Development Review Committee Meeting

The first step in the permitting process for development, redevelopment, subdivision of land, new construction, or a building project is to contact the Municipal Development Department and set up a meeting with the staff

Bring as much relevant information about the project with you to the meeting such as project location, address, legal description, scope of project, proposed uses, building sizes and location on the site, maps, drawings or surveys. Next, staff will help determine whether the proposed use is allowed in the zoning district in which the land is located and check to see if the property is properly platted. The platting and zoning process will be discussed in greater detail later in this handbook.

How much time it takes for your project to be approved and for building permits to be issued depends upon the complexity of the project, whether the zoning is correct for the proposed uses, whether a Specific Use Permit or Variance is required, and whether platting is required. In addition the site plan, engineering or architectural plans must be approved. In some cases, projects also will require approval by TxDOT or other State agencies. A Traffic Impact Analysis, public hearing requirements, and various board approvals also may impact the length of time it takes for approval. Always allow adequate time to receive approval for your project before committing to contracts for lease or purchase options on property. Zoning changes may take up to six or more weeks for processing and building permits may take 10-15 business days depending upon the complexity of the project.

This is just a brief outline of the basic procedures for development in the City of Terrell and is not intended to be a complete list of requirements, policies, standards, codes, ordinances, or regulations that may apply or what fees and costs that may be incurred as a result of development. Ordinance, code and fee requirements are subject to change and notification of such changes are conducted according to State and Local government laws and individual notification will not be conducted unless specifically required by law.

The City Staff is eager to serve you and help guide you through the complex process of Planning and Zoning, Building Permitting or Engineering. In order to serve you better, the more information you can present to staff the more efficient the process becomes and the sooner your project will be heading towards completion.

1. The planning process should begin by scheduling a Development Review Committee Meeting with the planning and engineering staff to discuss your project prior to committing resources to engineering or architectural design or signing contracts to lease or purchase property. Contact Omayra Mata.
2. Issues that may need to be considered before acquiring property:
   • Is the proper zoning in place? If so what are the regulations for that district?
   • Will rezoning be required?
   • Does the Comprehensive Plan (Future Land Use Map) support the zoning request?
   • If the project is outside the City Limits will annexation be required to receive the necessary services?
   • Is a Specific Use Permit required?
   • Has the lot ever been platted or will it need to be replatted?
   • Is a Site Plan or Construction Plat required?
   • Is the project new development or is it reuse of an existing facility?
   • Are water, sewer and other utilities available and what will it cost to bring these services to the property?
   • Will streets and sidewalks have to be constructed? Will TxDOT have to approve the location of the access drives? What are the construction standards? Will right-of-way or easements or other public improvements have to be dedicated?
   • A developer is expected to construct the streets and infrastructure or make improvements to the same as related to his project. Any construction of, or contributions to, or dedications of off-site water, wastewater or roadway facilities agreed to or required by the City as a condition of development approval may be credited against impact fees otherwise due.
   • Water, wastewater and roadway impact fees are assessed and collected when the building permit is issued. Sewer pro rate charges are determined by the City Engineer and are assessed against each lot to reimburse the original developer or the City for the costs incurred for installing a major sewer main. Water and sewer connection fees are separate and are paid at the time of the connection by the owner of the property being served.
   • A traffic impact analysis will have to be conducted on all proposals that exceed 50 residential lots or one that generate more than 500 one-way vehicle trips per day for commercial projects.
   • What are the parking, landscape, drainage, construction, and engineering requirements for the project?
   • What type of development or zoning is on adjacent property? Will a screening wall, joint access, easements or other code requirements apply?
   • Have all fee estimates been calculated into the development costs?
3. Bring as much information about your project and location to the meeting as you have available including a preliminary sketch if possible.
4. Municipal Development works closely with the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Zoning Board of Adjustments and Building Standards Commission.