APA TX ListServ


APA TEXAS LISTSERV

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REQUEST FOR INFORMATION RESPONSES
May 18, 2009 RFI #1: I am researching public outdoor sculpture projects across Texas for the Round Rock Arts Council. I am gathering information on project scope, scale, budget, and artist contact information. If you have this type of program and/or know of a neighboring city that does I would like to learn more about it. Responses.
May 18, 2009 RFI #2: The City of Temple is interested in other cities' planning departments using (HTE) software for planning or building permit purposes. 1) I would like to find out if other cities use it for development review committee reports, and staff reports for the Planning & Zoning Commission, City Council or other boards or commissions. 2) What other uses are cites using for (HTE)? 3) Are some cities finding it difficult to use (HTE)? Responses.
May 18, 2009 RFI #3: Have you seen or heard from any city which has addressed the so called pay-day lending (loan sharks)? Responses.
May 18, 2009 RFI #4: Does anyone have ideas of a great Comp Plan consultant for a small town (30,000)? Responses.
May 18, 2009 RFI #6: I have a church that will being pursuing a Specific Use Permit. They want to build a church steeple that will go beyond our height limitations. My question is can I include this variance request within the SUP or do they have to request a separate variance request with the Board of Adjustments? Responses.
May 7, 2009 RFI #1: We are experiencing an increase in the number of speculative single family houses that have been started but not completed, due to lack of funding. I would like to find out if any other cities have begun requiring performance bonds from building contractors to ensure completion of construction. Responses.
May 7, 2009 RFI #2: What is a good estimate of the cost of hiring a consulting firm to totally update and revamp our Comprehensive Plan? How do other cities regulate the growth of bluebonnets? How do other cities handle maintenance of the green space in the ROW between the pavement and a perimeter subdivision fence? Who cuts the grass? Who trims the tree limbs? How is this enforced? And what is the penalty to a property owner for not abiding by regulations? Responses.
May 7, 2009 RFI #3: Can an ordinance be approved that will allow a zoning amendment to revert back to its original zoning if the proposed development on the property in question is not begun within a specified time frame. I know the answer to this question but wish to get verification from other planners for our City Council. Responses.
May 7, 2009 RFI #4: We are looking for options on underground utility requirements. Plano requires that developers take overhead lines underground in certain corridor overlay districts, but increasingly developers are asking for relief because of the cost. When Oncor and other utility companies install new lines along either developed or undeveloped properties in these corridors, they claim that they cannot place them underground because of tariff issues, although they would be glad to do it if the city pays. Before we throw in the towel and rescind our ordinances, we wanted to see if other cities have had success with underground utility requirements. Responses.
April 24, 2009 RFI #1: Has anyone recently completed a Downtown Plan, and if so, what was the cost and size (in blocks) of the Plan? Responses.
April 24, 2009 RFI #2: We are currently engaged in a small downtown and main street revitalization plan for a small North Texas community, and would appreciate any advice or suggestions from anyone who has been involved in such projects. Responses.
April 9, 2009 RFI #1: I am looking for strategies to control non-resident parking in areas that are near large special event venues (stadiums, etc.). Do any municipalities use residential parking permits or hangtags for cars? If so, what is the application/distribution process for these? Do any municipalities use no-parking signs or no-parking ordinances? If so, how are these enforced? Any information would be appreciated. Responses.
April 9, 2009 RFI #2: We have a crematory requesting a Special Use Permit to operate in our city. I was wondering if anyone had experience as far as the type of licensing and/or certification these uses need as it relates to their operation and environmental and air-quality effects. Any information will be helpful. Responses.
March 30, 2009 RFI #1: Local Government Code Section 212.012, “Connection of Utilities,” paragraph (c) (2) authorizes property to be connected to utilities if “the land was first served or connected with service . . before September 1, 1987.” Has anyone found a definition of “first served or connected with service”? Responses.
