Title
Hold a public hearing on an ordinance amending Chapter 125 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of League City, entitled, “Unified Development Code”, related to platting authority (Director of Planning)
Background:
Project Timeline:
September 9, 2024 - The Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing and recommended approval, 7-0-0.
September 24, 2024 - The City Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing and hear the proposed ordinance on first reading.
October 8, 2024 - The City Council will consider the request on second reading.
Project Summary:
A public hearing is required to consider the proposed text amendment to the Unified Development Code.
The proposed ordinance amendment aims to streamline platting processes by allowing administrative approval of plats. A summary of the proposed change is listed below.
Proposed Changes to Platting Approval Authority
During the last legislative session, the Texas Legislature amended Section 212.0065 of the Texas Local Government Code to allow the delegation of platting approval authority from the Planning and Zoning Commission to one or more officers or employees of the municipality. Staff is proposing the approval authority of plats be delegated to the Planning Director. This delegation of authority aims to streamline the approval process and enhance efficiency by empowering the Planning Director to handle plat approvals instead of relying on the commission for each decision. This should shorten the timeline for approvals and reduce staff time creating commission documents and attending meetings.
In addition, several other minor changes were made to clarify some of the requirements. Those changes are listed below.
- The public notification requirement for residential replats was relocated within the ordinance.
- The ordinance was amended to allow the City Planner, Director of Public Works, or City Engineer the authority to refer any plat to Planning and Zoning Commission for approval.
- Private Street Agreements will go to straight to City Council rather than the Planning and Zoning Commission.
- Provide the Director of Engineering authority to approve utility locations outside of easements rather than the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Development Services Strategic Plan
The proposed ordinance amendments are consistent with several initiatives of the Development Services Strategic Plan, including:
- Investigate the feasibility of empowering the administrative approval of plats.
o The ordinance amendment to Chapter 5 (Subdivisions) of the UDC will designate administrative approval authority to staff.
- Regularly review ordinances to flag opportunities for policy improvements.
o The proposed ordinance amendment is a result of staff reviewing the Unified Development Code and finding ways to help streamline development processes.
- Ensure that new and modified policies and procedures are proactively communicated to all patrons and that reasonable implementation (lead) time is provided.
o Staff met with stakeholders to discuss the proposed ordinance amendment. There were no objections to the proposed changes.
- Utilize Strategic Planning Advisory Committee (SPAC) or a professional group as a sounding board for proposed policies.
o The proposed ordinance was sent to the SPAC for comment prior to City Council consideration.
On September 9, 2024, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the proposed text amendments, 7-0-0 with one member absent.
Attachments:
1. Planning and Zoning Commission Staff Report
2. Excerpt Minutes from the September 9, 2024, P&Z Commission Meeting
3. Proposed Redlines (Platting Authority)
Origination:
Planning Department
Applicant: City of League City
FUNDING
{X} NOT APPLICABLE
STRATEGIC PLANNING
{X} Addresses Strategic Planning Critical Success Factor # 7, Economic Development and Tourism