces that would be required by this article if the current use on the tract was newly constructed; (3) Any construction of new buildings shall provide for the parking facilities required by this article for the new construction; (4) Any alteration of existing buildings on the tract that results in an increase in GFA or UFA shall provide for the parking facilities required by this article for the incremental increase in GFA or UFA; and (5) Any change in use classification to a class 7 use classification under section 26-492 of this Code is only to a take-out restaurant. Nothing in this section shall prevent a change in use classification that satisfies the parking and loading requirements of this article. (Ord. No. 2013-208, § 2(Exh. A), 3-6-2013)

Houston Code of Ordinances § 26-495 Shopping centers with certain use classifications.

Sec. 26-495. - Shopping centers with certain use classifications. (a) A shopping center (strip) that contains 20 percent or more of its GFA as a class 6 or 7 use classification, excluding a tavern or pub, small bar, or bar, club or lounge, pursuant to section 26-492 of this Code shall provide the incremental increase in the number of parking spaces required for the class 6 or 7 use classification in excess of the 20 percent of its GFA. A shopping center (strip) that contains a tavern or pub, small bar, or bar, club, or lounge shall provide the incremental increase in the number of parking spaces required. (b) A shopping center (neighborhood) that contains 20 percent or more of its GFA as a class 6 or 7 use classification pursuant to section 26-492 of this Code shall provide the incremental increase in the number of parking spaces required for the class 6 or 7 use classification in excess of the 20 percent of its GFA. (Ord. No. 2013-208, § 2(Exh. A), 3-6-2013)

Houston Code of Ordinances § 26-496 Bicycle spaces for certain use classifications.

Sec. 26-496. - Bicycle spaces for certain use classifications. For all use classifications under classes 1, 6, 7, 8, and 9 in section 26-492 of this Code, one bicycle space is required for a use that contains more than 5,000 square feet of GFA and less than 25,000 square feet of GFA. An additional bicycle parking space is required for each incremental 25,000 square feet of GFA between 25,000 square feet of GFA and 150,000 square feet of GFA. Bicycle spaces required by this article shall conform to the design criteria of section 26-583 of this Code. (Ord. No. 2013-208, § 2(Exh. A), 3-6-2013)

Houston Code of Ordinances § 26-497 Reduced parking space requirement for additional bicycle spaces.

Sec. 26-497. - Reduced parking space requirement for additional bicycle spaces. (a) An applicant who provides bicycle spaces in addition to the minimum number of bicycle spaces required by section 26-496 of this Code shall receive a reduction of one parking space for every four additional bicycle spaces to the number of parking spaces required by section 26-492 of this Code. (b) The maximum reduction in the number of parking spaces under this section shall be ten percent of the number of parking spaces required by section 26-492 of this Code. (c) A reduction of parking spaces under this section is available for all use classifications except single-family residential or multi-unit residential developments. (d) Each additional bicycle space shall conform to the standards of section 26-583 of this Code. (Ord. No. 2013-208, § 2(Exh. A), 3-6-2013; Ord. No. 2023-802, § 5, 9-27-2023)

Houston Code of Ordinances § 26-498 Reduced parking space requirement for a historic building.

Sec. 26-498. - Reduced parking space requirement for a historic building. For a building designated as a protected landmark or a contributing structure within a historic district pursuant to article VII of chapter 33 of this Code, the total number of parking spaces required by this article shall be reduced by 40 percent. No reduction under this section shall be permitted for a building where an exterior alteration or rehabilitation was performed without a certificate of appropriateness required by article VII of chapter 33 of this Code. (Ord. No. 2013-208, § 2(Exh. A), 3-6-2013)

Houston Code of Ordinances § 26-499 Off-site parking.

