The following definitions shall apply to terms and words used
within this subdivision ordinance:
100-year hazard setback.
An erosion hazard setback is to reduce the potential for
any damage to a private lot or street right-of-way caused by the erosion
of a stream bank. The erosion hazard setback shall be determined as
follows: for stream banks composed of material other than rock, locate
the toe of the natural stream bank and project a 4:1 line sloping
away from the bank until it intersects finished grade. From this intersection,
add fifteen (15) feet away from the bank. This shall be the limit
of the erosion hazard setback.
Abutting.
Also defined as adjacent, adjoining and contiguous to. It
may also mean having a lot line in common with a right-of-way or easement,
or with a physical improvement such as a street, waterline, park,
or open space.
Access.
A means to enter a property or the ability to traverse a
property (such as in the use of a mutual access easement.
Acreage, gross.
Means the total acreage included within the boundary line
of a particular subdivision, tract, parcel, lot, etc. without any
exclusions.
Acreage, net.
Means the acreage included within the boundary line of a
particular subdivision, tract, parcel, lot, etc., but excluding all
public ways.
Alley.
A minor right-of-way, generally dedicated to public use,
which affords a secondary means of vehicular access to the back or
side of properties otherwise abutting a street, and which may be used
for utility service purposes.
Amenity.
Aesthetic or other physical improvements added to a development that increase its quality, desirability, and/or marketability to the public, and that are described within section
10.03.079(c)(1), elements requiring a HOA, of this ordinance.
Appeal.
A request for review of and relief from any decision applying
a provision of this ordinance.
Applicant.
The person or entity responsible for the submission of an
application. The applicant must be the actual owner of the property
for which an application is submitted, or shall be a duly authorized
representative of the property owner. Also, see developer.
Application.
The package of materials, including but not limited to an
application form, exhibits, completed checklist, tax certificates
or other proof of ownership, construction plans, special drawings
or studies, and other informational materials, that is required by
the city to initiate city review and approval of a development project.
Application form.
The written form (as provided by and as may be amended by
the city) that is filled out and executed by the applicant and submitted
to the city along with other required materials as a part of an application.
Approval.
Approval constitutes a determination by the official, board,
commission or city council responsible for such determination that
the application complies with the minimum provisions of this ordinance.
NOTE: Such approval does not constitute approval of the engineering
or surveying contained in the plans, as the design engineer or surveyor
that sealed the plans is responsible for the adequacy of such plans.
Arterial.
A general term for a street or thoroughfare (see Street),
which has a more specific meaning when used in conjunction with a
class distinction, such as major, minor, type A, type B, etc. Each
class provides a certain degree of continuity, capacity and accessibility
to adjacent land uses.
Arterial, major.
A thoroughfare designed to accommodate cross-city traffic
movement, distributing traffic to and from minor thoroughfares and
collector streets. Major thoroughfares are divided roadways that typically
have an ultimate width of six lanes. Such streets shall also be as
described within the engineering design standards, and as shown on
the thoroughfare plan map. Also is referred to as “type A-1.”
Arterial, minor.
A thoroughfare designed to accommodate neighborhood-to-neighborhood
(intra-city) traffic movement, distributing traffic to and from collector
streets. Minor thoroughfares are divided roadways that typically have
an ultimate width of four (4) lanes with a median to accommodate turn
lanes and landscaping. Such streets shall also be as described within
the engineering design standards, and as shown on the thoroughfare
plan map. Also is referred to as “type B.”
Block.
A grouping of buildings that are partially or fully surrounded
by one or more streets. Lots separated only by an alley are within
the same block.
Building.
Any structure intended for shelter, occupancy, housing or
enclosure for persons, animals or property. When separated by dividing
walls without openings, each portion of such structure so separated
shall be deemed a separate building.
Building line.
A line parallel, or approximately parallel, to any front
lot line at a specific distance therefrom, marking the minimum distance
from the front lot line that a building may be erected.
Building permit.
An official certificate issued by the city through the chief
building official that indicates conformance with or approved conditional
variance from city regulations and authorizes construction of buildings
or other described construction on the premises for which it is issued.
Build-to line.
A parallel or approximately parallel line to any front property
line at a specific distance determined by zoning district, marking
the maximum distance from the front property line that a building
may be erected. This distance is generally used in urban areas where
wide sidewalks abut the building facades.
