Southampton Civic Club Inc.

Southampton's Alleys

In any careful analysis of why Southampton, in the 80 years since it was laid out and built, remains one of Houstons most desirable and high-value neighborhoods, its alley arrangement deserves some major credit. Consider first the small size of most lots: most are 60 feet wide, and those along Sunset and Rice Blvd. somewhat wider. Were these mostly small lots to be arranged for the customary suburban front double garage and driveway, the attractive green streetscape that predominates in Southampton would be missing, and garage doors, automobiles, and clutter would predominate.

Consider also that garbage pickup, electric and telephone utilities, gas lines, and sanitary sewer are all in the alley. And therein lies the problem, and its a growing one. The basic alley consists of an 8-foot vehicular pavement with 3-foot easements on each side that are home to overhead telephone and electric lines, and buried gas and sewer lines. This 14-foot zone should be completely free of any obstruction whatever except for at-grade driveway approach aprons in order to ensure completely adequate access for SUVs and large service vehicles such as garbage trucks and utility service vehicles.

Curbs, low and high walls, fences and gates of every description, garages, and house structures that encroach on the 3-foot easements violate the deed restrictions and create difficult and unsightly conditions. The City of Houston discontinued Southampton trash collection in 1998 because automated trash collection vehicles could not operate in the alleys without hitting things, forcing Southampton to contract, at extra cost to residents, with a private collection service.

If garbage racks, sheds, or any similar structures are desired, clearance of the alley right of way requires that you build them in a recessed area clear of the easement. Racks should be large enough to accommodate at least two garbage cans and several yard waste bags.

Another serious problem is that storm water drainage from backyards into the alleys and out to the main street storm water collection system is no longer working for many of the alleys, resulting in the ponding of water for long periods of time. It is therefore advisable that drainage be directed to the street, not the alley.

It is also important to restrict landscaping to low, non-woody plants and vines along the alleys and to keep them trimmed neatly to ensure safe and clear passage for trash collection vehicles and automobiles. Trees and woody bushes such as ligustrums should never be planted in the alley easement.

We encourage owners to address these problems in a serious way by assessing and documenting any problems, and by thinking about solutions. Our semi -annual Alley Rally was established for this purpose. We need to take action to assure another 80 years of maintaining a good place to live in Southampton.

Please contact Traffic and Infrastructure Chairman, John Thompson at jt@mancuso-hd.com with your ideas and suggestions for the alleys.

Alley Links