Community Development FAQ

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What is my property zoned?

The official zoning map for the City of Pearland can be located here: Interactive Map This map can be used as a tool to identify the zoning of a property within the city limits.

Using the Interactive Zoning Map: To begin, type in the address for the property in the search box located in the upper left corner. Press enter or click on the auto populated address that is provided. Next, click on the “layers list” icon, which is the first icon on the top located on left-hand side of the page. Click the “Planning” box and the drop-down arrow on the left side of the box. Here you can select more detailed parcel information such as zoning, flood zone, utilities etc. Selected layers of information will be visible on the map.

Official Zoning Verification Letters can be requested using this link: Zoning Verification Letter. Please note that there is a fee associated with these requests.

How do I verify if my property has been platted?

Using the Interactive Map (instruction on how to utilize this featured noted in previous question), have planning and parcel layer selected. Click on the parcel and navigate thru the options to view the information. The first pop up window will either share the recorded plat name or parcel information. If there parcel information is shared and there are no other layers selected, then the property is very likely not platted.

What is a plat and when is a plat required?

A plat is a drawing that shows the legal boundaries of land and its adjoining streets and parcels. The purpose of platting is to assure that the division or development of the land is consistent with all standards of the Unified Development Code. Platting is required for all un-platted parcel development prior to further development of the property.
Click the link to learn more about plats: Plat Cut Sheet

Does the City keep copies of property surveys or recorded plats?

What is the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ)?

What is the zoning of my property if I live in the ETJ?

Where is the Land Use Matrix located in the Unified Development Code (UDC)?

The City’s Land Use Matrix is a guide to understanding what land uses are permitted in non-residential and residential zoning districts. The matrix includes permitted land uses, conditional use land uses, prohibited land uses and temporary construction permits. A Permitted Use (shown as P in the matrix) is a land use that is permitted by right in the specific zoning district. A Conditional Use (shown as C in the matrix) may be allowed in a zoning district upon approval of a Conditional Use Permit. A Temporary Commerical Permit (shown as T in the matrix) is a land use that is permitted as a temporary commercial permit. A blank square in the land use matrix means that the land use is prohibited in that specific zoning district.

The land use matrix is located within Chapter 2 of the UDC, starting on page 105. Click on the link to access:Unifed Development Code

Requirements to opening a Vape, Smoke, Tabacco, Cannabidiol (CBD) or Head Sales shop?

A proposed Vape, Smoke, Tabacco, Cannabidiol (CBD) or Head Sales shop requires a Conditional Use Permit in the M-2 zoning district. The land use is prohibited in all other zoning districts,
Each facility established after February 14, 2022, must meet the following conditions:
- A distance of 1,000 feet shall be required from the property line where the use is being conducted to the property line of a School, Place of Worship, or Child Day Care Center.
- A distance of 300 feet shall be required from the property line where the use is being conducted to the right-of-way of a residential subdivision entrance.
- For properties that have frontage on a Corridor Overlay District, the use being conducted may not be within the first 300 feet from the property line of the designated roadway.
- The use may only operate between the hours of 8:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. each day.

Where is a Tattoo or Body Piercing studio allowed within city limits?

Are Short Term Rentals (STR) allowed in Pearland allowed and what are the requirements?

What are the requirements to construct an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?

Accessory Dwelling Unit is defined as: A subordinate building that is detached from the primary on-site structure, is used as a residence, is incidental to the main structure (i.e., the building area must be significantly less than that of the main structure) and is not involved in the conduct of a business.
If the property is in a residential district, A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is required to be applied for and approved by the Planning & Zoning Commission and the City Council prior to any construction. If the property is located in a commercial zoning district, a CUP is required for the Cullen-Mixed Use District, Garden-O'Day Mixed Use District and Residential Retail Nodes District. All other commercial zoning districts prohibit ADU’s.
Click the link to learn more about how to submit for a CUP: Zone Change

What are the requirements to building a shed or other accessory buildings?

Click the link to review Chapter 2, Divisions 3 of the UDC to learn more: Unifed Development Code
Accessory Uses & Structures are permitted in all zoning districts. Please review and apply Division 3 to any plan sets. If the proposed building exceeds 120 square feet for Commercial and 200 square feet for Residential, zoning regulations related to yard requirements apply and a permit must be submitted for review with the City.
There are fees associated with accessory structures.

What are the requirements to apply for a home occupation? Where is the list of prohibited home occupations?

Can I replace an existing mobile home with a new mobile home?

Where do I find information on required yard setbacks for my property?

Where can I build a pool in my backyard? What do I need to apply for?

Where are the fence requirements located in the Unified Development Code?

I’m just moving into a suite, what do I need to do to begin operating?

Please call the Planning Department at 281-652-1770 to confirm the zoning of the property and if your new business is a permitted land use for that area.
An Operating Certificate and the appropriate licensing are required.
When selling food a food license is required.
If you are moving walls, increasing the building’s footprint, adding parking, altering the suite, or if the scope of work contains a mixture of plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work this will require permitting and inspections prior to occupancy.
To learn more about Operating Certificates, click the link: Operating Certificates

How do I schedule a Consultation or Pre-Development Meeting?

Where can I find development applications, submittal requirements, and checklists?

How do I apply for a building permit?

What are signage requirements and where do I apply for a permit?

Can I have feather flags or banners temporally displayed for my business?

What are the steps to remove a tree on residential or commercial property?

Evaluate the tree and its location to determine if it requires a permit. This may involve hiring a professional consultant to conduct a tree survey.
If applicable, submit a Tree Survey to the city’s Urban Forestry department for review and approval.
According to the Unified Development Code (UDC) Section 4.2.3.3, no person may cut down, remove, or destroy a tree within city limits without first submitting a Tree Survey and obtaining approval. Be sure to review the UDC to confirm whether a permit is required for your specific situation.
Ensure your tree removal plan adheres to all relevant regulations, including any required mitigation efforts.

City of Pearland, TX