Deed Restrictions

Our deed restrictions ensure the preservation of our historic neighborhood.

Although the City of Houston has no zoning, many Houston neighborhoods do have deed restrictions that were stipulated in their original development. Lancaster Place, Extensions 1-3, are among these. It is a central charge of the Lancaster Place Civic Association to monitor new development within the neighborhood to ensure that our deed restrictions are maintained. As a rare neighborhood that has kept its original deed restrictions intact, Lancaster Place has been able to protect its character yet also accommodate development, while ensuring the neighborhood remains a desirable and vital place to live.

The following deed restrictions are the most common ones within the Lancaster Place Extensions. Variations can occur among extensions 1, 2 and 3. It is the responsibility of sellers and potential buyers to confirm restrictions on individual properties.

Guidelines

1. Setback of the house (and other improvements) from the front property line:
   No residence or other building, or other improvement of any kind, shall be erected nearer than twenty-five (25') feet from the front property line. The front line of the front porch of the house is to be considered the house line.
    
2. Setback of the garage (and other such buildings) from the front property line:
   The garage and other such buildings must be set back from the front property line by 75 feet. (This includes both attached and detached garages.)
    
3. Front Yard Fences:
   No fence is allowed within 35 feet of the front property line unless it is an iron picket fence, not to exceed 30 inches in height.
    
4. Orientation:
   All residences must face on streets running east and west.
    
5. Prohibition of businesses on the property:
   No property shall “ever be used for any business purposes of any character whatsoever.”
    
6. Life of restrictions:
   “Running with the land.”

A cursory survey of Lancaster Place may reveal instances in which properties are not in compliance with its stated deed restrictions. These violations predate the formation of the Civic Association. They are not evidence that deed restrictions have been lost.

LPCA is a voluntary Civic Association and is not a mandatory membership Home Owners Association.