Houston has some robust rules about where you can build homes. Many of the rules focus on Houston floodplain building restrictions. In the past, builders couldn’t construct houses on properties within the 100-year floodplain. New regulations have extended the area to 500-year floodplains.
Houston also has a “No New Fill” regulation that prevents you from adding net paving, grading, earthwork, and buildings to properties near floodplains.
Note that you can make changes to the property, but you cannot add to the net fill. Your construction company should know how to help you evaluate properties and regulations while you’re buying land to build a house.