The Need for Zoning

Planning and Zoning is authorized by Section 211 of the Texas Local Government Code.  Zoning is a concept whereby certain activities can only be done in certain areas of the city.  For example, a heavy industrial factory should not be located next to a residential area.  The factory would infringe on the health, safety, and welfare of those residents, not to mention depress their property values.  The residents have certain rights to protest the location of the factory.  If the city did not have a zoning ordinance, then those residents would have no grounds to appeal.

The City Staff in the Planning and Zoning Department can assist you with the following to help you along in the process.

• Residential and commercial building plan review.
• Sign permit review
• Check for uses allowed in different zoning districts
• Works with developers on Plats and Replats
• Prepares cases for review by the Planning and Zoning Commission regarding zoning, rezoning, special use permits, and subdivisions
• Prepares cases for the Zoning Board of Adjustments regarding variances, special exceptions, and appeals.