Pedestrian Realm Standards Modification Request Form

1
Contact Information

This form is only for requesting modifications to the pedestrian realm standards.
If you are unsure if your project is on a transit-oriented development (TOD) street or a Walkable Places (WP) street, you can contact staff before completing the form.

A separate form must be completed for a fee in lieu of sidewalk construction or a sidewalk modification request. You can access that form through this link:
https://houstontx.gov/planning/sidewalk-modification-of-standards.html

For any questions about pedestrian realm requirements or difficulties completing this application, contact the Permitting Office in the Planning & Development Department at (832) 394-8849 or at pd.sidewalkandrealm@houstontx.gov.
2
Disclaimers

The Planning & Development Department, in collaboration with the Office of the City Engineer (OCE), may approve a modification to the pedestrian realm standards of §42-621, §42-651, or §42-653.

The Department will evaluate a complete application requesting a modification as authorized under §42-604.

Department approval of any request requires documentation illustrating that §42-604(c) applies to a building permit.

Planning staff advises applicants to complete and submit this form immediately after receiving a project number; this allows time to coordinate compliance with pedestrian realm standards if the Department denies a modification request.

This form requires correct and complete information.

Inaccurate information may result in application delay and eventual discarding.

The applicant will need another application; staff will process the second application in the order of receipt as a new request.

Use the City Fee Schedule for the pedestrian realm modification application fee.
This fee is updated annually.

There is only one fee amount, regardless of project scope.

Changes to the pedestrian realm plan during permitting or future projects on the same site may require a new application.

Granting a request does not set a precedent, and the Department reviews each case on its own merits.

