Houston City Council member Alejandra Salinas has introduced an ordinance, called “Keep Houston Clean,” that would require developers to prove lawful disposal of construction waste before receiving permits and before final occupancy approval. The measure is slated for council consideration in November.

According to Community Impact, the ordinance would impose two key requirements on projects that add, remodel, or demolish more than 1,400 square feet of floor area, as well as on all commercial demolition projects. Before a permit is issued, project managers must submit a waste‑management plan detailing where debris will be disposed of legally. After construction, they must provide documentation such as landfill receipts or weight tickets to obtain a certificate of occupancy or final inspection approval.

City officials say the rule is a response to more than 18,000 illegal dumping complaints filed to 311 over the past two years. Of those calls, 92 % originated from ZIP codes where Black or Latino residents constitute the majority, according to Salinas’ office.

To help developers comply, the city would offer a standardized waste‑management form, an educational checklist, and a public directory of licensed disposal facilities and waste haulers. Council Members Tarsha Jackson, Mario Castillo and Edward Pollard, whose districts are among those most affected by illegal dumping, co‑signed the ordinance introduced through Proposition A.

Salinas emphasized that “if you want to build in Houston, you should have to prove your waste was disposed of legally,” adding that the ordinance provides a “commonsense standard” and stronger tools for the city to hold violators accountable.

What’s next: The ordinance will be debated by the full City Council in November. If approved, the new requirements would take effect for all qualifying construction, demolition and renovation projects thereafter, giving residents a clearer path to report violations and ensuring that waste is handled responsibly.

Sources: communityimpact.com