Two Big Wins:
More Space and
Walkable Places/TOD

Creative solutions for immediate challenges and long-range plans for Houston’s future received unanimous support from Houston City Council with the passage of the Walkable Places/Transit-Oriented Development and the More Space ordinances on August 5.  

The new More Space program addresses the current needs of local restaurants struggling with the pandemic economy. 

The program is allowing any restaurant to convert 50% of its off-street parking spaces to serve customers while maintaining social distancing during the COVID-19 health and safety guidelines. See the More Space press release. Shown here, the Phoenix on Westheimer was the first Houston restaurant to apply for the More Space program.

The Walkable Places and Transit-Oriented Development ordinances will assist the City to design, build, and maintain a vibrant pedestrian environment for Houston to grow responsibly and sustainably. These programs are the result of three years of planning, research and public engagement by the Walkable Places Committee.

Effective October 1, 2020, the standards will apply to new developments or redevelopments in three pilot communities: Emancipation Avenue in Third Ward, Midtown and Hogan/Lorraine Streets in Near Northside.

Read the Walkable Places/ Transit-Oriented Development press release.