Ordinance Amendment

Update: Amendments to Article VI of Chapter 9 of the Code of Ordinances, Houston, Texas made effective March 23, 2011.

Click Here to view the Amended Ordinance.

City of Houston Amendments to Regulations for Airport Compatible Land Use for Bush Intercontinental, Hobby and Ellington Airports.

At a meeting on January 6, 2011 the Houston Airport Commission considered proposed amendments to Article VI of Chapter 9 of the Code of Ordinances, Houston, Texas, the regulations for Airport Compatible Land Use in the vicinity of Bush Intercontinental, Hobby and Ellington Airports. The proposed amendments 1) change the definition of “sensitive land use” to delete “place of public assembly” as that term is already defined separately, 2) allow public assembly uses and sensitive land uses in Tier One under certain conditions, specifically that the new use is located in a structure that meets a 45 dBA interior sound level, and that the owner execute an avigation easement and release over the property to the City, 3) change the time for submission of applications to the Board of Adjustment and change other procedural requirements to reflect the language used in Article VII of Chapter 9 of the Code of Ordinances relating to hazard area regulations so that both types of regulations are administered in the same manner, and to provide for the payment of certain filing fees by an applicant.

Houston Airport Commission held two Public Hearings concerning this proposed amendment, both at 2:00 p.m., on February 3, 2011 and February 10, 2011 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall Annex, 900 Bagby Street, Houston, Texas, 77002. Houston City Council held a Public Hearing on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at 9:00 am in the City Council Chambers, City Hall Annex, 901 Bagby Street, Houston, Texas, 77002.

Phone: 1-281-233-1366

Email: Airport.Landuse.Regulations@houstontx.gov

Mail: Houston Airport System, Attention: Land Use, 16930 JFK Blvd Houston, TX 77032

Information on the amendments may also be found at http://mycity.houstontx.gov/has or you can contact Houston Airport System at 1-281-233-1366.

Background

Houston Airports provides a vital economic engine for Houston’s economy. This department of the City of Houston, operates the three major airports serving the City of Houston and the Greater Houston metropolitan region -- George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), William P. Hobby (HOU), and Ellington Airport (EFD).The Houston Airports are a major contributor to the economic growth and vitality of the greater Houston region. Houston’s population, employment and economic growth are fueled in large part by the Houston Airports and the passenger and cargo flights that connect Houston to the rest of the U.S. and international markets. Houston’s stature as a premier gateway to the world can only be sustained by a vibrant and thriving air transportation system, able to support and create new opportunities for travel and trade for Houston-area residents, businesses and visitors. In 2006, the FAA admonished the City of Houston for allowing incompatible development to encroach into areas affected by airport operations. In a letter, they asked the City to adopt measures that ensure compatible land development and would protect the FAA’s investment of grant funds in the three airports.In an effort to promote compatible land uses the City of Houston has approved a new ordinance to control future development around the three airports.

Airport Land Use Resources

To view a copy of the Final Airport Land Use Ordinance - Click Here

To view the George Bush Intercontinental Map - Click Here

To view the William P. Hobby Airport Map - Click Here

To view the Ellington Airport Map - Click Here

To view a copy the Building Code & International Residential Code - Click Here

To view a land use Compatibility Matrix (not part of Ordinance No. 2008-1052 Airport Land Use Regulations) for informational purposes only) - Click Here

To view a copy of the FAA's request to Houston Airports - Click Here

Frequently Asked Questions - Click Here

Airport Land Use Info Line - 1-281-233-1966

To send us your questions - email airport.landuse.regulations@cityofhouston.net

To use an interactive map to determine if your property is subject to the proposed ordinance, please visit https://mycity.houstontx.gov/has/has.html