Frequently Asked Questions


QUESTION
What is my property zoned?

ANSWER
If you would like to know the zoning classification of your property, you may view the zoning for every property in the City of Tomball by viewing our Tomball Zoning Map.
However, if you would like an official zoning verification letter from the City identifying your property’s zoning classification, please fill out and submit a Zoning Verification Application at 501 James Street, Tomball, TX 77375.

QUESTION
What uses are allowed in my zoning district? What can I do with my property?

ANSWER
The City of Tomball has a Land Use Matrix which identifies permitted uses of each individual zoning district (residential and non-residential).
If you are looking to develop on your property, you may view our Zoning Ordinance which establishes land use and development standards for every property in the City. If you have further inquiries or are unsure of where your property falls within the Zoning Ordinance, you may contact the Community Development Coordinator at (281) 290-1405.
If your desired plans do not comply with the current Zoning Ordinance, you may fill out and submit an application for Rezoning at 501 James Street, Tomball, TX 77375. The submittal requirements can be found on the application. It is highly encouraged that you contact the Planner to discuss the request prior to submitting a zone change application.
Please note all zone change requests have to go before the Planning & Zoning Commission along with City Council. Once submitted, your request will be placed on the next available meeting agendas after meeting all public noticing requirements.

QUESTION
How do I rezone my property?

ANSWER
To request rezoning, you may fill out and submit a Rezoning Application at 501 James Street, Tomball, TX 77375. The submittal requirements can be found on the application. It is highly encouraged that you contact the City Planner to discuss the request prior to submitting a zone change application.
Please note all zone change requests have to go before the Planning & Zoning Commission along with City Council. Once submitted, your request will be placed on the next available meeting agendas after meeting all public noticing requirements.

QUESTION
How do I get a Conditional Use Permit?

ANSWER
To request a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), you may fill out a Conditional Use Permit Application and submit at 501 James Street, Tomball, TX 77375. It is highly encouraged that you contact the City Planner to discuss the request prior to submitting a zone change application.
Please note all Conditional Use Permit requests have to go before the Planning & Zoning Commission along with City Council. Once submitted, your request will be placed on the next available meeting agendas after meeting all public noticing requirements.

QUESTION
Can I set up a meeting to discuss the development of my property with City staff?

ANSWER
Yes, of course. You may contact the Community Development Coordinator at (281) 290-1405 to set up a meeting. It will be helpful to provide the HCAD number or address of the property.
Once a meeting is scheduled, please gather any useful materials to bring with you, such as a conceptual site plan. If you have an architect/engineer/contractor already, they are welcome and encouraged to attend the meeting as well.

QUESTION
Under the Comprehensive Plan, what is the Future Land Use designation for my property?

ANSWER
The Future Land Use designation for every property in the City can be found by viewing our Future Land Use Map. Under the Comprehensive Plan, the Future Land Use Plan is intended to guide growth in alignment with Tomball’s Vision.

QUESTION
Does the Zoning Ordinance apply to properties in the City’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ)?

ANSWER
No, zoning is not applicable in the City’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). However, our Subdivision Platting (Chapter 40) and Signs (Chapter 34) regulations do apply.

QUESTION 
How do I apply for a variance or special exception?

ANSWER
 In order to apply for a variance or special exception, you may fill out a Variance or Special Exception Application and submit at 501 James Street, Tomball, TX 77375. It is highly encouraged that you contact the City Planner to discuss the request prior to submitting a zone change application.
Please note all variances/special exceptions have to go before the Board of Adjustments. Once submitted, your request will be placed on the next available meeting agenda after meeting all public noticing requirements.
If you are unsure of whether you need to apply for a variance or special exception (a type of variance), please see definitions below:
Variance(s) Defined - A variance is the authority to depart from the application of areas, side yards, setback, height, and similar regulations to prevent unnecessary hardships. Refer to Section 50.33 of the Code of Ordinances for additional information. No variance shall be granted for any requirement outside of Chapter 50 (Zoning).
Special Exception Defined - A special exception is a type of variance, but is differentiated from a variance in that a special exception does not require a finding of a hardship and applies only to nonconforming uses and structures, off-street parking requirements and landscaping requirements.
QUESTION 
What is a Public Improvement District (PID)?

ANSWER
Click here to learn more about PIDs. The City of Tomball currently has eight subdivisions with PID assessments. Click here to see current assessments.