C-2 · Orange Co., FL Code updated Jun 2025 GC · Maricopa, AZ Corridor expansion approved HC · Harris Co., TX Drive-thru stacking updated CB · Mecklenburg, NC FAR bonus program extended B-3 · Cook Co., IL CUP process streamlined BU-2 · Miami-Dade, FL Height limits amended C-2 · Fulton Co., GA Drive-thru by-right confirmed CS · Travis Co., TX New transit overlay effective CB · King Co., WA SEPA threshold raised M-1 · Duval Co., FL FAR increased to 0.50 MUDD · Charlotte, NC South End overlay expanded CG · Hillsborough, FL New drive-thru stacking rules C-2 · Orange Co., FL Code updated Jun 2025 GC · Maricopa, AZ Corridor expansion approved HC · Harris Co., TX Drive-thru stacking updated CB · Mecklenburg, NC FAR bonus program extended B-3 · Cook Co., IL CUP process streamlined BU-2 · Miami-Dade, FL Height limits amended C-2 · Fulton Co., GA Drive-thru by-right confirmed CS · Travis Co., TX New transit overlay effective CB · King Co., WA SEPA threshold raised M-1 · Duval Co., FL FAR increased to 0.50 MUDD · Charlotte, NC South End overlay expanded CG · Hillsborough, FL New drive-thru stacking rules
Active Zone · Harris County Primary · Harris County, TX  Verified

HC Highway Commercial
Harris County Primary, Texas

Auto-oriented commercial along state highways and freeway frontage roads. Large-format retail, gas stations, auto dealers, distribution. Key along I-45, US-59, and US-290.

Harris County, Texas
Harris County Primary · county
Harris County Dev. Regs. §4.3
Updated: 2025-05-20 9.4K Parcels

Jurisdiction Context

Harris County Primary county county_primary

This zone is currently grouped under Harris County Primary inside Harris County. In counties with city-level zoning authorities, standards can vary across jurisdictions even when zone labels look similar.

Max Height
N/A
Feet
Max FAR
0.40
Floor Area Ratio
Min. Lot Size
10K
sq ft · 0.23 ac
75 ft frontage
Max Lot Coverage
80%
of gross lot area
Impervious surface cap

Comparative Market Context

Density vs. County Average

At FAR 0.4, this zone allows 21% more floor area ratio than the Harris County commercial zone average of 0.33 — allowing developers to generate more gross floor area per land dollar.

Lot Coverage vs. Average

This zone allows 14% more lot coverage than the Harris County commercial zone average (70%), reflecting a meaningful advantage for parking-intensive uses like QSR, gas stations, and drive-thru retail.

County Portfolio Position

There are 6 total zoning designations in Harris County, of which 3 are commercial. HC is among the most flexible for commercial uses. This zone accounts for approximately 19% of all commercially zoned parcels in the county.

Land Value Context

At Harris County's average land value of $34.2/sf and a FAR of 0.4, the implied land cost per buildable square foot in HC p5_zones is approximately $85.5/sf — a competitive entry point relative to regional commercial land benchmarks.

Development Standards

RequirementStandardNotes / ConditionsCode Ref.
Front Setback
From ROW
25 ft §4.3
Rear Setback
Interior lot
20 ft §4.3
Side Setback
Interior / Corner
5 / 25 ft Zero interior common; corner varies §4.3
Floor Area Ratio (FAR)
0.40 §4.3
Impervious Surface
Max lot coverage
80% Stormwater retention required for remainder §4.3
Min. Lot Size
10,000 sf 75 ft min. frontage §4.3
Parking: Retail
Per 1,000 sf GLA
3.0 spaces Shared parking may reduce; ADA per IBC §4.3
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Permitted Uses

The HC zone's permitted use schedule for Harris County, TX is currently being verified from source documents.

By-Right — no special permit needed Conditional (CUP / BZA required) Prohibited in this zone

No byright uses recorded for this zone yet.

No conditional uses recorded for this zone yet.

No prohibited uses recorded for this zone yet.

Zoning Map — HC in Harris County

ℹ️ HC Corridors in Harris County

Connect a GIS data source (Regrid, Esri, or county open data portal) to render live parcel-level zoning maps. ByRightHQ Pro subscribers get embedded map tiles for all 9.4K HC parcels in Harris County. Average asking price for HC land: $34.20/sf.

National Benchmarks

HC in Harris County compared to equivalent commercial zones nationally (n = 2,841 zones across 50 states).

Max FAR
Harris County: 0.40 Nat. avg: 0.45
0.101.0+
Max Building Height (ft)
Harris County: 0 Nat. avg: 48
25 ft100+ ft
By-Right Uses (count)
Harris County: 0 Nat. avg: 19
535+
Avg. Permit Timeline (days)
Harris County: 90 Nat. avg: 110
30d180+ d

🔒 Pro: Full national benchmarking dashboard — 14 metrics, parcel search, PDF export

Development Yield Calculator

Instant Build Potential for HC
Enter your lot size — see maximum buildable area in real time
HC Harris County
sq ft
Max Buildable GFA
Enter lot size above
Max Footprint
Coverage limit
Est. Stories
@ 12 ft/floor
Bonus FAR GFA
With incentives
Est. Parking Req.
@ 3.0/1K sf retail

Free Calculators for This Zone

Entitlement Process — Harris County

01
Pre-Application Meeting (PAM)
Free consultation with Harris County Development Review Division. Bring a conceptual site plan. Typically 2–4 week wait. Identify overlay districts, activity center requirements, and environmental constraints early.
2–4 weeks
02
DRC / Site Plan Submission
Submit to Development Review Committee. Requires engineered site plan, landscape plan, stormwater analysis (per local SJRWMD/TCEQ/CDOT requirements), and traffic study if >100 PM peak-hour trips.
30–90 days
03
Building Permit
Submit to Harris County Building Division. Fire, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical sub-permits included. Expedited commercial review available in most Florida, Texas, and Arizona p5_counties.
4–12 weeks
04
Certificate of Occupancy
Final inspections: Building, Fire Marshal, Health (food service), Zoning. Business Tax Receipt or Business License required from local authority prior to opening.
Final Step

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HC zoning in Harris County, TX?
Auto-oriented commercial along state highways and freeway frontage roads. Large-format retail, gas stations, auto dealers, distribution. Key along I-45, US-59, and US-290.
What is the maximum building height for HC in Harris County?
Building height varies by project; consult Harris County Planning.
Can you build a drive-thru in HC zoning in Harris County?
Drive-thru permissibility depends on the specific use type. Verify with Harris County Planning & Zoning.
What is the minimum lot size for HC zoning in Harris County?
The minimum lot size for HC zoning in Harris County is 10,000 square feet (0.23 acres). Minimum street frontage is 75 feet.
⚠ This information is sourced from publicly available zoning codes and is for informational reference only. Always verify current regulations directly with Harris County Primary Planning & Zoning before making investment or development decisions. Last verified: 2025-05-20. Contact: 713-274-3900.