Land uses in HOU tier two.
Houston Code of Ordinances § 9-504
in effectSec. 9-504. - Land uses in HOU tier two.
(a) Nonresidential uses. Nonresidential uses are permitted in tier two as follows:
(1) Public assembly uses and sensitive land uses.
a. A new public assembly use or sensitive land use shall be permitted provided the new use shall be located in a structure that meets a 45 dBA interior sound level.
b. An existing public assembly use or sensitive land use shall be permitted to enlarge within or renovate an existing structure where it is located, provided that any physical expansion of the structure meets a 45 dBA interior sound level.
(2) Hotels and motel lodging uses.
a. A new hotel or motel use shall be permitted provided that the structure meets a 45 dBA interior sound level where central HVAC is used. For hotels and motels wishing to utilize through wall systems, all other sound insulation requirements will apply.
b. An existing hotel or motel use shall be permitted to enlarge within or renovate an existing structure where it is located, provided that any physical expansion of the structure meets a 45 dBA interior sound level where central HVAC is used. For hotels and motels wishing to utilize through wall systems, all other sound insulation requirements will apply.
(3) Commercial and employment uses. All uses shall be permitted unless otherwise proscribed above.
(b) Residential uses. An existing, unmodified residential use shall be allowed to continue. Enlargement, replacement, or reconstruction of an existing residential use shall not increase the density or the intensity of the use. Residential uses in tier two are further allowed as follows:
(1) An existing single family use will be permitted to renovate or convert non-livable area within the existing structure in which it is located, provided the use will not involve the subdivision of the property on which the existing single family use is located.
(2) An existing single family use will be permitted to enlarge the existing structure in which it is located, provided the use will not involve the subdivision of the property on which the existing single family use is located
(3) An existing single family use will be permitted to be replaced after a casualty under the following conditions:
a. The construction shall meet a 45 dBA interior sound level; and
b. The use will not involve the subdivision of the property on which the existing single family use is located.
(4) A new single family use shall be permitted only on the condition that the new construction shall meet or exceed a 45 dBA interior sound level.
(5) An existing multifamily use will be permitted to renovate an existing structure provided the use will not increase the density of development as shown by a filed subdivision plat or development plat, measured in dwelling units per acre. The applicant shall be required to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the director the density prior to the application for the residential building permit.
(6) An existing multifamily use will be permitted to enlarge an existing structure under the following conditions:
a. The use will not increase the density of development as shown by a filed subdivision plat or development plat, measured in dwelling units per acre. The applicant shall be required to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the director the density prior to the application for the residential building permit; and
b. An enlargement shall meet or shall be located in a structure that meets a 45 dBA interior sound level.
(7) An existing multifamily use will be permitted to be replaced after a casualty under the following conditions:
a. The livable area shall meet a 45 dBA interior sound level;
b. The use will not involve the subdivision of the lot on which the existing multifamily use is located; and
c. The use will not increase the density of development as shown by a filed subdivision plat or development plat, measured in dwelling units per acre. The applicant shall be required to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the director the density prior to the application for the residential building permit.
(8) A new multifamily residential use shall be permitted only on the condition that the construction shall meet or exceed a 45 dBA interior sound level.
(9) No new mobile or manufactured home parks or subdivisions shall be permitted.
(Ord. No. 08-1052, § 2, 12-3-08; Ord. No. 09-825, § 2, 9-16-09)
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_CH9AV_ARTVIAILAUSRE_DIV3HOHOAIHOCOLAUSRE_S9-504LAUSHOTITWFetched: 10/26/2026