Building official.
The person so designated by the city manager to provide oversight
for and have responsibility of the building inspections; such official
issues building permits and certificates of occupancy and enforces
the zoning ordinance, building code, and any applicable provisions
of this subdivision ordinance. This term shall also include any designee
of the building official.
Centerline, streets or alleys.
An imaginary line erected midway between the bounding right-of-way
lines of a street or alley. Where the bounding right-of-way lines
are irregular, the centerline is to be determined by the director
of engineering.
Certificate of occupancy.
An official certificate issued by the city through the chief
building official that indicates conformance with or approved conditional
variance from city regulations and authorizes legal use of the premises
for which it is issued; may be referred to as an occupancy permit.
Certified land division.
A map, drawing or chart delineating parcels of land offered
for rent or lease for other than agricultural uses and which: is not
required by state statute to be filed in the map and plat records
of the county; does not involve or require the dedication of public
streets or alleys; and has been certified by the city council as having
met the conditions of this chapter. A certified land division shall
be treated as a subdivision plat under these regulations, except that
it is properly certified for filing with the city secretary rather
than the county clerk. In addition, a plat of the property indicating
legal boundaries and any public dedications and easements shall be
prepared, reviewed by staff, approved by the city council, and filed
with the Denton or Collin County Clerk.
City.
The municipal corporation of the City of Celina, Texas.
City attorney.
The person(s) so designated by the city council to provide
oversight for and have legal responsibility for the city. This term
shall also include any designee of the city attorney.
City council.
The duly elected governing body of the City of Celina, Texas.
City manager.
The person so designated by the city council, or the city
manager’s designee.
City official or administrator.
Any person, elective or appointive, or any employee, or any
board or commission authorized or constituted by city ordinance or
state law to act on behalf of the municipality.
Code.
Shall mean the entire City of Celina’s Code of Ordinances.
Commencement.
The date of the official start of the development of the
project - usually considered at the initial disturbance of soils.
Commission.
The planning and zoning commission of the City of Celina.
See planning and zoning commission.
Comprehensive plan.
The city’s officially adopted comprehensive plan which
includes policies, in written and graphic form, on (but not limited
to) thoroughfares, land use, parks, open space, hike and bicycle trails,
and other facets of the city’s physical form; such policies
govern the future development of the city and consist of various components
governing specific geographic areas, functions, and services of the
city.
Construction plans.
The drawings and technical specifications that conform to
this ordinance and all other applicable ordinances of the city. Construction
plans, including bid documents, contract conditions, and escrow agreements,
where applicable, provide a graphic and written description of the
character and scope of the work to be performed in construction of
a development.
Construction release.
Official authorization by the city, through the director
of engineering, that indicates conformance with city regulations and
authorizes construction of improvements or other described construction,
in conformance with approved construction plans, on the premises for
which it is given.
Crosswalk.
A public right-of-way, four (4) feet or more in width between
property lines, which provides pedestrian circulations.
Day, business.
Shall be defined as Monday through Friday, excluding city-recognized
holidays.
Deed restriction.
A limitation on the use of land set forth or referred to
in the title deed of such land. Such limitations run with the land
and are binding upon present and subsequent owners of the land. Deed
restrictions are not enforced by the city.
Developer.
A person or entity, limited to the property owner or duly
authorized representative thereof, who proposes to undertake or undertakes
the division or improvement of land and/or other activities covered
by this subdivision ordinance so as to constitute a subdivision, including
the preparation of a plat showing the layout of the land and the public
improvements involved therein. The word developer is intended to include
the terms subdivider, property owner, and, when submitting platting
documents, applicant.
Development.
Any activities related to the platting or physical subdivision
of land including the construction, reconstruction, conversion, or
enlargement of buildings or structures; the construction of impervious
surfaces (e.g., parking lots); the installation of utilities, roadways,
drainage facilities or other infrastructure; or any disturbance of
the surface or subsurface of the land in preparation for such construction
activities, including grading, drainage, storage, paving, clearing,
filling, and/or removal of vegetation or soil, and any mining, dredging,
excavation or drilling operations.
Development agreement.
A legally binding document authorized and in accordance with
section 212.172 of the Texas Local Government Code between the city
and a property owner whenever public improvements to serve a development
are deferred until after final plat approval and recordation. Such
document outlines the developer’s acknowledged responsibility
to complete and warranty improvements and to provide financial security
for such improvements.