Sec. 26-499. - Off-site parking. (a) A parking space required by this article may be provided on off-site parking facilities if the following conditions are met: (1) The off-site parking facilities are located less than 500 feet from the tract where the use classification is located except as provided for in items (2) and (3) of this subsection; (2) Up to 25 percent of the required number of parking spaces may be provided on off-site parking facilities located: a. Less than 800 feet from a tract where the use classification is located if the building for which the off-site parking is being provided contains less than 30,000 square feet of GFA; or b. Less than 1,000 feet from a tract where the use classification is located if: [1] The building for which the off-site parking is being provided contains less than 30,000 square feet of GFA; and [2] The director determines in his or her sole professional judgment that sufficient pedestrian amenities mitigate the impact of the extended distance of the off-site parking facilities. (3) Up to 75 percent of the required number of parking spaces for a freestanding class 7 use under section 26-492 of this Code may be provided on off-site parking facilities located up to 1,000 feet from a tract where the use classification is located if: a. The off-site parking facilities are used only for valet parking services in accordance with this chapter; b. Valet parking services for the off-site parking facilities must be available during all operating hours of the use classification; c. 25 percent or more of the parking spaces required by this article are located either on-site or on off-site parking facilities located within 250 feet of the tract where the use classification is located; and d. The applicant or responsible party submits an annual certification of valet parking in accordance with the requirements of section 26-502 of this Code. (4) The off-site parking spaces required by this article are not already being used to satisfy the parking requirement of a different building or tract. (b) All distances shall be measured as the shortest clearly delineated pedestrian route between the property boundary of the tract where the use classification is located to the property boundary of the off-site parking facility as measured along sidewalks and other passageways that are open and accessible to the public at all times. (c) When an off-site parking facility is located on a tract that is not owned by an applicant or responsible party for the property requiring the parking spaces, the applicant or responsible party shall provide to the department a memorandum of lease that complies with the requirements of section 26-501 of this chapter. (d) Different requirements for off-site parking facilities may be provided for within a special parking area in accordance with division 3 of this article. (e) This section does not apply to bicycle spaces or loading facilities required by this article. _____ (Ord. No. 2013-208, § 2(Exh. A), 3-6-2013; Ord. No. 2017-151, § 9, 3-1-2017)

Houston Code of Ordinances § 26-500 Shared parking requirements.

