Walkable Places Designation
Build Walkable, Thriving Streets in Houston
A property-owner-led initiative to shape safer, more vibrant corridors through Houston’s Walkable Places program.
Houston’s Walkable Places program allows property owners to opt into development standards that prioritize:
- Safer pedestrian environments
- Active street-level uses
- Better urban design
- Reduced auto-oriented development
💡 Think: fewer gas stations and drive-thrus, more cafés, retail, and neighborhood-serving spaces.
What a Walkable Street Looks Like
A) Pedestrian Realm
More space for people to walk, gather, and access businesses
B) Safety Buffer
Separates people from traffic, improving safety and comfort
C) Ground-Floor Façade Fenestration
Windows and active storefronts that create safer, more inviting streets
D) Awnings and Covered Walkways
Shade and weather protection
E) Fences
Allows patios, seating, and street activation
Are You a Property Owner in the Washington Ave Proposed Segment?
Walkable Places applications require demonstrated support from property owners. By signing a letter of support, you help shape the future of your corridor.
Note: you will be asked to enter your name and email to begin the letter of support proceess. Preview the letter here
FAQ
Walkable Places is a City of Houston program that allows property owners to opt into development standards that prioritize:
Safer, more walkable streets
Active ground-floor uses (retail, dining, services)
Better building design and street interaction
It helps create corridors that are more vibrant, connected, and economically valuable.
Property owners within a proposed corridor can support or initiate a Walkable Places application.
This is a property-owner-led process, not something imposed by the City.
Signing a letter of support means:
You support the Walkable Places designation for your corridor
You support the overall vision of more walkable, pedestrian-friendly development
Important: It does not require you to immediately change your property or business.
Walkable Places introduces design standards focused on walkability, such as:
– Building placement closer to the street
– Active ground-floor uses
– Reduced auto-oriented layouts
These standards are intended to:
– Increase property value
– Improve long-term corridor desirability
– Support more successful retail and mixed-use development
Walkable Places is designed to discourage auto-oriented uses that disrupt walkability.
Some uses may become limited or require different design approaches depending on the designation.
The goal is to encourage development that contributes to a safe, cohesive, and active street environment.
Applications typically require demonstrating support from at least 50% of property frontage within the proposed area.
That’s why early participation from property owners is critical.
Walkability works best at a corridor level, not just one parcel.
Including multiple segments:
Creates continuity
Prevents isolated gaps in design
Ensures long-term success of the area
Walkable Places can:
– Increase property values over time
– Attract higher-quality tenants and businesses
– Improve foot traffic and visibility
– Create more desirable, future-proof development opportunities
A Tale of Two Bridges focuses on:
– Walkability
– Tree canopy and shade
– Trail connectivity
– Neighborhood-serving retail
Walkable Places is a policy tool that helps make these goals permanent and scalable.
The process includes:
– Property owner outreach
– Collection of support letters
– Application submission
– City review and public process
To our knowledge, Houston still has not received a completed Walkable Places application
Once adopted:
– New development follows Walkable Places standards
– The corridor evolves over time as properties redevelop
– Improvements happen incrementally, not all at once