It is unlawful for any individual, person, association, firm, corporation or organization owning a tract of land located within the corporate limits of the city to hereafter divide the same tract into two or more parts to lay out a subdivision, to lay out a building lot, or to lay out streets, alleys, squares, parks, or other parts of the tract intended to be dedicated to public use, or for the use of purchasers or owners of lots fronting on or adjacent to the streets, alleys, squares, parks, or other parts for purpose of development without having a plat of the subdivision prepared and approved according to these subdivision regulations.
A division of a tract includes a division regardless of whether it is made by using a metes and bounds description in a deed of conveyance or in a contract for a deed, by using a contract of sale or other executory contract to convey, or by using any other method for purpose of development. A division of land under these regulations does not include a division of land into parts greater than five acres, where each part has access, and no public improvement is being dedicated.
The provisions of these subdivision regulations apply to any development that is intended as a single lot, tract or parcel where a primary structure will be located. Furthermore, no land may be subdivided for purposes of development until the plat has received approval from the appropriate approving authority, and the approved plat has been filed with the county clerk.
(Ordinance 3847, § 1(Exh. A), adopted 4/22/2024)
The general procedures for obtaining approval of a plat for unplatted property include the following steps completed in the sequence listed below:
(a) 
Zoning change.
The approval of a zoning district change is required where the current zoning classification is not compatible with the type of development being proposed. This procedure may be concurrent with the submittal of a minor plat or amending plat.
(b) 
Preliminary plat.
The approval of a preliminary plat is a prerequisite to submitting a final plat. The minimum requirements for a preliminary plat submittal are contained in Article IV, Preliminary Plat.
(c) 
Approval of public infrastructure plans.
The approval of public infrastructure plans is a prerequisite to submitting a final plat. The minimum requirements for public infrastructure plans are contained in the Public Works Design Manual.
(d) 
Final plat.
Upon approval of public infrastructure plans, an application for approval of a final plat may be submitted. Approval of a final plat is required prior to the filing of a final plat with the county clerk. The minimum requirements for a final plat submittal are contained in Article V, Final Plat.
(e) 
Construct public improvements.
Upon approval of the final plat and authorization from the public works director, the developer may proceed with the construction of all public improvements. The requirements for public improvements are contained in Article X, Required Improvements.
(f) 
Recording of plat.
Upon completion and acceptance of public improvements, the final plat will be filed with the county clerk.
(Ordinance 3847, § 1(Exh. A), adopted 4/22/2024)
The planning and zoning commission is the municipal authority responsible for approving plats pursuant to Texas Local Government Code, Section 212.006. The approval authority for specific plat types is further defined below.
(a) 
Preliminary plats.
The planning and zoning commission must approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove a preliminary plat application in accordance with this chapter. Additionally, the city council must approve, approve with conditions, or disapprove a preliminary plat application in accordance with this chapter.
(b) 
Final plat.
The planning and zoning commission must approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove a final plat application in accordance with this chapter.
(c) 
Minor plat, replat, and amending plat.
The director of planning is authorized to approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove a minor plat, replat, or amending plat application. The director may, for any reason, elect to present the plat to the planning and zoning commission to approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove the plat.
(Ordinance 3847, § 1(Exh. A), adopted 4/22/2024)
A person desiring approval of a plat must apply to and file a copy of the plat with the planning division. The lack of information under any item specified herein, or incorrect information supplied by the applicant is cause for disapproval of the plat. See also section 110-45 regarding requirements for completeness determination.
(a) 
Application form and content.
The subdividing owner, or authorized agent, must submit an application for a plat to the city on forms provided by the planning division. Written consent is required from the legal owner of the property if the applicant is not the owner of record.
(b) 
Submittal dates.
Applications for plats may be submitted on specific dates established by the planning division. An application for a plat will not be accepted until it has been determined that the submittal is complete and in conformance with the requirements of this article.
(c) 
Taxes and liens paid.
Prior to the consideration of a plat by the city, any delinquent taxes and any outstanding liens due to the city must be paid.
(d) 
Application fee.
Every applicant for a plat must pay the applicable fee at the time of submittal. The fee must include any recording fees required by the county clerk's office. Application fees are established by a separate ordinance approved by the city council.
(Ordinance 3847, § 1(Exh. A), adopted 4/22/2024)
The following provisions apply to all subdivision procedures in this chapter.
(a) 
Initiation.
The city must review and take final action on any plat application within 30 days of the application being filed in accordance with the procedures and timelines provided in Texas Local Government Code, Section 212.009.
(b) 
Staff review.
The development review committee must examine all plats accepted for review for compliance with these regulations, the zoning ordinance, building and housing codes, and other applicable development codes of the city. The committee must provide a written statement of conditions for the conditional approval or reasons for disapproval of the plat.
(c) 
Decisions and post-decision actions.
The authority responsible for approving the plat may either approve, approve with conditions, or disapprove the plat.
(1) 
If the plat is conditionally approved or disapproved, the reasons for such conditions or disapproval must be provided in writing in accordance with Texas Local Government Code, Section 212.0091.
(2) 
The applicant may submit a response to the conditionally approved or disapproved plat. The approving authority must approve or disapprove the plat within 15 calendar days of the response in accordance with Texas Local Government Code, Section 212.0095.
(Ordinance 3847, § 1(Exh. A), adopted 4/22/2024)
Upon approval of a plat, the plat may be submitted for recording subject to the following.
(a) 
The applicant must submit recording fees, the required number of copies of the plat, and other items required for plat execution, as determined by the director of planning, to the city for recording with the county. The director will obtain the necessary signatures or certifications required for the type of plat.
(b) 
Plats will be recorded with the Tarrant County Clerk after:
(1) 
All conditions of approval have been met;
(2) 
All required public improvements have been completed and accepted by the city, as applicable;
(3) 
All necessary fiscal agreements approved by the city have been fully executed by all parties;
(4) 
All applicable fees, assessments, and delinquent taxes have been paid; and
(5) 
All county filing requirements have been met.
(Ordinance 3847, § 1(Exh. A), adopted 4/22/2024)
All actions for vacation of a plat must be consistent with Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 212.
(Ordinance 3847, § 1(Exh. A), adopted 4/22/2024)
Whenever access to a subdivision is necessary or required across land situated in an adjacent municipality, written approval from the affected city may be required.
(Ordinance 3847, § 1(Exh. A), adopted 4/22/2024)