Development application.
An application for any type of plat or construction plan/drawing
authorized or addressed by this subdivision ordinance. Also may be
referred to as a permit within the Texas Local Government Code, chapter
245.
Director of development services.
The person so designated by the city manager to provide oversight
for and have responsibility of the development services department.
As used for responsibility and review purposes within this subdivision
ordinance, this term shall also include any designee of the director
of development services.
Director of engineering.
The person so designated by the city manager to provide oversight
for and have responsibility of the engineering department. As used
for responsibility and review purposes within this subdivision ordinance,
this term shall also include any designee of the director of engineering.
Director of parks and recreation.
The person so designated by the city manager to provide oversight
for and have responsibility of the parks and recreation department.
As used for responsibility and review purposes within this subdivision
ordinance, this term shall also include any designee of the director
of parks and recreation.
Director of planning.
The person so designated by the city manager to provide oversight
for and have responsibility of the planning department. As used for
responsibility and review purposes within this subdivision ordinance,
this term shall also include any designee of the director of planning.
Driveway.
A paved entranceway serving primarily vehicles that allows
for access to a lot or facility, and is intended for vehicular movements
between the roadway and any portion outside the street right-of-way.
Dwelling unit.
Any building, structure or mobile home, or part thereof,
which is designed, used or intended to be used for human occupancy
as the living quarters, of one housekeeping unit or family.
Easement.
A specific right in a particular area of real property that
exists because of an express or implied agreement between the landowner
and another party that grants the right to use or access the land
area, but not ownership.
Engineer.
A person who has been duly licensed by the Texas Board of
Professional Engineers to engage in the practice of engineering in
the state. (Also known as professional engineer, registered engineer,
registered professional engineer, or licensed engineer.)
Engineering design standards.
A document adopted by the city that is intended to establish
standards for the design and construction of public facilities within
the city.
Entry turnaround.
An esplanade opening or other accommodation provided at the
entrance to a private street development in order to allow vehicles
denied access to reenter the public street with a forward motion without
unduly disturbing other vehicles at the entrance.
Erosion hazard setback.
A defined area adjacent to a stream on which development
is prohibited due to significant hazards associated with a flood situation
unless major channel stabilization has occurred.
ETJ.
See extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Exemption.
A specified reason why a particular development is not subject
to the requirements to plat or to a specific provision of this ordinance.
Extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).
The unincorporated area, not a part of any other municipality,
which is contiguous to the corporate limits of the city, the outer
limits of which are measured from the extremities of the corporate
limits of the city outward for the distance as stipulated in chapter
42 of the Texas Local Government Code, according to the population
of the city, and in which area the city may regulate subdivisions
and enjoin violation of provisions of this subdivision ordinance.
Facilities.
Infrastructure and other structures that support a development
including, but not limited to, water distribution lines, sanitary
sewer collection lines, storm sewer lines and other stormwater management
devices, thoroughfares, sidewalks, private utilities, etc.
Fire chief.
The person so designated by the city manager to provide oversight
for and have responsibility of the fire department. As used for responsibility
and review purposes within this subdivision ordinance, this term shall
also include any designee of the fire chief.
Fire lane.
See definition in the city’s adopted fire code.
Green belt.
An open space area consisting primarily of natural features
that may be located in a floodplain or along a creek channel, be used
as a buffer between land uses, or be used as an open space linkage
between various land uses.
Habitat study.
A completed research project that gathers and compiles information
pertinent to the natural habitat for threatened or endangered species
and habitats used for nesting birds listed in the Migratory Bird Treaty
Act.
Hike-and-bike trail.
A paved and maintained pathway for pedestrians and bikers
that serves as a linkage for access to recreational and educational
areas and facilities.
Homeowners association (HOA).
A community association that is organized within a development
in which individual owners share common interests and responsibilities
for open space, landscaping, amenities or facilities, and which operates
under recorded land agreements. This term also includes property owners’
associations (POAs) and property management corporations (PMCs) which
are more typically formed for multifamily and nonresidential developments.
Improvement.
Any man-made fixed item that becomes part of or placed upon
real property.
Improvement, public.
