Houston Planning Commission defers Alberta Villas replat over deed restriction concerns

Houston's Planning Commission took significant steps during its July 10, 2025, meeting, particularly regarding two key applications that raised community concerns over compliance with existing deed restrictions.

The commission voted to defer a replat application for Alberta Villas, which aims to create six single-family residential lots on a property that currently complies with minimum lot size restrictions. Residents and representatives from the Brookhaven Civic Club voiced strong opposition, arguing that the proposed replat would violate existing deed restrictions that mandate larger lot sizes. Amy Denn, a representative from Lone Star Legal Aid, emphasized the importance of adhering to these restrictions, highlighting past instances where similar applications were approved despite community objections. The commission agreed to defer the decision for two weeks to allow for further legal review of the restrictions, ensuring that the community's concerns are adequately addressed.

In a contrasting decision, the commission approved a separate application for Crossing Place, which involves creating two commercial reserves on a property in Harris County's extraterritorial jurisdiction. This application did not face any opposition, as it met all notification requirements and did not request any variances.

The outcomes of these discussions reflect the commission's commitment to balancing development interests with community rights and existing regulations. The deferral of the Alberta Villas application underscores the importance of thorough legal review and community input in the planning process, while the approval of Crossing Place demonstrates the commission's support for compliant developments that align with local needs. As the commission moves forward, these decisions will shape the future landscape of Houston and its surrounding areas, emphasizing the need for ongoing dialogue between developers and residents.