Planning & Development

Special Minimum Lot Size and Special Minimum Building Line Program

The Special Minimum Lot Size and Special Minimum Building Line programs help neighborhoods preserve their established character by setting rules for future lot subdivision and front building setbacks.

Residents can use this website to learn how these protections work, check whether their property is within an existing boundary, review approved or pending applications, and find information about applying, renewing, or sharing program videos with neighbors.

1. Learn the Program: Understand the difference between Special Minimum Lot Size and Special Minimum Building Line and review the short videos before starting.

2. Check the GIS Map: Search your address in the online map to see whether your property is inside an existing or proposed boundary.

3. Apply or Renew: Download the correct application, renewal, or rescind form and contact staff before beginning the process.

1. Program Overview

Special Minimum Lot Size (SMLS) and Special Minimum Building Line (SMBL) are neighborhood-initiated tools available through Chapter 42 of the City of Houston Code of Ordinances. These programs help property owners preserve existing development patterns when there is neighborhood support.

Program	What it Does	What it Does Not Do
Special Minimum Lot Size (SMLS)	Creates lot size restrictions for future development within the SMLS boundary. Once approved, new lots cannot be created smaller than the established minimum lot size.	It does not require existing lots to change size. If your lot is already smaller than the approved SMLS, you may keep your lot and existing structure.
Special Minimum Building Line (SMBL)	Creates a minimum building line restriction for new lots within the SMBL boundary. Once approved, new construction must build behind the established building line.	It does not penalize existing homes that are closer to the street than the approved building line. Existing structures may remain.
Special Minimum Lot Size Area (SMLSA)	Creates lot size restrictions for future development across a larger neighborhood area consisting of at least five contiguous blocks. Once approved, new lots cannot be created below the established minimum lot size within the SMLSA designated boundary.	It does not require existing lots to change size. If your lot is already smaller than the approved SMLSA, you may keep your lot and existing structure.

How do we determine the Lot Size/Building Line restrictions

SMLS: The minimum lot size is based on the smallest lot size already met by at least 70% of properties in the application area, or 60% in City-designated Historic Districts. Example: If the approved SMLS is 5,000 square feet, future lots in the designated area cannot be created smaller than 5,000 square feet

SMBL: The building line is based on the front setback already met by at least 70% of homes in the application area, or 60% in City-designated Historic Districts. Example: If the approved SMBL is 15 feet, future construction cannot build past the 15 feet.

2. Check Whether Your Property Is in a Boundary

Before applying, renewing, or rescinding a designation, use the online map to search your address and confirm whether your property is located inside an approved or proposed Special Minimum Lot Size, Special Minimum Lot Size Area or Special Minimum Building Line boundary.

How to use the GIS map

• Enter your address in the search bar.
• Click inside the highlighted boundary on the map.
• Review the property and boundary information shown for that area.

What To Look For

• Boundary type: SMLS Block, SMLS Area, or SMBL Block.
• Status: approved, pending, or under review.
• Boundary details: including the approved minimum lot size or building line, when available.

 

3. Find the Right Application

Use the options below to select the form that matches what you want to do. Contact Planning Department staff before beginning, especially if you are unsure which application applies to your property or neighborhood.

I want to...	SMLS Block	SMLS Area	SMBL Block
Apply for a new designation	New Application	New Application	New Application
Renew an existing designation	Renewal Application	Not listed, contact staff	Renewal Application
Rescind an existing designation	Application Rescind	Application Rescind	Application Rescind
Learn more before applying	Minimum Lot Size Brochure, English and Spanish	Minimum Lot Size Brochure, English and Spanish	Special Minimum Building Line information

Check Application Status

Review the current application status spreadsheet to see approved and pending applications for Special Minimum Lot Size Block, Special Minimum Building Line Block, and Special Minimum Lot Size Area. Each program type is shown on a separate tab in the spreadsheet.

ONLINE UPDATE EXCEL FILE

Share Information With Your Neighbors

The Planning and Development Department offers short YouTube videos that explain the Special Minimum Lot Size and Special Minimum Building Line programs. These videos can be shared with neighbors, civic clubs, property owners, and community groups before or during the application process.

English Version

 

Spanish Version

Additional documents

• Special Minimum Lot Size Ordinance (PDF)
• Special Minimum Building Line Ordinance (PDF)
• Process and Chapter 42 Implementation Timeline PDF

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this change my existing lot or home? What happens if my lot is already smaller than the approved minimum lot size? What happens if my home is already closer to the street than the approved building line? Do I need to talk to staff before applying? Can I use the videos for a neighborhood meeting?

Need Help?

Contact the Planning and Development Department before you begin the process. Staff can help you confirm the correct form, understand the boundary, and identify next steps. Call 832.393.6600 or email planningdepartment@houstontx.gov.

Department Links

• Home Page
• Annexation
• Complete Streets
• Demographics
• Development Regulations
• General Plan (Plan Houston)
• Geographic Data (GIS)
• High Injury Network
• Houston Office of Preservation (HOP)
• Houston Bike Plan
• Major Thoroughfare & Freeway Plan
• Minimum Lot Size/Building Lines
• More Space Main Street Program
• Off-Street Parking Ordinance
• Planning Commission
• Plat Tracker
• Prohibited Yard Parking
• Tower Commission
• Transportation Planning
• Walkable Places / TOD Standards