Any improvement, facility or service together with its associated
public site, right-of-way or easement necessary to provide transportation,
storm drainage, public or private utilities, parks or recreational,
energy or similar essential public services and facilities, for which
the city ultimately assumes the responsibility, upon a letter of final
acceptance being issued, for maintenance, operation and/or ownership.
Infrastructure.
Facilities and services needed to sustain industrial, residential,
commercial and all other land use activities. The term infrastructure
includes but is not limited to water, sewer lines, and other utilities,
streets and roads, communications, and public facilities, such as
fire houses, civic buildings, parks, and schools.
iSWM.
The acronym for integrated stormwater management, which is
a guide for the construction and design of developments. This guide
is intended to help mitigate the impact of developments on stormwater
runoff by considering such runoff during early site planning and design
phases and was created by the North Central Texas Council of Governments
(NCTCOG).
Landscape buffer.
An area of permanent vegetation that is adjacent to a residential
subdivision, non-residential property, vacant land, but not thoroughfare.
Land planner.
Any person skilled in the art and science of arranging and
designing the layout of land so as to create adequate and desirable
building sites, a coordinated street system, and space appropriate
to the efficient removal of stormwater and the provision of public
services and utilities, all consistent with long range goals and the
objectives of the comprehensive plan. A land planner may be trained
in any of several specialties; and, where appropriate to his experience,
the term may include architects, engineers, landscape architects,
and surveyors.
Land preparation.
Any grading, site work, paving (including all-weather material),
filling, alterations to the elevation, tree removal, utility extensions
or work, or other activity that lends itself to making land more development
ready or augments its natural state. Legitimate private agricultural
activities and their associated facilities are excluded from this
definition.
Lot.
An undivided tract or parcel of land that is or may be offered
for sale, conveyance, or improvement and is occupied or intended to
be occupied by a building or group of buildings. A lot has its principal
frontage on a public street or on an officially approved private street,
as shown on a plat of record or described by metes and bounds.
Lot depth.
The horizontal distance measured perpendicularly between
two (2) points on the front lot line and two (2) points on the rear
lot line which creates an area that meets (or exceeds) the zoning
district’s minimum width and depth requirements. Lot depth shall
not include easements that are located behind the front building line
that impair the use of the lot surface as a yard.
Lot frontage.
That dimension of a lot or portion of a lot abutting on a
street, excluding the side dimension of a corner lot.
Lot lines.
The lines bounding a lot as defined herein. May also be referred
to as a property line.
Lot line, front.
The narrower side of the lot abutting a street. Where two (2) lot lines abutting streets are of equal length, the owner shall have a choice in designating which shall be designated as the front lot line, and therefore the lot frontage. For a lot which has a boundary line which does not abut the front street line, is not a rear lot line and lies along the same general directional orientation as the front and rear lot lines, said line shall be considered a front lot line in establishing minimum setback lines. (see zoning ordinance, appendix
A, illustrations).
Lot line, rear.
The lot line farthest from and most parallel to the front lot line. For triangular lots, the point opposite the front lot line shall be considered the rear lot line and have a value of zero. (see zoning ordinance, appendix
A, illustrations).
Lot of record.
A lot which is part of a subdivision, the plat of which has
been recorded in the office of the county clerk of Denton or Collin
County or a lot subdivided by metes and bounds description prior to
February 1984.
Lot width.
The horizontal distance measured between side lot lines parallel
to the front lot line, and measured from the point on the building
line that is closest to the front lot line.
Lot, corner.
A lot which has at least two (2) adjacent sides abutting
for their full lengths on a street, provided that the interior angle
at the intersection of such two (2) sides is less than one hundred
thirty-five degrees (135°).
Lot, double frontage.
A lot having a frontage on two (2) non-intersecting streets,
as distinguished from a corner lot.
Lot, flag.
A lot having access to a street by means of a parcel of land
having a depth greater than its frontage, and having a width less
than the minimum required lot width. May also be referred to as a
panhandle lot.
Lot, key.
A corner lot that is designed such that the lots located
directly behind it face the side street of the corner lot and are
not separated by an alley.
Maximum.
For the purposes of this ordinance, “the maximum”
is the amount that is the upper limit allowed by this ordinance less
than the maximum may be allowed, unless otherwise specified.
Metes and bounds.
A method of describing the boundaries of land by directions
and distances from a known point of reference.
Minimum.
For the purposes of this ordinance, “the minimum”
is the amount that is the least amount required of a developer but
more than the minimum may be provided, unless otherwise specified.
