Short-term rentals, such as Airbnb and Vrbo, will no longer be permitted in areas zoned for residential use in Pearland. 

The details: Pearland City Council voted unanimously at its Feb. 9 meeting to update the city’s unified development code to change where short-term rentals can operate in the city and how many unrelated people can live in a home and still be considered a family for code enforcement purposes.

What else: For housing purposes, the city’s current development code defines a family as any number of persons related by blood or marriage, or four unrelated people living in the same household.

The proposed amendment would change that definition to allow only three unrelated people living in a household to be considered a family, according to previous reporting by Community Impact.

Friendswood ISD’s board of trustees approved a plan to gradually reduce the number of uncertified teachers employed by the district at its Feb. 9 meeting.

The details: Under House Bill 2, passed by the 89th Texas Legislature, the district is required to phase out the use of District of Innovation waivers to hire uncertified teachers in core subjects, including math, science, social studies and English language arts.

As of the 2025-26 school year, the district employs 12 uncertified teachers, primarily in core curriculum areas. All uncertified teachers are currently working toward certification through approved educator preparation programs, or EPPs, according to district documents.

Commissioners will consider and potentially take action on over 300 agenda items Feb. 12, including approving an interlocal agreement for a mental health mapping project in Precinct 4 and a progress update on a countywide flood mapping system.

The big picture: Harris County Flood Control District officials will provide an update to commissioners on the progress and next steps of the MAAPNext project. The project is a collaborative effort with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is also funding the project, and HCFCD to create up-to-date hydrology and flood maps to gauge current and future flooding risks across the county.

Also of note: Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones will seek to approve an interlocal agreement with the University of Houston to conduct an extension of a mental health resource mapping project to "provide actionable data to guide policies, budget priorities, and community engagement strategies aimed at enhancing access to care."

Harris County Commissioners Court meetings are held at 9 a.m. in the administration building at 1001 Preston St., Houston.

Celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse for Lunar New Year at one of multiple celebrations being held across the Greater Houston area.

Lunar New Year at Children's Museum Houston
Enjoy two days of Lunar New Year festivities at the Children's Museum Houston. On Feb. 14, entertainment will begin at 11 a.m. and include a traditional lion dance; a Diabolo, Chinese yo-yo, performance; and a contemporary Chinese dance show. On Feb. 15, at noon, a traditional Chinese dance will take place.

• Feb. 14-15, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• $19.95 (entry for adults and children ages 1 or older), $17.95 (seniors)
• 1500 Binz St., Houston

• Feb. 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• $9 (admission for adults and children 1 year old and older)
• The Woodlands Children's Museum, 4775 West Panther Creek Drive Ste. 280, The Woodlands