Open space.
Houston Code of Ordinances § 42-236
in effectSec. 42-236. - Open space.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, each multi-family residential development in the extraterritorial jurisdiction shall provide open space in accordance with the following schedule:
Dwelling Unit Size | Square Feet Of Open Space Required Per Dwelling Unit
Efficiency | 200
1 Bedroom | 240
2 Bedrooms | 320
3 Bedrooms | 440
4 Bedrooms | 500
For purposes of this section, "open space" shall mean land within the multi-family residential development that is not covered by buildings, covered walkways, parking spaces, private streets or driveways.
(b) In lieu of the requirements of subsection (a) of this section, a multi-family residential development in the extraterritorial jurisdiction may provide for open space by complying with each of the following conditions:
(1) At least ten percent of the total land area in the multi-family residential development, exclusive of land within the building line requirement area, shall be provided as open space;
(2) Enclosed amenities, such as an exercise or game room, shall constitute no more than ten percent of the open space provided;
(3) Each area provided as open space is at least 20 feet wide by 60 feet long;
(4) Any street trees required to be planted to comply with this Code are located in the street right-of-way; and
(5) The development plat or subdivision plat provides for the construction of sidewalks that are a minimum of five feet in width within the right-of-way of each street that is adjacent to the development.
(c) The aggregate open space requirement of subsection (a) of this section may be reduced by 15 percent if the development meets each of the following conditions:
(1) At least 25 percent of the dwelling units have individual enclosed garages within the buildings where the dwelling units are located; and
(2) Areas within the building line requirement are not used for parking.
(d) The aggregate open space requirement of subsection (a) of this section may be reduced according to the following schedule if the development meets each of the following conditions:
(1) Any street trees required to be planted to comply with city ordinance are located in the street right-of-way; and
(2) The development plat or subdivision plat provides for the construction of sidewalks that are a minimum of five feet in width within the right-of-way of each street that is adjacent to the development.
Development Density | Reduction in Aggregate Open Space
30—39 units per acre | 15%
40—49 units per acre | 30%
50—59 units per acre | 45%
60 units per acre or more | 60%
(e) A multi-family residential development in the extraterritorial jurisdiction with five or more stories shall not be required to provide open space.
(Ord. No. 2013-343, § 3(Exh. A), 4-24-2013)
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_CH42SUDEPL_ARTIIIPLST_DIV6MUMIREDE_S42-236OPSPFetched: 10/26/2026