Sec. 26-500. - Shared parking requirements. (a) Two or more different use classifications within one or more tracts that are not used for or restricted to single-family residential purposes may share parking spaces to reduce the overall parking space requirement as provided in this section. This section shall not be used to reduce the number of required bicycle spaces or loading berths. (b) The following formula and table shall be used to determine the adjustment of the minimum number of parking spaces required by this article: (1) Determine the number of parking spaces required by this article for each use classification individually; (2) Multiply the number derived from item (1) of this subsection for each individual use classification by the corresponding percentage listed in the rows of the table found in this subsection for each time period found in the columns of the table; (3) Add the numbers derived from item (2) of this subsection for each time period found in the columns of the table. This is the column total for each column; and (4) Determine the largest column total. This is the shared parking space requirement. Class | Type of Use | Typical Weekday | Typical Weekend Mid- night to 7 AM | 7 AM to 5 PM | 5 PM to 9 PM | 9 PM to Mid- night | Mid- night to 7 AM | 7 AM to 5 PM | 5 PM to 9 PM | 9 PM to Mid- night Class 1. Office | Office | 5% | 100% | 30% | 5% | 0% | 10% | 0% | 0% Financial facility | 0% | 100% | 10% | 0% | 0% | 25% | 0% | 0% Class 2. Residential | Apartment | 100% | 25% | 50% | 95% | 100% | 65% | 50% | 85% Hotel or motel | 100% | 10% | 50% | 85% | 100% | 10% | 50% | 75% Class 3. Health Care Facilities | Clinic (medical complex) | 5% | 100% | 50% | 5% | 0% | 10% | 0% | 0% Clinic (medical or dental) | 0% | 100% | 25% | 0% | 0% | 25% | 0% | 0% Veterinary clinic | 0% | 100% | 5% | 0% | 0% | 25% | 0% | 0% Class 4. Industrial, Commercial Manufacturing | All | 10% | 100% | 50% | 10% | 10% | 25% | 10% | 0% Class 5. Religious and Educational | Church | 0% | 5% | 25% | 0% | 10% | 100% | 40% | 0% Nursery/day care | 0% | 100% | 5% | 0% | 0% | 5% | 0% | 0% School | 0% | 100% | 5% | 0% | 0% | 10% | 0% | 0% Library | 0% | 100% | 10% | 0% | 0% | 25% | 0% | 0% Art gallery/ museum | 0% | 75% | 50% | 0% | 0% | 100% | 60% | 0% Class 6. Recreation and Entertainment | Movie theater | 0% | 10% | 50% | 75% | 0% | 50% | 80% | 100% Bowling alley | 0% | 10% | 50% | 85% | 0% | 40% | 75% | 100% Theater, auditorium or arena | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — Sports club or health spa | 50% | 25% | 100% | 10% | 10% | 50% | 10% | 5% Class 7. Food and Beverage | Dessert shop | 0% | 25% | 100% | 75% | 0% | 25% | 100% | 85% Small restaurant | 10% | 50% | 75% | 40% | 15% | 75% | 100% | 50% Neighborhood restaurant | 10% | 50% | 75% | 40% | 15% | 75% | 100% | 50% Restaurant | 10% | 50% | 75% | 40% | 15% | 75% | 100% | 50% Tavern or pub | 0% | 0% | 25% | 75% | 0% | 10% | 80% | 100% Small bar | 0% | 0% | 25% | 75% | 0% | 10% | 80% | 100% Bar, club or lounge | 0% | 25% | 75% | 75% | 0% | 40% | 80% | 100% Class 8. Retail Services | All (excluding shopping center) | 5% | 50% | 75% | 10% | 5% | 100% | 75% | 10% Class 9. Automobiles | Auto parts and supply store | 0% | 50% | 75% | 0% | 0% | 100% | 50% | 0% All others | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% _____ (c) A theater, auditorium, or arena use may share parking by submitting a parking study with a site plan that details the parking supply and demand of the intended use. The number of shared parking spaces shall be determined by the director after consideration of all relevant factors, including the factors of subsection (d) this section. (d) Upon written request of the applicant supported by information adequate to make a determination, the director may approve an additional reduction of up to ten percent of the required number of shared parking spaces after considering all relevant factors, including: (1) The unique parking characteristics of each use classification, including employee, customer, and patron parking demand, hours of operation, and projected convenience and frequency of use of the shared parking. (2) Whether the use of shared parking spaces will be injurious to public health, safety, and welfare including, but not limited to, whether the additional reduction of shared parking spaces will cause increased traffic congestion, potential harm to adjacent property owners, and spillover parking into surrounding residential neighborhoods; and (3) The recommendation of the Director of Houston Public Works. (e) All shared parking spaces must conform to the following criteria: (1) A shared parking space shall not be reserved for or restricted to a specific use classification. A parking space reserved for a specific use classification shall not be considered a shared parking space; (2) All shared and reserved parking spaces shall be identified on a site plan; (3) Each shared parking space shall be clearly identified by signage on each tract and parking facility identifying the location and availability of the shared parking spaces for participating uses; (4) Each shared parking space must be made available at all times for use by employees, customers, and patrons; and (5) Shared parking spaces that are located on off-site parking facilities must comply with the provisions of section 26-499 of this Code for each individual use classification. (f) The director shall not approve a site plan that proposes to use shared parking spaces unless the applicant or responsible party submits a shared parking agreement to the department that takes the form of a memorandum of lease or a reciprocal easement agreement in a form approved by the city attorney. The shared parking agreement shall comply with the requirements of a memorandum of lease contained in section 26-501 of this Code. (g) After the director approves a site plan that uses shared parking spaces, any change in the use classification or parking factor shall require the applicant or responsible party to submit a new site plan to the department for approval and a revised shared parking agreement if necessary. The building official shall not issue a building permit or certificate of occupancy without a site plan approved by the director for the revised shared parking agreement. (h) Operation of a use classification without an approved site plan required by this subsection is a violation of this article. (Ord. No. 2013-208, § 2(Exh. A), 3-6-2013; Ord. No. 2018-11, § 49, 1-10-2018)

Houston Code of Ordinances § 26-501 Memorandum of lease.