A complete application does not guarantee approval by the Planning & Development Department for modification of the pedestrian realm standards.
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I have read and acknowledge the disclaimers.* This field is required.You must read and acknowledge the disclaimers to continue this form and your request be processed.
YESNO
4
What type of project do you have?* This field is required.Use one application per project type.
Single-Family Residential, Duplex, or a Secondary Dwelling Unit
Residential Site Development for Multiple SFRs or Duplexes
Multi-Family Residential (Three or more dwellings on the same property)
Commercial, Industrial, or other Non-Residential Private Development
Right-of-Way Development
Other
5
Project Number* This field is required.Provide the BCE (Building Code Enforcement) project number. Water/Wastewater application numbers are not valid for this form. You will need to apply for a project number to complete this application. Contact the Permits Office at the Houston Permitting Center to obtain one. (832) 394-8899 permits_office@houstontx.gov If you have multiple project numbers for sites adjacent to each other, provide one project number. If you have a master project, provide the main project number.
Enter an 8-digit BCE project number
6
Project Number* This field is required.Provide the ID prefix (WBS, CSJ, etc.) and the project number.
7
Project Address* This field is required.Follow this address format: 1300 Alabama St 77004
8
Is there a neighborhood association?* This field is required.Such as a Homeowner's Association (HOA), Architectural Committee, or similar.
I don't know
Yes
No
9
What is the name of the neighborhood association or relevant organization?** This field is required.
10
How many rights-of-way (ROW) are you seeking a modification for?* This field is required.Only include ROWs that are a Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Street or a Walkable Places (WP) Street.
1
2
3
4
5 or more
11
What is the classification for this right-of-way (ROW)?* This field is required.WP = Walkable Places; TOD = Transit-Oriented Development NOTE: If your project is not near these streets or near the METROrail, the ROW will probably not be a WP or TOD street. You can contact the Planner of the Day to confirm the ROW designation at (832) 394-8849.
Primary TOD
Secondary TOD
Midtown Primary WP
Midtown Secondary WP
Hogan St. [WP]
Lorraine St. [WP]
Emancipation Ave. [WP]
McGowen St. [WP]
Elgin St. [WP]
Other
12
What is the name of the ROW?* This field is required.If you have multiple public ROW frontages, answer only for the first one in this section. Format: Alabama St, Cullen Blvd, E Crosstimbers St, Berry Rd
13
Which pedestrian realm standard are you requesting a modification for this ROW?* This field is required.
Minimum Pedestrian Realm Width
Unobstructed Vertical Clearance Height
Street Tree Caliper Width
Maximum Softscape Percentage
Fence Height or Opacity
Ground Floor Façade Fenestration Percentage
Driveway Location(s) or Dimension(s)
Other
14
Proposed Pedestrian Realm Width for this ROW* This field is required.The minimum pedestrian realm width can vary depending on the ROW. Refer to §42-621(a)(1) for further details.
Format: 12 ft 9 in
15
Proposed Unobstructed Vertical Clearance Height for this ROW* This field is required.Structural support columns are prohibited within the minimum pedestrian realm. At least 8 feet is required for an uninhabitable shade structure or unenclosed balcony. At least 10 feet is required for all other buildings or structural elements cantilevered over the pedestrian realm. Refer to §42-621(a)(2) for further details.
Format: 6 ft 3 in
16
Proposed Street Tree Caliper Width for this ROW* This field is required.3 inches is required along each transit corridor or major thoroughfare. 2 inches is required along all other streets. Refer to §42-621(a)(3) for further details.
Only enter the measurement in inches. Format: 1 or 1.5
17
Proposed Softscape Percentage for this ROW* This field is required.Single-family residential is exempt from this standard. Excluding driveways, the maximum softscape area allowed is 35% of the pedestrian realm's surface area. Refer to §42-621(a)(4) for further details.
Only enter the measurement in percentages. Format: 40 or 65
18
Proposed Fencing Height for this ROW* This field is required.Any fence, wall, or barrier within the pedestrian realm shall be 48 inches or less in height. Refer to §42-621(b) for further details.
Format: 60 in
19
Is the proposed fencing along this ROW non-opaque?* This field is required.Any fence, wall, or barrier within the pedestrian realm shall be non-opaque. Refer to §42-621(b) for further details.
Non-opaqueOpaque
20
