Houston Proposes Limits on Gas Stations Near Homes

Houston officials are developing an ordinance to steer new gas stations away from residential areas after reviewing 188 applications filed over four years; 52% had homes within 50 to 100 feet, and more than 27% were on roads 80 feet wide or narrower. Stations on major thoroughfares wider than 80 feet would qualify automatically, while sites on narrower roads would face additional review and generally could be barred if more than half of the nearby area is residential, subject to possible variance. The proposal responds to neighborhood concerns, including disputes in Riverside Terrace, Third Ward and Old Sixth Ward, while aiming to allow commercial development in appropriate locations. The ordinance remains under development, with a public hearing expected early next year, and would apply to future applications if adopted.