The code—presented by Erica Craycraft of the privately owned engineering, planning and consulting firm Freese and Nichols—merges Tomball’s zoning, subdivision, sign and manufactured home regulations into one streamlined document. Council’s vote follows a unanimous recommendation from the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Why it matters
Craycraft said the UDC is designed to align Tomball with recent state laws, reflect the city’s comprehensive plan and incorporate national best practices. The update also aims to clarify development processes and make the code easier to navigate for residents, developers and staff.
Craycraft said one of the most significant changes is the creation of a new MF-1 zoning district, which allows triplexes and fourplexes. The district is not currently mapped to any property, but the UDC introduces more “missing middle” housing options for future proposals.
The code also newly permits mixed-use developments in select districts, reflecting the city’s long-term planning goals.
In response to local concerns, parking requirements were updated—most notably requiring two parking spaces per station for nail salons.
Diving in deeper
Recent legislation prompted several updates:
- New rules for rezoning protest thresholds, requiring 60% of nearby property owners to protest for elevated council approval requirements—up from 20%
- State-mandated rezoning signage requirements
- No-impact home-based businesses must be permitted, provided they are not visible from the street, generate no excess traffic and do not use signage.
- Clearer provisions for bed-and-breakfasts and short-term rentals, including Airbnb-style uses
- Revised block-length standards, updated platting procedures and clarified infrastructure requirements
- A fully revised permitted sign type, prohibited signs and maintenance requirements
With the first reading approved, the UDC will return to council for a final vote. Craycraft reminded officials that the code is intended to be a living document, routinely amended as local conditions evolve.