Sec. 26-501. - Memorandum of lease. (a) A memorandum of lease required by this article shall: (1) Be in the form prescribed by the director upon approval by the city attorney or his or her designee, and shall not require that the amount of consideration paid or other financial information be reported to the department; (2) Be filed with the department and maintained in the department's records. (3) Be accompanied by the non-refundable fee set forth for this provision in the city fee schedule; (4) Be signed by all interested parties; (5) Include the legal description of the leased tract; (6) Provide that the leased tract will be used solely to satisfy the parking requirements of this article for the term of the lease or agreement; and (7) Be evidence of an effective lease or shared parking agreement with an effective term of at least one year. (b) In the event that the leased tract becomes unavailable to the use classification whether through termination of the lease, agreement, or other reason, the applicant or responsible party must immediately notify the department and take steps to obtain and submit for approval substitute parking arrangements that comply with the requirements of this article. The director shall cause the certificate of occupancy of an applicant or responsible party to be revoked after the expiration of the grace period set forth below if the applicant or responsible party is not in compliance with the requirements of this article due to the unavailability of the leased tract in accordance with the following: (1) If the applicant or responsible party has not made substitute arrangements within a 90 day grace period after the date the leased tract became unavailable, the director shall cause the certificate of occupancy to be revoked for the use and that use shall cease immediately. Expiration of a lease at the end of its term without substitute parking arrangements shall not be considered as no fault of the applicant or responsible party. (2) If an applicant or responsible party can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the director that the leased tract became unavailable through no fault of the applicant or responsible party, the grace period to submit substitute arrangements and have them approved shall be 120 days from the date the leased tract became unavailable. If no substitute arrangements are approved within the grace period, the director shall cause the certificate of occupancy to be revoked for the use and that use shall cease immediately. (3) The director shall grant an additional 120 day extension to the grace period to an applicant or responsible party who can demonstrate the following to the satisfaction of the director: a. The applicant or responsible party has acted in good faith and made reasonable efforts to obtain substitute parking; b. The applicant or responsible party will have reasonable opportunity to obtain substitute parking if an extension is granted; and c. The granting of an extension will not be injurious to the public health, safety, and welfare; (4) The commission shall grant an additional 90 day extension to the grace period to an applicant who demonstrates to the satisfaction of the commission the criteria of item (3) of this subsection. An application to the commission for the additional 90 day extension shall: a. Be filed with the department before the expiration of the grace period described by this section; b. Be in the form prescribed by the director; and c. Be accompanied by the non-refundable fee set forth for this provision in the city fee schedule. (5) Operation of a use classification after the expiration of the grace period without providing for substitute parking arrangements approved by the director is a violation of this article. (c) An applicant or responsible party must submit an annual certification to the department not more than one year from the date of the most recently approved site plan or memorandum of lease demonstrating the continued availability of the leased tract. The annual certification shall: (1) Be in the form prescribed by the director; (2) Be accompanied by the non-refundable fee set forth for this provision in the city fee schedule; and (3) Include a current and valid memorandum of lease that complies with the standards of subsection (a) of this section showing that the leased tract is available for continued use as shown on the most recently approved site plan. (d) If an applicant or responsible party fails to submit an annual certification to the department, the leased tract shall be considered to be unavailable for the parking purpose intended by the lease and the applicant or responsible party shall take the steps outlined in subsection (b) of this section required for compliance with this article. (Ord. No. 2013-208, § 2(Exh. A), 3-6-2013)

Houston Code of Ordinances § 26-502 Annual certification of valet parking.

Sec. 26-502. - Annual certification of valet parking. (a) An applicant or responsible party that is required by this article to submit an annual certification of valet parking shall submit an annual certification to the department that shall: (1) Be in the form prescribed by the director; (2) Be accompanied by the non-refundable fee set forth for this provision in the city fee schedule; (3) Include the following documentation: a. Current proof of liability insurance for valet parking services for the use classification for which valet parking is provided; and b. Proof of compliance with the valet parking requirements of this chapter, as applicable; and c. A current contract for valet services for all hours of operation of the use classification for which valet services are provided, or payroll evidence of employees that provide valet parking services for all hours of operation of the use classification; and (4) Include other documentation demonstrating the continued operation and availability of the valet parking services for the use classification for which valet parking is provided. (b) In the event that valet parking services cease to be available for all hours of operation of the use classification whether through termination of a contract for valet parking services or other reason, the applicant or responsible party must immediately notify the department and take steps to obtain and submit for approval substitute parking arrangements that comply with the requirements of this article. The director shall cause the certificate of occupancy of an applicant or responsible party to be revoked after the expiration of the grace period set forth below if the applicant or responsible party is not in compliance with the requirements of this article due to the unavailability of the valet parking services in accordance with the following: (1) If the applicant or responsible party has not made substitute arrangements within a 15 day grace period after the date the valet parking services ceased to operate, the director shall cause the certificate of occupancy to be revoked for the use and that use shall cease immediately. (2) The director shall grant an additional 15 day extension to the grace period to an applicant or responsible party who can demonstrate the following to the satisfaction of the director: a. The applicant or responsible party has acted in good faith and made reasonable efforts to obtain substitute parking or valet parking services; b. The applicant or responsible party will have reasonable opportunity to obtain substitute parking or valet parking services if an extension is granted; and c. The granting of an extension will not be injurious to the public health, safety, and welfare. (c) If an applicant or responsible party fails to submit an annual certification to the department, the director shall cause the certificate of occupancy for the building or tract for which valet parking services are provided to be revoked. (Ord. No. 2013-208, § 2(Exh. A), 3-6-2013)

Houston Code of Ordinances § 26-503 Reduced parking space requirement for transit-oriented developments.

