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1. What is the purpose of zoning?

Zoning is the practice of dividing an area into districts within which regulations and requirements uniformly govern the use, placement, spacing and size of land and buildings. Zoning is most often utilized to protect properties from incompatible adjacent land uses and to preserve the “character” of a community.

2. What is a zoning district?

A Zoning District defines the types of primary and accessory uses that can be developed and what types of development standards will govern that use. Development standards include but are not limited to lot size, lot width, setbacks, heights of structures and buildings, lot coverage and screening.

3. How can I find out how my property is zoned?

You can determine the zoning of a property by looking at the zoning map (on website) Then refer to the Code of Ordinances (Article 9.04 Zoning Ordinance) for District Regulations. Additionally, you can call the Planning and Development Department or send an email to a Planner (see staff directory) if you need additional information regarding zoning.

4. What is my property zoned if I live in the ETJ?

There are no zoning districts in the ETJ. The city’s zoning authority does not extend to its ETJ. However, the city’s Subdivision Regulations do extend to the ETJ.

5. How can citizens participate in the zoning process?

One of the principal functions of municipal government is to encourage citizen participation within the framework of local government operations and decision making. During a public hearing, the applicant and people in favor of or opposed to the zoning request may present their views. In addition to speaking at the public hearing, you may also send letters to the Commission and Council either directly or through the Planning and Development Office, or you may discuss the case with the Planning and Development Staff. A petition is a more formal process of registering your support for or opposition to a zoning request. A petition may influence the Planning and Zoning Commission and/or the City Council’s decision. A petition becomes a permanent part of the case and must be filed with staff. Regardless of the type of petition, there is no legal effect on the Planning and Zoning Commission’s vote. A simple majority vote recommending approval or denial of a zoning request is all that is required of the Commission. However, the Commission’s decision may be influenced by petitions of support or opposition. Petitions of support may influence final Council action, but they have no legal effect. Petitions of opposition submitted to staff, that are properly notarized and meet state and local criteria will invoke a required three-fourths vote of approval to permit a change. In order to invoke the mandatory three-fourths approval, the petition must be signed by the owners of at least 20 percent of either: 

• the total area of the land (whether platted or otherwise) included within the boundaries of the proposed change; or, 
• the total area of the land (whether platted or otherwise) outside of the boundaries of the proposed change and within 200 feet of any point of the land proposed to be changed. Only one vote per lot in support or opposition per owner is permitted. The "owner" is the owner shown on the city’s most recently approved ad valorem tax roles. For example, if John Doe appears as the owner on the tax rolls, then the signature on the petition should be John Doe. If joint ownership appears on the tax rolls, i.e., John and Mary Doe, then John Doe and/or Mary Doe should sign the petition. Additionally, the person who collected the petitioners’ signatures should sign a sworn notarized statement that he/she witnessed the petition being signed by the petitioners.

6. How does the Planning & Zoning Commission review zoning cases?

The Planning and Zoning Commission is an appointed advisory body to the City Council. The Commission normally meets: The first Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. Municipal Complex Council Chambers 120 West 7th Street. The applicant or a representative is expected to attend the Commission hearing and typically make a short presentation supporting the request. The Planning and Zoning Commission will attempt to reach a decision recommending approval or denial of the zoning change on the night of the hearing. If more time is needed, the Planning and Zoning Commission may either continue the public hearing to a future date or table the case.

7. How does the City Council review zoning cases?

If the Commission recommends approval of a zoning change request, or an amended version of the request, the case is automatically forwarded to City Council for another public hearing. The Council's public hearing is typically held three weeks after the Planning and Zoning Commission public hearing. City Council public hearings are held during regular Council meetings. The Council meets: Second and Fourth Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. Municipal Complex Council Chambers 120 West 7th. Street. The applicant or a representative is expected to attend the Council public hearing to make a presentation supporting the request. After the public hearing, the Council may vote on the request for approval, table the request, or deny the request.

8. If zoning changes on a property, what is the effective date of the new zoning?

After the request is approved the Ordinance is effective on the publication date.