What is a plat?
A map of a town or a section of land that has been subdivided into lots showing the location and boundaries of individual parcels with the street, alleys and Easements, and right of use over the land of another. A plat is usually drawn to scale.
If I own my land, why do I have to get permission to plat my land?
The Department of Planning and Development regulates land development in Houston and within its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). The city of Houston does not have zoning but development is governed by codes that address how property can be subdivided. The City codes do not address land use. The Department checks subdivision plats for the proper subdivision of land and for adequate street or right-of-way, building lines and for compliance with Chapter 42, the City’s land development ordinance. Development site plans are checked for compliance with regulations that include parking, tree and shrub requirements, setbacks, and access.
My land is not suitable for single family development, what else can I do with it?
You may have a parcel of land that is not a lot, but is created within a subdivision plat for use other than a single-family residential use and is established to accommodate some purpose for which a division into lots is not suitable or appropriate.
What is a variance?
A variance is the process by which an applicant can request deviation from the set of rules a municipality applies to land use and land development, typically an ordinance, building code or municipality code. The Department of Planning and development regulates land use in Houston and within its extra territorial jurisdiction (ETJ).
What is a, “Restrictive Covenant?”
A clause in a deed or lease to real property that limits what the owner of the land or lease can do with the property. Restrictive covenants allow surrounding property owners who have similar covenants in their deeds to enforce the terms of the covenant in a court of law. They are intended to enhance property values by controlling development.
Who regulates Restrictive Covenants?
Restrictive Covenants are regulated by the Texas Property Codes, Chapter 202
How do I know if my project will have to have a public hearing?
If there are existing or previous deed restrictions for single family only.
What is the difference between a public street and a private street?
A private street is a privately maintained and owned vehicular access way that provides access from a public street to one or more multi-family residential buildings. A public street is a public right-of-way, however designated, dedicated or acquired, that provides access to an adjacent property.
How do I get started?
Contact Owens Management Systems. You may also submit some preliminary information on our website. Click on, Request a Proposal, complete the preliminary information required and within 48 hours from the time you submit your information, someone from our office will be contacting you regarding your proposal and your project.