Proposed Ground Floor Façade Fenestration Percentage for this ROW* This field is required.Single-family residential is exempt from this standard. Fenestration is required for 50% of the ground-floor façade along primary streets & 40% of the ground-floor façade along secondary streets. Refer to §42-651 for further details.
Only enter the measurement in percentages. Format: 20 or 35
21
Which aspects of the driveway location & dimensions are proposed to be modified for this ROW?* This field is required.Refer to §42-653 for further details.
Reduce the minimum distance between driveways.
Request driveway on a primary street, when a secondary street is present.
Request driveway from multiple primary streets.
Request more than one secondary street exempt from driveway standards.
Increase the maximum driveway width
Other
22
Explain further the request to modify the driveway location & dimensions, as answered in the previous question.* This field is required.
Huge
Large
Normal
Small
Ok
Ok
23
What is preventing compliance with the pedestrian realm standards, and what is the reason for the request along this ROW?* This field is required.
Huge
Large
Normal
Small
Ok
Ok
24
What is the classification for the second right-of-way (ROW)?* This field is required.WP = Walkable Places; TOD = Transit-Oriented Development NOTE: If your project is not near these streets or near the METROrail, the ROW will probably not be a WP or TOD street. You can contact the Planner of the Day to confirm the ROW designation at (832) 394-8849.
Primary TOD
Secondary TOD
Midtown Primary WP
Midtown Secondary WP
Hogan St. [WP]
Lorraine St. [WP]
Emancipation Ave. [WP]
McGowen St. [WP]
Elgin St. [WP]
Other
25
What is the name of the second ROW?* This field is required.Format: Alabama St, Cullen Blvd, E Crosstimbers St, Berry Rd
26
Which pedestrian realm standard are you requesting a modification for the second ROW?* This field is required.
Minimum Pedestrian Realm Width
Unobstructed Vertical Clearance Height
Street Tree Caliper Width
Maximum Softscape Percentage
Fence Height or Opacity
Ground Floor Façade Fenestration Percentage
Driveway Location(s) or Dimension(s)
Other
27
Proposed Pedestrian Realm Width for the second ROW* This field is required.The minimum pedestrian realm width can vary depending on the ROW. Refer to §42-621(a)(1) for further details.
Format: 12 ft 9 in
28
Proposed Unobstructed Vertical Clearance Height for the second ROW* This field is required.Structural support columns are prohibited within the minimum pedestrian realm. At least 8 feet is required for an uninhabitable shade structure or unenclosed balcony. At least 10 feet is required for all other buildings or structural elements cantilevered over the pedestrian realm. Refer to §42-621(a)(2) for further details.
Format: 6 ft 3 in
29
Proposed Street Tree Caliper Width for the second ROW* This field is required.3 inches is required along each transit corridor or major thoroughfare. 2 inches is required along all other streets. Refer to §42-621(a)(3) for further details.
Only enter the measurement in inches. Format: 1 or 1.5
30
Proposed Softscape Percentage for the second ROW* This field is required.Single-family residential is exempt from this standard. Excluding driveways, the maximum softscape area allowed is 35% of the pedestrian realm's surface area. Refer to §42-621(a)(4) for further details.
Only enter the measurement in percentages. Format: 40 or 65
31
Proposed Fencing Height for the second ROW* This field is required.Any fence, wall, or barrier within the pedestrian realm shall be 48 inches or less in height. Refer to §42-621(b) for further details.
Format: 60 in
32
Is the proposed fencing along the second ROW non-opaque?* This field is required.Any fence, wall, or barrier within the pedestrian realm shall be non-opaque. Refer to §42-621(b) for further details.
Non-opaqueOpaque
33
Proposed Ground Floor Façade Fenestration Percentage for the second ROW* This field is required.Single-family residential is exempt from this standard. Fenestration is required for 50% of the ground-floor façade along primary streets & 40% of the ground-floor façade along secondary streets. Refer to §42-651 for further details.
Only enter the measurement in percentages. Format: 20 or 35
34
Which aspects of the driveway location & dimensions are proposed to be modified for the second ROW?* This field is required.Refer to §42-653 for further details.
Reduce the minimum distance between driveways.
Request driveway on a primary street, when a secondary street is present.
Request driveway from multiple primary streets.
Request more than one secondary street exempt from driveway standards.
Increase the maximum driveway width
Other
35
Explain further the request to modify the driveway location & dimensions, as answered in the previous question.* This field is required.
Huge
Large
Normal
Small
Ok
Ok
36
What is preventing compliance with the pedestrian realm standards, and what is the reason for the request along the second ROW?* This field is required.
Huge
Large
Normal