March 19, 2009 RFI #2: We are working on a little downtown redevelopment project with a small north Texas community. We will be doing a combined visual preference and land use planning survey. We wonder if anyone has similar survey questions or slide compilations for either or both surveys. Also, as part of the project we have a 6 - 8 acre property next to the core down town available for major retail/commercial development. We are looking for possible alternatives in terms of the architectural look/character and ingredients (anchor vs. shops mix), etc. Responses.
March 19, 2009 RFI #3: How are other municipalities classifying Psychic/Tarot card readers? What districts are they permitted in? Can it be considered a home occupation? Responses.
March 11, 2009 RFI #1: I am interested in learning how many staff members, including technicians and administrative staff, are in each Planning Department and what the population of their city is. Responses.
March 11, 2009 RFI #2: Has any city adopted restrictions on the length of time a vehicle, especially tractor trailers, can sit and idle? Is this amended with proper pollution controls or noise abatements? I am especially interested in regulations for truck stops. Responses.
March 11, 2009 RFI #3: Are there any municipalities in Texas whose Sign Regulations are a separate ordinance contained in your Code of Ordinances and whose sign variances are reviewed by your Zoning Board of Adjustment? Responses.
March 11, 2009 RFI #4: Looking for ideas about any zoning regulations for a legally conforming bar/lounge that complies with applicable laws in the zoning district where it is located. Anyone know of any “good neighbor” policies, or the like, that are enforceable through zoning or any other regulatory means? We don’t want to shut them down, we just want to make it a safe area for the community. Responses.
March 11, 2009 RFI #6: I would like to see how many cities require developers to plat secondary access into subdivisions. If there are limitations as far as the number of lots that trigger secondary access and if there are any exceptions to the secondary access such as where it is not feasible due to accessibility of the property, etc. Any input is appreciated. Responses.
March 11, 2009 RFI #8: We have had a number of requests from developers wanting to build 55+ older communities/apartments, with government tax credits, in Pearland. We do not have it listed as a specific use. I am trying to find out how other communities are dealing with this use. Does your city have any specific development and zoning guidelines for 55+ residential communities? Responses.
March 11, 2009 RFI #9: Have any cities adopted ordinances or studied the issues of 1) shadow lines or 2) window placement (especially second story window placement) in residential areas? The shadow line issue has to do with a condition where one structure, typically because of its height, volume and the required setback, eliminates or significantly reduces the sunlight available to an adjacent property. The window placement question is related to the ability/inability of one homeowner to enjoy his property without fear of a resident in the adjoining home being able to view his/her activities from a second-story window. Responses.
February 9, 2009 RFI #1: The City of Plano is interested in knowing from other cities: 1) Did you amend your Subdivision Ordinance to allow for administrative approval of replats? 2) How did you do address the public hearing requirement for replats? 3) Have developers/applicants been responsive to addressing staff comments in a timely manner to get replats resubmitted and approved within 30 days or has the City been denying replats due to lack of responsiveness? Responses.
January 29, 2009 RFI #1: Do any communities have ordinance provisions for temporary off-premise signs to advertise new subdivisions? We are getting requests for these signs in addition to those allowed in an existing sign kiosk program and wanted to compare to other cities. Responses.
January 21, 2009 RFI #1: We are in the process of creating a corridor overlay district to regulate outdoor storage and landscaping along major thoroughfares of the city. Also, we are creating a central business district downtown with fewer permitted uses than the previous commercial zoning district (mostly light retail and office uses). I have some reservations concerning takings and vested rights. Any input on the process or your experience using overlays or the creation of new districts would be greatly appreciated. Responses.
January 21, 2009 RFI #2: Do any cities allow a legal non-conforming use to be expanded and under what circumstance? If so, what additional requirements are set? Responses.
January 15, 2009 RFI #1: We are seeking ordinances that restrict cargo containers. We are considering allowing them on a temporary basis and want to know what other cities have done. Responses.
