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Planning & Zoning Commission
Who They Are
The Planning & Zoning Commission consists of seven volunteers from the community; at least five must be within the planning and platting jurisdiction of the City. The Mayor appoints the volunteers at the start of a new administration, where they are approved by the City Council. Members serve a staggered two year term until they are removed or their successors are appointed.
What They Do
The duties of the Commission include final decision on applications for variances; applications referred by the Planning Director; applications for Special Use Permits and appeals from a decision made by the Planning Director. The Commission also makes recommendations to City Council for applications of adoptions and amendments to the City's Zoning & Development Code; Official Zoning Map; Comprehensive Plan and additions, deletions or changes to the use categories allowed in any district.
When They Meet
Planning & Zoning Commission meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month, within the City Council Chambers, at 6 pm, unless otherwise noted. See the Agenda for more details.
Planning Commissioners |
Appointed |
|---|---|
| Chairman JR Trujillo | 04/2022 |
| Commissioner J.D. Martinez |
04/2022 |
| Commissioner Charlene Guinn | 04/2022 |
| Commissioner Ross Chavez, Jr. | 04/2022 |
| Commissioner Roland Borrego | 05/2022 |
| Commissioner Joseph Salazar | 04/2022 |
| Commissioner Christine "Teeney" Bustos | 01/2023 |
Variance Request
($100/residential & $500/commercial)
A Variance is a request to deviate from current zoning ordinances; It is not a change in zoning, but a waiver from the requirements of a zoning ordinance. Approved variances are permanent changes that stay with the property - not the property owner. During the review of any variance request, the Planning Commission will decide to approve, conditionally approve or deny the request based on whether or not all the variance review criteria set forth here within Municipal Code, Chapter 350, §406 has been met. If a request does not meet all four of the listed criteria, the request shall be denied.
Special Use ($250)
Special Use Permits are granted by the Planning Commission. They will set a point in time which the Special Use will begin, not to exceed 90 days from the meeting date, and a point and time for the Special Use to expire, not to exceed five years. Failure to begin or complete any required action made during the approval of the Special Use will void the Special Use. Special Use Permits are not transferable, and the transfer of land ownership will invalidate the Special Use. Read More.
Special Exception
($250)
A Special Exception may be requested to deviate from certain requirements specific for signage, including but not limited to area, dimensions, height, location and any other sign characteristics. The Planning Commission may grant the request if they deem a special circumstance exists; criteria used to review and approve a Special Exception is listed here, within Municipal Code, Chapter 350, § 919.Historic District Review
Properties located within a Historic District cannot conduct new construction, expansions, additions or restorations of structures or signs, prior to approval from the Planning Commission. Major changes to landscaping, which will alter the character of the area, also require prior approval by the Planning Commission. Read More Here.
- Annexation - Petition Required, Recommendation to City Council ($200)
- Appeal of Administrative Decision
- Commercial Site Plan Review ($500, +$100/1,000 sq.ft.)
- Final Plat Review - Subdivision ($500/lot up to 5 lots, plus $150 after 5 lots)
- Planned Unit Development (PUD) ($500, =$100/1,000 sq.ft.)
- Preliminary Plat - Subdivision ($500/lot up to 5 lots, plus $150 after 5 lots)
- Rezone - Recommendation to City Council ($500)