Redefining veterinary services in the city, revising the permitted use of multifamily dwellings and establishing a height setback for developments facing major streets in Bellaire are among several amendments being proposed by the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission that will be discussed during a public hearing at the Dec. 15 City Council meeting.

Zooming in: According to the Nov. 25 notice from city officials, zoning code regulations for Bellaire’s mixed-use district corridor could be revised if approved by City Council.

Zooming out: Throughout August and September, Bellaire City Council was presented with a list of proposed changes to the Urban Village-Downtown zoning district, or UV-D zoning code, as part of the city’s efforts to improve its downtown area.

What residents should know: The Dec. 15 public hearing will take place at Bellaire’s council chambers, 7008 S. Rice Ave., Bellaire. City Council will meet at 6 p.m.

International Japanese-inspired retailer Miniso is coming to the Rice Village area in 2026.

The grand opening: The new 9,230 square-foot of retail space is slated to take over the former location of Top Fitness, 2501 Rice Blvd., Houston, which now has Miniso graphics wrapped around the space. Business spokesperson Tommy Friedlander said in an email that the estimated opening date will be in March or April of 2026.

What they offer: Miniso offers a collection of household and consumer goods, such as kitchenware, toys, stationery and cosmetics, with products and brands marketed towards young consumers, including Sanrio, Disney and Snoopy.

• 2501 Rice Blvd., Houston

Several places are kicking off the holiday season with holiday light displays this weekend. 

Sugar Land Holiday Lights
Attendees can enjoy millions of dazzling light displays, a new 9-hole mini golf course, a carnival, a synthetic ice rink and vendors. Santa Claus will also be visiting the lights in Sugar Land through Dec. 23.

• Through Jan. 1
• $18.24 (admission)
• 1 Stadium Drive, Sugar Land

• Through Dec. 31, noon- 10 p.m.
• $24.47- $47.10 (admission)
• Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St., Houston

• Through Jan. 4
• Free
• 2101 Riva Row, The Woodlands

On the heels of what proponents have called “historic” property tax relief, some Texas lawmakers are questioning whether the state can afford to continue increasing the tax exemptions passed in 2023 and 2025.

The big picture: Texas homeowners pay property taxes to various local entities, although lawmakers can limit how much entities increase taxes each year and provide state funding to expand tax exemptions.

Texas is spending $51 billion on property tax relief in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 alone and may be required to spend more to maintain existing tax exemptions in future bienniums, lawmakers said.

What they're saying: "We're kind of maxed out at what we can do for property tax reform, from a budget perspective," said Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, during a Nov. 20 event.

"$51 billion ongoing, it's a huge amount to continue to support. To think about doing anything more seems very fiscally irresponsible," Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, said.

The other side: Rep. Ellen Troxclair, R-Lakeway, said creating limits on local government spending would be critical to keeping Texas affordable.

• Severe storms, tornado cause damage across northern Harris County
• New Caney ISD high schools to add 15 minutes to each school day
• Major projects in Humble and Kingwood result in increased water rates
• Waymo to launch fully autonomous driving in Houston and Dallas in coming weeks
• NRG Energy to build 455-megawatt natural gas power plant in Houston