Sec. 26-503. - Reduced parking space requirement for transit-oriented developments. (a) The total number of parking spaces required by this article for a use classification on a secondary transit-oriented development street shall be reduced by 50 percent if: (1) The building or tract complies with the requirements of article IV of chapter 42 of this Code; and (2) The applicant does not receive an additional reduction in the total number of required parking spaces as provided for by section 26-497 or 26-498 of this Code. (b) For a use classification that meets the criteria of subsection (a) of this section, no parking spaces shall be required for the portion of the use classification within the standard building line requirement, as the term is defined in section 42-1 of this Code, of: (1) 25 feet when the secondary transit-oriented development street is designated a major thoroughfare, as shown below in Exhibit 26-503-1; or (2) 10 feet when the secondary transit-oriented development street is not designated as a major thoroughfare, as shown below in Exhibit 26-503-2. Exhibit 26-503-1—Secondary TOD street designated as a major thoroughfare [image omitted; see the official code] Exhibit 26-503-2—Secondary TOD street designated as a street other than a major thoroughfare [image omitted; see the official code] ;hn0; (Ord. No. 2013-208, § 2(Exh. A), 3-6-2013; Ord. No. 2017-151, § 10, 3-1-2017; Ord. No. 2020-684, § 2(Exh. A), 8-5-2020)

Houston Code of Ordinances § 26-504 Administrative modification of parking requirement.

Sec. 26-504. - Administrative modification of parking requirement. (a) The director is authorized to approve a reduction of up to five parking spaces for an existing use classification that proposes an alteration that meets the application requirements of this section. To qualify for an administrative modification under this section, the applicant shall: (1) File an application in the form prescribed by the director; (2) Pay the non-refundable fee set forth for this provision in the city fee schedule and all costs associated with the notice provisions of this section; and (3) Provide documentation regarding the current and anticipated demand for parking spaces as a result of the alteration, including evidence or data in studies relating to the proposed use or unique parking characteristics of the use classification. (b) Upon receipt of a complete application pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the director shall: (1) Within five business days, post a copy of the application materials on the department website and maintain a copy of the application on the website until the director approves or denies the application; (2) Give notice of the request by first class mail to neighboring property owners; (3) Give notice of the request by electronic mail to the district council member in whose district use classification is located; and (4) Give notice of the request by electronic mail to each neighborhood association registered with the department in whose area the use classification is located. (c) The director shall establish a formal process for the community to submit comments to the department regarding the request. The comment period shall be not less than 30 days after the notice to neighboring property owners has been placed in the mail pursuant to this section. The director shall review the comments received prior to consideration of the administrative modification. (d) The director shall approve a modification under this section only if the director finds that the modification meets all of the following criteria: (1) The documentation supplied by the applicant supports the approval of a modification; (2) The number of parking spaces is sufficient to meet the anticipated change in the demand for parking spaces as result of the alteration to the use classification; (3) The approval of the modification is not likely to cause substantial harm or spillover parking into adjacent properties or streets within an 800-feet radius of the boundary of the property for which an administrative modification is requested; (4) The modification is not likely to be injurious to public health, safety, and welfare; and (5) The modification is consistent with the intent and general purposes of this article. (e) On or before the 15th day after the close of the public comment period or the date of the most recent submittal of documentation by the applicant, whichever date is longer, the director shall inform the applicant, in writing, whether the director approved the modification. (f) The director shall not grant at any time an administrative modification under this section to any use classification that was previously granted a variance pursuant to division 5 of this article. (g) The maximum reduction in the number of parking spaces authorized under this section shall not exceed five parking spaces for any use classification. (h) The director shall maintain a list of approved administrative modifications on the department website. (Ord. No. 2017-151, § 11, 3-1-2017)

Source: City of Houston, Code of Ordinances and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tx/houston/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH26PA_ARTVIIIOREPALO_DIV2REPASPBISPFetched: 10/26/2026