Minor modification.
A minor change to the standards, but not the intent, of this
subdivision ordinance, which involves director’s approval unless
otherwise noted.
Mobile home park.
A tract of land designed, used or intended for the renting
or leasing, but not sales, of sites for the location, occupancy, or
accommodation of one or more mobile home dwellings.
MS4.
The acronym for the city’s municipal separate storm
sewer system.
Official filing date.
Defined as the date on which the plat has met all the requirements
of the subdivision ordinance following staff or administrative review,
fees have been paid, and that plat is scheduled for final approval
by the planning and zoning commission by placement on the commission
agenda.
Open space.
Any land parcel or natural area that is set aside, dedicated,
designated or reserved for public use and enjoyment, or for private
use and enjoyment of owners and occupants of the land adjoining or
neighboring such open space area. Open space typologies for residential
developments are described in the Celina Neighborhood Vision Book.
Park.
An area developed for active or passive play and recreation
that includes open space, sports courts or fields, play equipment,
and trails.
Park, community.
A park of approximately 50 to 75 acres, serving an area two
(2) miles in diameter, serving a population of approximately 20,000
persons and encompassing the service areas of four or more school
parks. Community parks may typically contain lighted athletic facilities
for more active play purposes, such as ball fields for football, softball,
baseball and soccer, and a recreation center or swimming pool. These
parks may be located adjacent to existing or proposed greenbelt areas
and proposed junior and senior high school sites.
Park, school.
A park of approximately 10 to 25 acres, serving an area one-half
mile in diameter and serving a population of approximately 20,000
persons. School parks should be designed to service a specific neighborhood
area and may include playground apparatus and other space for active
recreational purposes, along with some areas for passive use. School
parks should be located adjacent to elementary and/or junior high
school sites, and existing or proposed greenbelt areas whenever possible.
Parks, recreation, and open space master plan.
The city’s officially adopted plan that includes policies
in graphic and text form; such policies govern the future development
of the city’s park system, open space, and recreation programs,
including the hike-and-bike trail system.
Parks, regional.
A park of approximately 75 to 100 or more acres, serving
an area of at least 2 miles in diameter and serving a population of
approximately 10,000 persons. Regional parks should be located adjacent
to preserved natural resources, such as creeks, woodlands and/or native
grasslands. Regional parks may include paved and unpaved trails, parking,
amphitheaters, playgrounds and open space.
Pavement width.
The portion of a street available for vehicular traffic.
Where curbs are paved, it is the portion between the face of the curbs.
Pedestrian access.
A specifically designated place, path, means, or way by which
pedestrians shall be provided safe, adequate, and usable circulation
through the interior of a property or development.
Permit.
A license, certificate, approval, registration, consent,
permit, contract or other agreement for the construction or provision
of service from a utility owned, operated, or controlled by the city,
or other form of authorization required by law, rule, regulation,
order, or ordinance, which has been approved by the city, that a person
or entity must obtain to perform an action or initiate, continue,
or complete a project for which the permit is sought, and for which
the application for the permit or information required to be submitted
for consideration provides notice of the project to the city.
Person.
Any individual, association, firm, corporation, governmental
agency or political subdivision.
Plat.
A map, drawing or exhibit which shows the exact layout and
proposed construction of a proposed development into one (1) or more
lots, blocks, streets, parks, school sites, easements, alleys and/or
any other elements as required by this ordinance, including any engineering
or construction standards for related improvements, and which conforms
to all requirements of this ordinance and any other applicable city
ordinance, and which is subject to approval by the planning and zoning
commission, unless otherwise specified.
Plat, amending.
A map, drawing or exhibit that modifies a recorded final
plat, record plat, or minor plat in accordance with the provisions
of this chapter.
Plat, conveyance.
A map, drawing or exhibit which conforms to section
10.03.032, conveyance plats, of this subdivision ordinance for the purpose of sale or conveyance. A conveyance plat may be the first step in the development of a project, especially if the project will be developed in phases and off-site easements need to be platted prior to the final platting of the entire tract.
Plat, final.
A map, drawing or exhibit which conforms to section
10.03.034, final plats, of this subdivision ordinance and is submitted to the city for consideration for final approval by the planning and zoning commission. The plat illustrates that the subdivision of land is consistent with all standards of this subdivision ordinance pertaining to the adequacy of public facilities and the installation of or provision for public improvements. Once approved, such plat is submitted to the county clerk of Denton or Collin County for recording.
