As a Texas land developer or business owner who has plans for a particular parcel of land, you must conform to zoning and land use regulations for project approval. The restrictions and requirements can hinder development if your plans do not fit with the intended design for the area or district. For land already purchased, filing applications and amendment considerations are among the steps in the approval process. We frequently work with clients in obtaining variances for new projects and understanding zoning requirements.
According to the World Bank, land use and zoning are two different regulation tools that ensure land resources meet current and future needs for the area. They help encourage economic development, preserve historic and natural resources and accommodate growth. New projects must include a variety of factors depending on the location and purpose, taking population, transportation and economic trends into consideration.
Sustainable development
The goal of sustainable development is to achieve a balance between social well-being, care for the environment and economic growth. In the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, this includes fostering development and growth in the following areas:
- Along passenger rail lines and stations
- In and around historic downtown districts and Main Streets
- Infill areas
Zoning regulations ensure area growth in a predictable, manageable way. It addresses elements such as lot size, setbacks, land use, height, floor area ratio and density.
Historic preservation
Use and design guidelines are specific to particular historic districts, defined in part by related historical events and architectural style. Local ordinances protect these districts to maintain the cohesion of existing structures. You must obtain a Certificate of Preservation before any work can begin on renovating and updating a property to suit your needs.
The requisites for new development are complex, from submitting applications to obtaining variances. Getting approval for your project can become challenging if your plans omit or fail to meet specifications.