(a) 
For the purpose of this article, the “official submission date” shall be the date that a complete application for approval of a PD master plan is first submitted to the city administrator. No application shall be deemed officially submitted until the city administrator determines that the application is administratively complete and a fee receipt is issued by the city.
(b) 
PD master plan applications which do not include all required information and materials will be considered incomplete, shall not be accepted for official submission by the city, and shall not be scheduled on a P&Z agenda until the proper information is provided to city staff.
(Ordinance 362 adopted 3/28/18)
The city’s staff may require information and data other than that set out in this section for specific PD master plans. This information data may include but is not limited to: geologic information, water yields, flood data and hydrological studies, environmental information, traffic impact analysis, road capacities, market information, historic structure(s) and/or land, economic data for the proposed development, hours of operation, elevations and perspective drawings, lighting, and similar information. Approval of a PD may establish conditions for construction based upon such information.
(Ordinance 362 adopted 3/28/18)
The following criteria have been set forth as a guide for evaluating the adequacy of proposed development within the City of West Lake Hills, and to ensure that all developments are, to the best extent possible, constructed according to the city’s codes and ordinances.
(1) 
Compliance with the spirit and intent of the principles contained in attachment “b” of the city’s master plan.
(2) 
The city administrator shall review the PD master plan for compliance with all applicable city ordinances and with the comprehensive plan; for harmony with surrounding uses and with long-range plans for the future development of west lake hills; for the promotion of the health, safety, order, efficiency, and economy of the city; and for the maintenance of property values and the general welfare.
(3) 
PD master plan review and evaluation by the city administrator shall be performed with respect to the following:
(A) 
The plan’s compliance with all provisions of the zoning ordinance and other ordinances of the City of West Lake Hills.
(B) 
The impact of the development relating to the preservation of existing natural resources on the site and the impact on the natural resources of the surrounding properties and neighborhood.
(C) 
The relationship of the development to adjacent uses in terms of harmonious design, facade treatment, setbacks, building materials, maintenance of property values, and any possible negative impacts.
(D) 
The provision of a safe and efficient vehicular and pedestrian circulation system.
(E) 
The general design and location of off-street parking and loading facilities to ensure that all such spaces are usable and are safely and conveniently arranged.
(F) 
The sufficient width and suitable grade and location of streets designed to accommodate prospective traffic and to provide access for fire fighting and emergency equipment to buildings.
(G) 
The coordination of streets so as to arrange a convenient system consistent with the transportation plan of the City of West Lake Hills.
(H) 
The use of landscaping and screening to provide adequate buffers to shield lights, noise, movement, or activities from adjacent properties when necessary, and to complement and integrate the design and location of buildings into the overall site design.
(I) 
Exterior lighting to ensure safe movement and for security purposes, which shall be arranged so as to minimize glare and reflection upon adjacent properties.
(J) 
The location, size, accessibility, and configuration of open space areas to ensure that such areas are suitable for intended recreation and conservation uses.
(K) 
Protection and conservation of soils from erosion by wind or water or from excavation or grading.
(L) 
Protection and conservation of watercourses and areas subject to flooding.
(M) 
The adequacy of water, drainage, sewerage facilities, solid waste disposal, and other utilities necessary for essential services to residents and occupants.
(N) 
Consistency with the comprehensive plan.
(Ordinance 362 adopted 3/28/18)
(a) 
Pre-application conference.
The applicant(s) shall consult with the city administrator and/or other designated administrative officers before preparing a concept plan in order to save time, to save money and to avoid potential unnecessary delays.
(b) 
Prior to formal application for approval of any PD master plan, the applicant(s) shall request and attend a pre-application conference with the city administrator, and any other pertinent city official(s) in order to become familiar with the city’s development regulations and the development process.
(Ordinance 2020-014 adopted 10/14/20)
Upon official submission of a complete application for PD master plan approval, the city shall commence technical review of the development proposal by forwarding a copy of the application to development review team members, such as the city administrator, and any other pertinent city official(s). Development review team members shall review the application and shall ascertain its compliance with these and other applicable city regulations.
(Ordinance 362 adopted 3/28/18)
Following city staff review of the plan and supporting documents, and following with the applicant on any revisions deemed advisable and the kind and extent of improvements to be installed, the applicant shall resubmit additional copies of the corrected or supplemented plan to the city administrator within sixty (60) calendar days following the date on which the applicant received official notification of the completion of the review by the city administrator.
(Ordinance 362 adopted 3/28/18)
Prior to consideration by the zoning and planning commission or city council, all PD proposals must be reviewed by the city administrator. At the city administrator’s discretion, the city administrator may forward a planned development proposal to the zoning and planning commission, and city council with or without a recommendation.
(Ordinance 2020-014 adopted 10/14/20)
(a) 
The zoning and planning commission shall review the planned development application and shall recommend approval, approval subject to certain conditions, or disapproval of the planned development application. If the zoning and planning commission recommends approval, with or without conditions, of the plan, then it will be forwarded to the city council for consideration. Upon request of applicant, the commission may allow one postponement of the planned development application to the following regular meeting of the commission, at which meeting the commission must either make a recommendation or forward the planned development application to the city council without a recommendation.
(b) 
The city council shall consider the PD application at a public meeting following receipt of a determination by the zoning and planning commission. The city council may also, where appropriate, remand the planned development application back to the zoning and planning commission for reconsideration if it believes that there is a compelling reason to do so, such as the introduction of significant new facts or testimony.
(Ordinance 2020-014 adopted 10/14/20)
The city shall impose its standard fees for the negotiation, preparation and implementation of PD districts. These fees shall be established by the city council in accordance with the city’s rate schedule. The city may also recoup from applicants any out-of-pocket expenses related to professional services the city requires in order to design the PD district.
(Ordinance 362 adopted 3/28/18)
PD districts are an option available to developers and the city. PD districts do not constitute a permit required by law. For purposes of Texas Local Government Code chapter 245, the “project” shall be the endeavor described in an approved PD master plan for an approved PD district.
(Ordinance 362 adopted 3/28/18)