If you own or manage property in Houston with a detention pond, water quality basin, or other permanent stormwater treatment system, you are likely required to maintain a Storm Water Quality (SWQ) Permit through the City of Houston. One of the most common issues we see is that property owners are unaware that these permits require annual renewal. Missing a renewal can lead to unnecessary headaches, delays, and potential enforcement actions. At Sandlot Engineering, we help pro

Urban Redevelopment & Mixed-Use Development Trends Shaping Cities in 2026 Urban redevelopment and mixed-use development continue to reshape cities across the United States in 2026. As developers, municipalities, and communities prioritize walkability, sustainability, and resilient infrastructure, mixed-use projects are becoming a cornerstone of modern urban planning. From adaptive reuse projects and downtown revitalization efforts to suburban town centers and transit-oriented

The "15-minute city" is a planning concept that has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic....

Walking is a great way to stay active and maintain good health, but it's not just about exercise. Walkable neighborhoods offer a wide...

For decades, cities around the world have implemented minimum parking requirements for new development projects. These requirements...

Following City Council approval of the Walkable Places Transit-Oriented Development initiative in August 2020, the City of Houston modified sidewalk standards to enhance walkability of Houston and improve safety and accessibility in the pedestrian environment. In short, there are new “safety buffers” surrounding sidewalks that must be adhered to for new construction and redevelopment. The safety buffer is typically a 4-ft strip between the edge of the road and the sidewalk.

Stephanie is pursuing her Bachelor's in Civil Engineering at the University of Houston and will graduate in May 2021. Who is someone you...

Juan Carlos brings six year of civil design experience to Sandlot Engineering and holds an Associate degree in Drafting and Design. We...

For the past several decades, Houston’s Code of Ordinances has promoted development dominated by codes that mitigate traffic with building setbacks and off-street parking requirements. This made sense for a long time, as Houston is an auto-centric city with its vast geography and growing population. As we build more parking lots to accommodate drivers, it has taken away buildable area and limited property use. How do we turn the corner to make Houston’s urban areas more acces

The City of Houston Major Thoroughfare and Freeway Plan (MTFP) is a map that identifies sections of roadways that are in need of expansion, either by lengthening or widening. Changes to MTFP can have a big impact on current and future developments, so it is important to understand the map and keep up with yearly updates. To better understand the MTFP, it’s important to understand how Houston roads are classified into a road hierarchy. Once the roads are classified, decisions

When designing a new development, or redevelopment, parking requirements must be a major consideration in the initial planning stages if located inside the city limits of Houston. To help simplify parking necessities, below are the basic requirements according to the Houston Municipal Code, Chapter 26 Article VIII, Off-Street Parking and Loading: Surfaced and maintained with asphalt, concrete, or all-weather surfacing or other permanent hard surfacing material sufficient to

Complete Communities is Mayor Sylvester Turner's plan to revitalize Houston's most under-resourced neighborhoods. The mission of Complete Communities is to create a more equitable and prosperous city for all Houstonians by working with local stakeholders and cross-sector partners to improve designated neighborhoods. Supported by partnerships with banks, endowments and other private entities, the initiative is focused on creating a healthier Houston. The communities featured i

Houston is a vibrant city full of history, culture, and diverse architecture. 10 self-guided tours around Houston that you can enjoy.

Established by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the Opportunity Zones program was created as an innovative economic development tool to...