Last week, HRG along with Councilwoman Toni Lawrence met with the City of Houston (COH) Public Works and Engineering department to discuss issues related to Chapter 15 of the COH Design Manual. Chapter 15 is the solution the COH has implemented as a “technical” interpretation of Section 40-86 in lieu of an ordinance to address the situation of possible friction between high density development in relation to a residential neighborhood.

The meeting was held to address HRG’s concerns with the removal of certain filters that limited the applicability of Chapter 15 to areas outside transit corridors, major thoroughfares, and non-residential areas. Although a solution was not decided upon during the meeting, the COH PWE department has agreed to open discussions related to Chapter 15 to address conflicts with previously stated policy goals and current changes to Chapter 42 regarding the Mixed Use/Transit Oriented Development Ordinance. This is a positive step on the COH’s behalf to attempt to address the concerns surrounding Chapter 15 of the PWE design manual but it does not mean that our work is done.

HRG still supports the goals and intended purpose of the Mixed Use/ Transit Oriented Development ordinance and is not giving up on passing such a policy. Unfortunately, the intended goals of this ordinance and the applicability of it are seriously undermined by the policy set forth in Chapter 15. Making sure we address the problems with Chapter 15 before we proceed with passing the MU/TOD Ordinance is imperative to ensuring a policy that supports the goals of increasing density in areas where it should occur like transit corridors, major thoroughfares, and non-residential areas.

To read more about HRG’s position on Chapter 15 and the issues of concern relating to the policy, take a look at http://houstongrowth.org/policy. We will keep you updated as to our progress and encourage you to contact us if you would like to get involved.