At its Jan. 6 meeting, Friendswood City Council had a first reading of an ordinance that would not require sidewalks in residential areas if a sidewalk does not already exist.

Sidewalks are generally required along all streets in the city, the ordinance previously stated. However, there are some streets that house older homes or vacant lots where sidewalks were not built. For the last few months, council has discussed whether new homes on those streets ought to require sidewalks or if the ordinance should be revised.

"These properties would include those that are vacant lots or soon-to-be vacant lots,'" City Manager Morad Kabiri said. "If that entire subdivision did not have a sidewalk previously, they would not be required to put in a sidewalk as [the lot] is developed."

The Friendswood Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously voted to amend the ordinance prior to the council meeting. Council voted 7-0 to initially approve the item. The second and final reading will likely be held on Feb. 3.