Plat, minor.
A map, drawing or exhibit dividing land into no more than four (4) lots that meets the submission and approval requirements of section
10.03.035, minor plats, of this ordinance. The director of development services may approve such plat. Such plat is also considered a final plat.
Plat, preliminary.
A map, drawing or exhibit which conforms to section
10.03.033, preliminary plats, of this subdivision ordinance and is submitted to the city for consideration for initial approval by the planning and zoning commission. Such plat is not to be recorded, but illustrates the general layout of a proposed subdivision, the adequacy of public facilities needed to serve the proposed subdivision, and the overall compliance of the applicable requirements of this ordinance. Such plat is reviewed and decided prior to approval of a final plat.
Plat, replat.
The re-subdivision of all or part or all of any block or blocks of a previously platted subdivision, addition, lot or tract, that is beyond the definition of an amending plat and which does not require the vacation of the entire preceding plat. Such plat also conforms to section
10.03.036, replats, of this subdivision ordinance. A replat may function as a final plat for a property.
Progress (towards completion).
Shall have the same meaning set forth in section 245.005(c)
of the Texas Local Government Code, as it exists or may be amended,
unless another meaning is specified.
Project.
An endeavor over which the city exerts its jurisdiction and
for which more than one (1) permit is required to initiate, continue,
or complete the endeavor.
Property owner.
The legally recognized proprietor of the land for which an
application is being submitted. (Also, see developer)
Property owners association.
An organization similar to a homeowners’ association
that is established for the ownership, care, and maintenance of private
streets and other private commercial facilities.
Public way.
An officially approved, privately maintained street or roadway,
constructed to city street standards, open to unrestricted and irrevocable
public access, serving two (2) or more lots that provides the primary
means of access and providing fire lane and utility easements.
Record drawings.
A group of drawings or plans that depicts the final configuration
of the installed or constructed improvements of a development, improvements
that have been verified by the contractor as their installation or
construction occurs during development. The record drawings shall
reflect the construction plans (or working drawings) used, corrected,
and/or clarified in the field.
Residential development.
The actual or proposed use of land for one or more buildings
or structures that are designed or intended to be used, in whole or
in part, as dwelling units.
Responsible official.
The city staff person who has been designated by the city
manager to perform one or more of the specific tasks (this term also
includes designees).
Right-of-way.
A use of land dedicated by plat or metes and bounds to and
for use by the public, which is separate and distinct from the lots
and parcel abutting it, and which is not included within the dimensions
or areas of such lots or parcels. The term right-of-way generally
describes an area used for the provision of streets and utilities.
Unless otherwise specified, the term right-of-way shall refer to a
public right-of-way.
Riparian study.
An ecologically-based study that addresses the three (3)
major components of a stream (channel, floodplain and transitional
upland fringe).
Roadway landscape easement.
An area of permanent vegetation that is adjacent to a thoroughfare
that may include utility easements, sidewalks, and be crossed by drives
providing ingress and egress.
Screening.
A barrier intended to separate and limit visibility between
that which is on either side of the barrier, for example, a thoroughfare
and adjacent land uses.
Sidewalk.
A concrete walking surface of various widths intended primarily
for pedestrian use.
Stacking area.
A vehicle setback measured from a point on a building designed
for drive-up service and the area assigned for queuing.
Street.
A roadway for vehicular traffic and other public uses, whether
designated a street, highway, thoroughfare, parkway, throughway, road,
avenue, boulevard, lane, place or however otherwise designated. An
alley is not considered a street.
Street, centerline.
An imaginary line designated midway between the bounding
right-of-way lines of a street or alley.
Street, collector (also feeder streets, secondary thoroughfares,
etc.).
A paved roadway that provides vehicular circulation within
neighborhoods and from minor streets to major thoroughfares. Due to
similarity of traffic volume and wheel loadings, streets through commercial
and industrial areas are frequently constructed to the same design
as collector streets.
Street, cul-de-sac.
A roadway having but one outlet to another street, and terminated
on the opposite end by a vehicular turnaround.
Street, improved.
A roadway that has been constructed or reconstructed to meet
the city’s minimum standards regarding right-of-way width, pavement
width, and/or pavement type, as defined in the engineering design
standards.
