It’s possible this land is subject to delinquent taxes that, in Texas, incur significant interest.
Also, I’d want to know about zoning to see if the city has restricted the use of the land. Zoning is a double-edged sword as well.
Why wouldn't this land immediately be forfeited to the city?
Yes, hence the point of a vacancy tax, but that’s not relevant in the scenario here where they’re not paying. Having a short period, especially for non-residential property, is a good way to discourage tax cheating and it also helps with cleanup: the best time to deal with toxic waste was when it was generated but the second best time is now and absentee owners aren’t going to volunteer to do that. Seizing the land at least lets the government plan to do something useful with in an orderly manner before it starts causing problems too big to ignore.
The map shows numerous parcels in metropolitan Houston classified as "Ag" property. The devil is in the details, but the map justifies (and encourages) closer inspection.
Wake me when you’ve been encouraged enough to complete your (justified) close inspection.
There is no zoning, that would be kind of dumb and self-defeating in Houston.
Houston was a planned industrial community.
Which is well recognized as even dumber.
You don't see anybody trying to point out when actual zoning was enacted, or that Houston was founded where it was when it was for any other reason than to be the industrial powerhouse of the independent nation of Texas.
Except to serve as the Capitol of the new Nation too, but those guys moved to higher ground one day, I wonder why.
No brag, just fact.
Enquiring minds wanted to know.
Remember what Davy Crockett said when he was going back to Texas that time?
To some people it applies more than others.