Best Practices for Subdivision Ordinances

When it comes to regulating development, zoning often grabs the spotlight. But subdivision regulations also play a critical role in the growth and development of Texas cities, particularly considering the state’s limited zoning powers in unincorporated areas and recent changes in annexation law. Across the state, cities and counties have rewritten, revised, and updated their subdivision regulations to incorporate evidence-based standards and make them more user-friendly for elected officials, residents, developers, and plan reviewers.

This session will be an opportunity to bring planners together from across the state to review, examine, and discuss subdivision ordinance examples and best practices. Topic areas will range from park standards to street connectivity, to right-of-way cross-sections, and more. The focus will be on how communities can expand transportation options and design healthier and more walkable urban fabrics.

Planners will share their experiences and expertise and come away from the session with additional tools they can consider in future updates to the subdivision regulations in their communities.