GHBA Members Influence Local Government to Make Code Changes

HBA: Greater Houston BA

Category: Government Affairs

Location: Houston

Size: Local Association: 601+ members

Year: 2023

Greater Houston BA members and staff effectively advocated for changes to the City of Houston’s Chapter 42 code, alleviating restrictions for builders providing homes within the city limits.

When the City of Houston originally introduced Chapter 42, the City Planning Department enacted a proposal that would ban direct access from the street for all single-family homes on lots 33 feet and smaller. This new code, which would have been effective as early as summer 2023, would have also forced home builders to use shared driveways on lots less than 40 feet. Essentially, this code was a city-wide ban on front loaders and would have negatively impacted buildings within the city, specifically those who purchase larger lots to subdivide and build more than one home. In addition, it would limit builders’ ability to develop around parks and schools and affect alleyway usage.

The BA developed a task force and created a strong advocacy campaign in response. The BA held several construction meetings with the mayor, city council members, and key city officials. The campaign unified home buyers, home builders, civic leaders, and the public, leveraging digital platforms, community engagement, and extensive in-person advocacy.