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City of Houston Proposes Changes to Chapter 42 – The Land Development Code
The City of Houston’s Department of Planning and Development has proposed changes to Chapter 42 of the Code of Ordinances, the land development code. Generally, the City regulates land development in Houston and within its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) through Chapter 42. The City of Houston does not have zoning, but development is governed by codes that address how property can be subdivided....
City of Houston Proposes Changes to Chapter 42 – Member Input Requested!
The City of Houston’s Department of Planning and Development has proposed changes to Chapter 42 of the Code of Ordinances, the land development code. Generally, the City regulates land development in Houston and within its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) through Chapter 42. The City of Houston does not have zoning, but development is governed by codes that address how property can be subdivided....
Understanding the Tax On Business Personal Property
Whether you’re new to real estate or have years of experience and decide to open your own office, one very important thing to keep in mind is that property taxes are assessed annually on your office equipment and possibly your business vehicles.
Texas law requires all business owners, including individuals, partnerships and corporations, to annually provide or render a list of tangible personal...
REALTOR® Edie Archer Appointed to HAHC by Mayor Parker
Edie Archer, a sales agent for Greenwood King Properties, has been appointed to the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission (HAHC) by Houston Mayor Annise Parker. The appointment was made official by a vote of the Houston City Council on November 7. The HAHC makes recommendations to City Council on historic properties. The 13-member board reviews requests for historic district designations,...
HAR Makes Recommendations on Several Local Measures This November
On November 6, voters in the city of Houston and some surrounding communities will be asked to decide on several ballot measures. The issues will range from how METRO allocates its 1 percent sales tax to various bond measures for public schools, community colleges, parks and city infrastructure totaling $2.7 billion.
In an effort to keep the Houston REALTOR® community informed, the HAR Governmental...
Signs in the Public Right of Way May be in the Wrong Place
by Vince Ryan, Harris County Attorney
Bandit signs.
You see them at many of the thousands of intersections in Harris County. They pop up overnight, particularly on weekends. They advertise goods and services ranging from credit repair to cash for gold to home improvement loans. They sometimes advertise homes for sale or rent. They may be hand-lettered or professionally printed, but if they are on public...
Political Stars Share Insights
Political insiders and aspirants alike who attended the Houston Association of REALTORS®‘ (HAR) annual political advocacy briefing were enlightened on the important and effective role REALTORS® play when they are involved in their Association’s political process.
The afternoon program was held on February 1 at Smith & Wollensky, which accommodated the 75 members serving on the Governmental...
HAR Offers Recommendations on Houston’s Proposed Land Development Regulations
At its January 2012 meeting, the HAR Board of Directors approved recommendations to City of Houston officials currently drafting changes to Chapter 42 of the Code of Ordinances. The changes relate to the city’s land development regulations and would include the expansion of the city’s “urban area” from Loop 610 to Beltway 8, clearing the way for developers to more easily subdivide lots...
State and Local Officials Speak to Business Issues Subcommittee at HAR
Harris County Judge Ed Emmett discusses issues impacting the county with members of TAR's Business Issues Subcommittee
On January 26, the Texas Association of REALTORS® (TAR) held its January 2012 Business Issues Subcommittee meeting at the offices of HAR. TAR’s Business Issues Subcommittee is comprised of REALTOR® volunteers from across the state of Texas who weigh issues of importance...
Houston City Council Approves High Rise Limits – Chapter 42 Overhaul on the Horizon
In its last meeting of 2011, the Houston City Council approved restrictions on residential towers which would abut certain single-family residences.
The restrictions will generally require high rises to be built at least 30 or 40 feet from surrounding homes, depending on the street sizes. The restrictions would apply to buildings greater than 75 feet in height built along local and collector...