Small
Ok
Ok
37
What is the classification for the third right-of-way (ROW)?* This field is required.WP = Walkable Places; TOD = Transit-Oriented Development NOTE: If your project is not near these streets or near the METROrail, the ROW will probably not be a WP or TOD street. You can contact the Planner of the Day to confirm the ROW designation at (832) 394-8849.
Primary TOD
Secondary TOD
Midtown Primary WP
Midtown Secondary WP
Hogan St. [WP]
Lorraine St. [WP]
Emancipation Ave. [WP]
McGowen St. [WP]
Elgin St. [WP]
Other
38
What is the name of the third ROW?* This field is required.Format: Alabama St, Cullen Blvd, E Crosstimbers St, Berry Rd
39
Which pedestrian realm standard are you requesting a modification for the third ROW?* This field is required.
Minimum Pedestrian Realm Width
Unobstructed Vertical Clearance Height
Street Tree Caliper Width
Maximum Softscape Percentage
Fence Height or Opacity
Ground Floor Façade Fenestration Percentage
Driveway Location(s) or Dimension(s)
Other
40
Proposed Pedestrian Realm Width for the third ROW* This field is required.The minimum pedestrian realm width can vary depending on the ROW. Refer to §42-621(a)(1) for further details.
Format: 12 ft 9 in
41
Proposed Unobstructed Vertical Clearance Height for the third ROW* This field is required.Structural support columns are prohibited within the minimum pedestrian realm. At least 8 feet is required for an uninhabitable shade structure or unenclosed balcony. At least 10 feet is required for all other buildings or structural elements cantilevered over the pedestrian realm. Refer to §42-621(a)(2) for further details.
Format: 6 ft 3 in
42
Proposed Street Tree Caliper Width for the third ROW* This field is required.3 inches is required along each transit corridor or major thoroughfare. 2 inches is required along all other streets. Refer to §42-621(a)(3) for further details.
Only enter the measurement in inches. Format: 1 or 1.5
43
Proposed Softscape Percentage for the third ROW* This field is required.Single-family residential is exempt from this standard. Excluding driveways, the maximum softscape area allowed is 35% of the pedestrian realm's surface area. Refer to §42-621(a)(4) for further details.
Only enter the measurement in percentages. Format: 40 or 65
44
Proposed Fencing Height for the third ROW* This field is required.Any fence, wall, or barrier within the pedestrian realm shall be 48 inches or less in height. Refer to §42-621(b) for further details.
Format: 60 in
45
Is the proposed fencing along for the third ROW non-opaque?* This field is required.Any fence, wall, or barrier within the pedestrian realm shall be non-opaque. Refer to §42-621(b) for further details.
Non-opaqueOpaque
46
Proposed Ground Floor Façade Fenestration Percentage for the third ROW* This field is required.Single-family residential is exempt from this standard. Fenestration is required for 50% of the ground-floor façade along primary streets & 40% of the ground-floor façade along secondary streets. Refer to §42-651 for further details.
Only enter the measurement in percentages. Format: 20 or 35
47
Which aspects of the driveway location & dimensions are proposed to be modified for the third ROW?* This field is required.Refer to §42-653 for further details.
Reduce the minimum distance between driveways.
Request driveway on a primary street, when a secondary street is present.
Request driveway from multiple primary streets.
Request more than one secondary street exempt from driveway standards.
Increase the maximum driveway width
Other
48
Explain further the request to modify the driveway location & dimensions, as answered in the previous question.* This field is required.
Huge
Large
Normal
Small
Ok
Ok
49
What is preventing compliance with the pedestrian realm standards, and what is the reason for the request along the third ROW?* This field is required.
Huge
Large
Normal
Small
Ok
Ok
50
What is the classification for the fourth right-of-way (ROW)?* This field is required.WP = Walkable Places; TOD = Transit-Oriented Development NOTE: If your project is not near these streets or near the METROrail, the ROW will probably not be a WP or TOD street. You can contact the Planner of the Day to confirm the ROW designation at (832) 394-8849.
Primary TOD
Secondary TOD
Midtown Primary WP
Midtown Secondary WP
Hogan St. [WP]
Lorraine St. [WP]
Emancipation Ave. [WP]
McGowen St. [WP]
Elgin St. [WP]
Other
51
What is the name of the fourth ROW?* This field is required.Format: Alabama St, Cullen Blvd, E Crosstimbers St, Berry Rd
52
Which pedestrian realm standard are you requesting a modification for the fourth ROW?* This field is required.
Minimum Pedestrian Realm Width
Unobstructed Vertical Clearance Height
Street Tree Caliper Width
Maximum Softscape Percentage
Fence Height or Opacity
Ground Floor Façade Fenestration Percentage
Driveway Location(s) or Dimension(s)
Other
53
