Brownsville Zoning & Land Use Guide

Sources checked· 2026-05-24

Last updated: 2026-05-24Verified: 2026-05-24

Notable local initiatives in Brownsville

Named ordinances, statutes, and reforms specific to Brownsville — each linked to an official source you can verify directly.

Imagine Brownsville Comprehensive Plan(2009)
The Imagine Brownsville Comprehensive Plan was adopted on July 21, 2009 and received the American Planning Association's 2009 Comprehensive Planning Award. It set a 10-year community vision and remains the foundational comprehensive plan referenced by the Planning and Redevelopment Services Department.
Source · brownsvilletx.gov
Downtown Overlay District (Ordinance 2017-235.87)(2017)
Adopted August 1, 2017 as Ordinance No. 2017-235.87, the Downtown Overlay District (DOD) waives applicable building and zoning fees for qualifying new retail, service, art, and entertainment businesses obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy in downtown Brownsville. It is one of the city's principal downtown-revitalization tools.
Source · brownsvilletx.gov
Downtown Form-Based Code
Brownsville maintains a Downtown Form-Based Code addressing downtown and surrounding neighborhoods, with provisions for mixed-use development, housing diversity, and Complete Streets principles. The Brownsville UDC and Form-Based Code have been recognized by APA Texas.
Source · brownsvilletx.gov
Texas Local Government Code Chapter 211 (state zoning enabling authority)
Brownsville's zoning power derives from Texas Local Government Code Chapter 211 (Municipal Zoning Authority), which requires zoning to be 'in accordance with a comprehensive plan' (a role filled by Imagine Brownsville) and prescribes the procedural framework for amendments and board of adjustment relief.
Source · statutes.capitol.texas.gov

Key Zoning Facts

Local Zoning / Building Office

City of Brownsville Planning Department(956) 548-6150

Zoning Map

View Official Zoning Map

Building Code Edition

Locally adopted (IBC/IRC based)

ADU / Accessory Apartment

Verify by district

Example District

R-1 — Single-Family Residential 1

Max Height

35 ft

Regulatory Layers That Apply in Brownsville

Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.

Federal

FEMA flood mapping: check parcel-specific flood-zone status
View FEMA Flood Map

State — Texas

Building Code: No statewide building code (locally adopted)

View Texas zoning overview

County — Cameron County

Role: County-level property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning

City / Municipal

The municipality's zoning ordinance, building-code enforcement, and local permits form the primary local layer of land-use regulation for your property.

Overlay Districts

No overlay districts identified.

Private Restrictions

Private covenants, deed restrictions, condominium rules, or association rules can impose requirements beyond zoning.
Check HOA CC&Rs and deed restrictions for additional requirements.

Primary Zoning Districts

R-1Single-Family Residential 1

Min Lot: 8,400 sq ft
Max Height: 35 ft
Front Setback: 25 ft
Side Setback: 5 ft
Rear Setback: 20 ft

R-2Single-Family Residential 2

Min Lot: 7,000 sq ft
Max Height: 35 ft
Front Setback: 20 ft
Side Setback: 5 ft
Rear Setback: 15 ft

R-3Multi-Family Residential

Min Lot: Varies
Max Height: Varies
Front Setback: Varies
Side Setback: Varies
Rear Setback: Varies

C-1Commercial District 1

Min Lot: Varies
Max Height: Varies
Front Setback: Varies
Side Setback: Varies
Rear Setback: Varies

C-2Commercial District 2

Min Lot: Varies
Max Height: Varies
Front Setback: Varies
Side Setback: Varies
Rear Setback: Varies

C-3Commercial District 3

Min Lot: Varies
Max Height: Varies
Front Setback: Varies
Side Setback: Varies
Rear Setback: Varies

I-1Light Industrial

Min Lot: Varies
Max Height: Varies
Front Setback: Varies
Side Setback: Varies
Rear Setback: Varies

I-2Heavy Industrial

Min Lot: Varies
Max Height: Varies
Front Setback: Varies
Side Setback: Varies
Rear Setback: Varies

District Code	Name	Min Lot	Max Height	Front Setback	Side Setback	Rear Setback	FAR
R-1	Single-Family Residential 1	8,400 sq ft	35 ft	25 ft	5 ft	20 ft	—
R-2	Single-Family Residential 2	7,000 sq ft	35 ft	20 ft	5 ft	15 ft	—
R-3	Multi-Family Residential	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies	—
C-1	Commercial District 1	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies	—
C-2	Commercial District 2	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies	—
C-3	Commercial District 3	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies	—
I-1	Light Industrial	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies	—
I-2	Heavy Industrial	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies	—

Permit Costs & Timelines

Check Current Permit Fees & Timelines

Permit fees and review times can vary by project type, scope, valuation, and required approvals. Check the current schedule with the local permitting authority before filing.

Check current Brownsville permit information →

Official Sources

City-specific

City of Brownsvillebrownsvilletx.govOfficial source Brownsville Municipal Codelibrary.municode.comOfficial source

Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Zoning codes and building regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local planning department and building authority before making any decisions.