A.
Generally.
It is the policy of the City that this Section be applied to the maximum extent practicable without imposing restrictions that reduce the density or intensity of development that is permitted on the subject property by this UDC. The City may require modifications to proposed subdivision plats or site plans that otherwise conform to the standards of the UDC in order to enhance the quality of the design in accordance with the qualitative principles of this Section. The standards of this Section shall be applied and interpreted in the context of the other applicable standards that are set out in other Articles of this UDC.
B.
Applicability.
These regulations and development standards shall apply to the following forms of land subdivision:
1.
The division of land into two or more tracts, lots, sites, or parcels.
2.
The dedication, vacation, or reservation of any public or private easement through any tract of land regardless of the area involved, including those for use by public and private utility companies.
3.
The dedication or vacation of any street or alley through any tract of land regardless of the area involved.
C.
Limits of Control.
The provisions of this Article shall not be applicable to plats of the subdivisions recorded as required by law and approved by the City Council prior to the effective date of this UDC.
D.
Exceptions.
The standards of this Article apply to all development except single-family detached houses or duplexes that are constructed on individual lots or parcels that are not subdivided.
E.
Compatibility Required.
The parcel proposed for development shall be designed in a way that:
1.
Provides appropriate space for bufferyards and transitions between land uses or obvious changes in density or intensity along side and rear lot lines;
2.
Protects and preserves site resources to the benefit of both the subject property and abutting properties;
3.
Provides appropriate vehicular and pedestrian linkages between residential uses and retail, service, and office uses, providing access while protecting neighborhood integrity and individual property values;
4.
Maximizes the access to and benefit of open spaces by providing for a connection to or continuation of the open spaces of abutting properties and providing for maximum frontage and access to such open spaces;
5.
Protects neighboring property from undue stormwater runoff;
6.
Anticipates and provides for future vehicular and pedestrian connections to neighboring properties that are likely to be developed or redeveloped with similar or supportive land uses, in accordance with the City’s adopted Thoroughfare Plan;
7.
Minimizes interference with existing access to abutting and nearby properties, unless new and improved access is provided by the proposed development; and
8.
Does not reduce the level of service of public utilities that are provided to surrounding development.
F.
Consistency with Capital Improvement Plans.
The proposed development shall conform to all adopted and applicable capital improvement plans of the City, DeWitt County (for capital improvement plans within the City), and the State of Texas with regard to public infrastructure and facilities, including water, sewer, gas, electric, streets, trails, and parks and recreation improvements.
G.
Future Abutting Development.
The parcel proposed for development shall be designed in a way that shows how future development of abutting parcels under common ownership will relate to the parcel proposed for development in terms of transportation linkages, open spaces, and utilities.
H.
Preservation of Density and Intensity.
Design review is intended to permit plan modifications that improve design, but not to require a density or intensity reduction. The design review shall focus on revising the development site plan by altering roads, lots, landscaping, or other plan elements, but not by altering development density or intensity unless the density or intensity exceeds permitted standards or the open space, buffering, landscaping, or resource protection does not meet the requirements of this UDC.
(Ordinance 2015-30 adopted 10/30/15)