Proposed Pedestrian Realm Width for the fourth ROW* This field is required.The minimum pedestrian realm width can vary depending on the ROW. Refer to §42-621(a)(1) for further details.
Format: 12 ft 9 in
54
Proposed Unobstructed Vertical Clearance Height for the fourth ROW* This field is required.Structural support columns are prohibited within the minimum pedestrian realm. At least 8 feet is required for an uninhabitable shade structure or unenclosed balcony. At least 10 feet is required for all other buildings or structural elements cantilevered over the pedestrian realm. Refer to §42-621(a)(2) for further details.
Format: 6 ft 3 in
55
Proposed Street Tree Caliper Width for the fourth ROW* This field is required.3 inches is required along each transit corridor or major thoroughfare. 2 inches is required along all other streets. Refer to §42-621(a)(3) for further details.
Only enter the measurement in inches. Format: 1 or 1.5
56
Proposed Softscape Percentage for the fourth ROW* This field is required.Single-family residential is exempt from this standard. Excluding driveways, the maximum softscape area allowed is 35% of the pedestrian realm's surface area. Refer to §42-621(a)(4) for further details.
Only enter the measurement in percentages. Format: 40 or 65
57
Proposed Fencing Height for the fourth ROW* This field is required.Any fence, wall, or barrier within the pedestrian realm shall be 48 inches or less in height. Refer to §42-621(b) for further details.
Format: 60 in
58
Is the proposed fencing along the fourth ROW non-opaque?* This field is required.Any fence, wall, or barrier within the pedestrian realm shall be non-opaque. Refer to §42-621(b) for further details.
Non-opaqueOpaque
59
Proposed Ground Floor Façade Fenestration Percentage for the fourth ROW* This field is required.Single-family residential is exempt from this standard. Fenestration is required for 50% of the ground-floor façade along primary streets & 40% of the ground-floor façade along secondary streets. Refer to §42-651 for further details.
Only enter the measurement in percentages. Format: 20 or 35
60
Which aspects of the driveway location & dimensions are proposed to be modified for the fourth ROW?* This field is required.Refer to §42-653 for further details.
Reduce the minimum distance between driveways.
Request driveway on a primary street, when a secondary street is present.
Request driveway from multiple primary streets.
Request more than one secondary street exempt from driveway standards.
Increase the maximum driveway width
Other
61
Explain further the request to modify the driveway location & dimensions, as answered in the previous question.* This field is required.
Huge
Large
Normal
Small
Ok
Ok
62
What is preventing compliance with the pedestrian realm standards, and what is the reason for the request along the fourth ROW?* This field is required.
Huge
Large
Normal
Small
Ok
Ok
63
If your property fronts more than four ROWs that require a pedestrian realm modification, provide details for the additional ROWs here.* This field is required.
Huge
Large
Normal
Small
Ok
Ok
64
Name* This field is required.
65
Email* This field is required.
66
Phone Number* This field is required.If you have an extension, provide the main line. You can enter the extension at the next question.
67
Phone Number Extension
68
Pedestrian Realm Plan* This field is required.Provide a pedestrian realm plan or site plan that matches the requests you are seeking with this form. The plan must contain the right-of-way conditions of all obstructions to architectural or engineering scale. Dimension the distance between the property lines to the roadway edge or back-of-curb.
Drag and drop files here
Select files to upload
Max. file size: 1.5MB
Browse Files
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69
Supplemental Building Plans* This field is required.Provide building plans (e.g., elevation plan, fence details, window schedule) that help illustrate the request you are seeking with this form.
Drag and drop files here
Select files to upload
Max. file size: 1.5MB
Browse Files
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70
Survey* This field is required.Provide a legible and complete copy of a survey sealed and certified by a Texas registered professional land surveyor. The survey does not have to be recent so long as it illustrates all contiguous property under one ownership or common control.
Drag and drop files here
Select files to upload
Max. file size: 1.5MB
Browse Files
Cancelof
71
Subdivision Plat or Block BookUploading one is recommended if you have a ROW dedication or if it is a newer plat.
Drag and drop files here
Select files to upload
Max. file size: 1.5MB
Browse Files
Cancelof
72
Is there additional information that you would like to provide that was not answered in the previous questions?
Huge
Large
Normal
Small
Ok
Ok
Should be Empty:

Contact Information

Disclaimers