Street, local.
A roadway that is intended to provide a high level of access
to adjacent developments and, generally, a low level of mobility.
Such streets shall also be as described within the comprehensive plan
and engineering design standards.
Street, mews.
A mews street is a grassy, landscaped area on which houses or housing units may face in lieu of facing a paved street (see section
10.03.073(f), mews streets, for regulations).
Street, minor thoroughfare.
A paved roadway that is primarily used for providing through
access from neighborhood to neighborhood or commercial areas.
Street, private.
A privately owned roadway within a subdivision for which
the private owners assume full responsibility for maintenance and
control and which has not been dedicated to the use of the public.
This term is inclusive of related alleys.
Street, stub.
A roadway that has been designed to allow for the future
extension of the street through subsequent subdivisions.
Street, substandard.
An existing street that does not meet the current minimum
street standards of the city.
Street, unimproved.
A roadway that does not meet the city’s minimum standards
regarding right-of-way width, pavement width, and/or pavement type,
as defined in the engineering design standards. Most unimproved streets
are former country roads that were built before an area was annexed
into the city limits and/or before the city implemented thoroughfare
design standards.
Subdivider or developer.
An individual, firm, association, syndicate, partnership,
corporation, or other organization dividing or proposing to divide
land, or making improvements to such land, so as to effect a subdivision
of land.
Subdivision.
The division of any lot, tract, or parcel of land into two
or more lots or sites for the purpose of sale or of building development,
whether immediate or future. The term includes resubdivision or replatting
of an existing subdivision, building upon, or other development of
land, but does not include the division of land into tracts where
each resulting lot is more than five acres in size; does not involve
or require any new street, alley or easement of access; and no public
improvement is being dedicated. As part of a subdivision, if any lot
is proposed to be five acres in area or smaller, the entire parent
tract must be platted together with such other lots or tracts. When
appropriate to context, the term subdivision shall relate to the process
of subdividing or to the land subdivided.
Substandard.
A condition of a road or other public improvement that does
not meet the city’s current right-of-way, design, capacity or
construction standards.
Surety.
A bond, letter of credit, or letter of financial guarantee
from a financial institution authorized to operate in the state.
Surveyor.
A person who practices the profession of surveying and is
licensed by the state of Texas as a state land surveyor or a registered
public surveyor.
TCEQ.
The acronym for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Thoroughfare plan map.
A component of the master thoroughfare plan that generally
represents the proposed grid-system of major and minor thoroughfares
that will support the future land use plan. The exact locations of
future roadways cannot be determined without engineering and environmental
analysis, but the map should be used as a guide as development occurs
in terms of how connections should be made and by what type of thoroughfare.
The thoroughfare plan map also shows existing railroads and proposed
transit rail stations.
Tributary.
A riparian branch that feeds (i.e., flows into) a major creek,
as identified and defined in the city’s riparian study, as amended.
TxDOT.
The acronym for the Texas Department of Transportation.
Utility easement.
An easement dedicated to the public for access, construction,
reconstruction, and maintenance to water lines, sanitary sewer lines,
storm sewers, and those franchises granted permission by the city,
utility district, or county to occupy the easement.
Utility, private.
Services, and any related facilities (e.g., distribution
lines), not customarily provided by the city or public entities; such
services generally include electricity, natural gas, and telecommunications.
Utility, public.
Services, and any related facilities (e.g., distribution
lines), typically provided by the city, county, or publicly owned
entity; such services include potable water distribution, wastewater
collection, and stormwater management.
Variance.
An exception to a particular standard or requirement of the
subdivision ordinance that is granted because compliance with the
ordinance requirements would substantially limit the applicant’s
ability to utilize the land in a manner requested and requires board
of adjustment approval.
Vegetative study.
A study in which the main purpose is identification and consideration
of unique vegetative communities that are important for conserving
biotic diversity and are rare due to conversion to other land uses.
Violation.
Any failure to comply fully with this subdivision ordinance.
Wetland delineation study.
A study in which the main purposes are to determine jurisdictional
wetlands and to ensure compliance with sec. 404 of the Clean Water
Act and other applicable regulations of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Wetland.
An area that is inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater
at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and under normal
circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted
for life in saturated soil conditions.
(Ordinance 2020-95 adopted 10/13/20)