Title
HOLD a public hearing and consider an ordinance amending Chapter 26 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Killeen, providing for amendments to the subdivision plat approval process.
Body
DATE: August 20, 2024
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Edwin Revell, Executive Director of Development Services
SUBJECT: Ordinance Amending Chapter 26 - Plat Approval Process
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
During the 88th Texas Legislative Session, the Legislature passed House Bill 3699, which amended Texas Local Government Code Sec. 212.0065 by expanding the governing body’s authority to delegate plat approval authority to “one or more officers or employees of the municipality”. This law became effective on September 1, 2023.
Accordingly, the proposed ordinance seeks to make plat approval an administrative function. Currently, staff has the authority to approve Minor Plats and Amending Plats, but not Preliminary or Final Plats. If approved, the proposed ordinance would make “the Executive Director of Development Services or designee” the municipal authority responsible for approving all types of plats. Preliminary Plats and Final Plats will no longer require approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
These proposed changes to Chapter 26 will help to streamline the plat approval process and will shorten the time it takes for to obtain approval of a plat. Other cities that have made plat approval administrative include Round Rock, Georgetown, and Abilene.
In addition to changing the municipal authority responsible for approving plats, the proposed ordinance also seeks to alleviate the minor platting requirement for single-family and two-family dwellings within the North Killeen Revitalization Area. This change is intended to encourage and incentivize new infill development of single-family and two-family homes in North Killeen.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
N/A
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Staff recommends that City Council approve the ordinance amending Chapter 26 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Killeen, providing for amendments to the subdivision plat approval process.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
This ordinance conforms to the City’s policy and procedures, as detailed in Chapter 26 of the Killeen Code of Ordinances.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the revenue/expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
This is not applicable.
Is this a one-time or recurring revenue/expenditure?
This is not applicable.
Is this revenue/expenditure budgeted?
This is not applicable.
If not, where will the money come from?
This is not applicable.
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this revenue/expenditure?
This is not applicable.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that City Council approve the ordinance amending Chapter 26 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Killeen, providing for amendments to the subdivision plat approval process.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
This item has been reviewed by Development Services and Legal staff.
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Minutes
Ordinance
Presentation