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Planning director seeks review of Chapter 42 language, warns of plat-related phishing emails and acknowledges retirements
Summary
Houston Planning and Development Director Von Tran asked the Planning Commission to appoint two commissioners to help revise two unclear sections of Chapter 42, warned applicants about a phishing scheme targeting plat applicants, and recognized long‑service department retirees.
Von Tran, the planning commission secretary and director of the Houston Planning and Development Department, told the Planning Commission on May 1 that the department will revisit two sections of Chapter 42 of the City of Houston Code of Ordinances because language in those sections is unclear and creates safety concerns. Tran asked Chair Clark to appoint two commissioners to work with staff on drafting recommended revisions and said the commission will receive a draft when work is completed and set a public hearing at least 30 days later.
Tran said the review will focus on “lot access, minimum lot width, maximum driveway width and garage setback” and on “clean[ing] up unclear language and error in language that failed to meet the intent of protecting certain areas and unneeded duplications.” He said the department will hold community meetings and meet with the Super Neighborhood Alliance during the minimum 30‑day public‑notice period before any ordinance language goes to the Planning Commission and then to City Council.
Tran also warned applicants about a recent scam targeting property owners and consultants who submit plat and variance applications. “Please be advised that the planning department does not send out such emails with invoices and requests for payment,” Tran said, describing emails that appear authentic but come from a non‑city address and request payment via a settlement invoice in exchange for plat approval. He said city Information Technology is investigating and advised applicants not to open attachments or respond to suspicious messages and to contact the Planning Department or the planner‑of‑the‑day phone line for confirmation.
Finally, Tran acknowledged a group of senior staff who are retiring, including long‑service employees on the GIS team and former deputy management staff and two former Planning Commission members who served the city for decades.
The director provided department contact numbers during his report and closed by saying the department will present draft ordinance text to the Planning Commission and schedule public outreach as required by the city’s ordinance and public‑notice procedures.
