What makes the Heights different from the rest of Houston?
The Heights began in the 1890s as a separate planned town and was annexed by Houston in 1918. It sits inside city limits, so Chapter 42 and the floodplain rules apply as they do elsewhere in Houston. What sets it apart is history: parts of the neighborhood are city historic districts, including Houston Heights East.
Do I need historic approval for an ADU in the Heights?
If your lot is inside a city historic district, yes. As of October 2026, new construction there, including a new garage or garage apartment, needs a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Houston Archaeological & Historical Commission. Staff review the plans against the Houston Heights design guidelines, which set measurable limits such as lot coverage and floor area ratio. Not every Heights address is in a district, so we check yours first.
What usually matters on a Heights lot?
- Lot coverage and floor area. Historic district guidelines count the main house and garage together, so a large house leaves less room for a second unit.
- Height and windows. Two-story garages are reviewed for height and how they face neighbors.
- Deed restrictions. Some Heights sections have recorded restrictions. We pull yours before design.
- Old utilities. Century-old houses can have sewer lines and electrical service that need upgrading to carry a second unit.
What could an ADU rent for in the Heights?
As of late October 2026, Zumper lists an average asking rent of about $1,999 for the Greater Heights, across all unit sizes. A 2026 Houston brokerage guide estimated about $1,800 to $1,950 a month for a 600 sq ft one-bedroom there. See our Houston rent guide.
Should I build a garage apartment or a cottage in the Heights?
It depends on your lot width, the existing garage and whether you are in a historic district. On many narrow Heights lots a garage apartment keeps parking and yard space. A one-story cottage can be easier to approve where height is the concern. Send your address and we will tell you which is realistic.
Related
As of October 2026. Sources: City of Houston Planning & Development and Houston Archaeological & Historical Commission staff reports (Houston Heights East); Zumper, Houston rent research (October 2026); Harbert Group, Houston ADU guide (2026); Houston Heights history as published on Wikipedia.
Check your Heights lot
Send your address. We confirm historic district status, restrictions and the existing garage before design.