ORD.2026-017: Public hearing to receive comments for or against text amendments to Section 115-35 of the Code of Ordinances to amend regulations, notice requirements, protests, and processes relating to zoning code amendments and zoning classification/district boundary changes as required by Texas Local Government Code Chapter 211.

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

The public hearing notice was duly posted and published by the City Secretary's Office on August 3, 2026, in the Commercial Recorder and on the City of Watauga website as required by Local Government Code Chapter 211. A public hearing was held on August 19, 2026, and there were no attendees requesting to speak on this matter. Following several discussions between administration and staff, text amendments were proposed for adoption of general regulations in Chapter 115 – Zoning to be consistent with the State Zoning laws. Staff considered the following criteria for the amendment as city administration expressed to staff the concern that amendments have not been made in several years to the city’s Code of Ordinances. Over the years, the Texas legislature has made several significant changes that make many of the city’s ordinances either obsolete, incomplete, or invalid. The proposed amendment allows staff to be more consistent with the City Charter and Chapter 211 of the Texas Local Government Code. Part I - Charter. Article XI. Planning and Zoning Commission. Sec. 11.02. Powers and Duties. The commission shall be responsible to and act as an advisory body to the city council and shall have and perform such additional duties as may be prescribed by ordinance.