January 15, 2009 RFI #2: I am looking for examples of cities that have created local historic districts through overlays or some other zoning tool (but not using the designation from the National Trust for Historic Preservation or the Texas Historical Commission) to regulate appearance, rehabilitations, new construction and building materials and examples from those/tools that they used. Responses.
January 6, 2009 RFI #1: We have been evaluating demographic data for Plano from the American Community Survey (ACS) over the past three years and are struggling with inconsistencies. The three year average data released by the Census Bureau in early December 2008 seems to have less margin of error. I was wondering about experiences of other cities around the state evaluating the ACS data. Responses.
December 19, 2008 RFI #1: I am interested in hearing about positive/negative experiences with respect to the creation of a Skate Park. Specifically, what were a few unforeseen hurdles that appeared once the process began? What recommendations would you have for best approach to start the process? Responses.
December 15, 2008 RFI #1: Are there any cities which have a partnership program with citizens for placement of sidewalks? If so, what is the mechanism used, and what percentage of the sidewalk placement/replacement costs does the city pay versus the percentage the homeowner(s) pay? Responses.
December 15, 2008 RFI #2: How do cities handle the parent tract in subdivision plats in which a small acreage is platted out of a significantly larger tract? For example, 3 acres out of a 100 acre tract is being subdivided with ROW dedication and significant detail within the 3 acres. Does the City require that the entire 100 acres be surveyed and shown on the plat, or is only the 3 acres required? Responses.
December 15, 2008 RFI #3: I am researching how various cities permit, fund, or otherwise provide for community gardens within the city’s jurisdiction. Although many gardens are created and operated by non-profits; there are examples of municipal/private partnerships. In addition to general information, I’m searching for specific examples & info. For instance, do any cities regulate community gardens? Does the City allow community gardens on public land or provide other support (financial or management) for the garden? Any info would be helpful. Responses.
November 24, 2008 RFI #1: I would like to know what types of zoning other cities have for a teen club type of use. An establishment like this would have music, soft drinks and such. No alcohol. Responses.
November 12, 2008 RFI #1: What regulations, either through zoning or other means, do cities in Texas have that restrict mobile food vendors? Responses.
November 12, 2008 RFI #2: I know the state regulates the removal of political signs on state right-of-way. But can a city remove political signs on city ROW? We do not allow ‘bandit’ signs on any ROW and I think I could extrapolate that to mean a political sign in a city ROW. Has anyone tested this via ordinance/code enforcement? Responses.
October 20, 2008 RFI #1: Plano is in the process of determining if they should participate in the 2010 Census Complete Count Committee program. My question is how many cities had a Complete Count Committee in 2000 and are they going to consider it again for the 2010 Census? Responses.
October 20, 2008 RFI #2: I am trying to find out how other cities provide notice for street name changes including legal and property owner notification, signs, etc. Also, do you notify property owners along the right-of-way of the street where the name is proposed to be changed or do you use distance requirements from the right-of-way? Any information would be helpful. Responses.
October 7, 2008 RFI #1: Paul Farmer, Executive Director and CEO of APA wrote in Planner (January 2008): “Traffic engineers are not transportation planners, and transportation planners are not traffic engineers.” I am interested in knowing how Transportation Planning is handled in communities with Planning, Engineering, and Traffic divisions. Is Transportation Planning handled by one or a combination of these divisions, some other internal entity, or detailed out to separate organizations (MPO, RPO, etc.) Reasons for the particular assignment and arguments for a particular arrangement are welcome. Responses.
September 10, 2008 RFI #1: What are the minimum lot sizes for OSS facilities? We wish to put the brakes on ½ acre lots that are sprawling in our ETJ, ruining our farm & ranch land, impairing water quality and making it virtually impossible to provide sanitary sewer when a treatment plant could be provided in the future. I’m shooting for 20 ac. but that will likely be political death! What do others have in their ETJs? Responses.
September 2, 2008 RFI #1: In the past year has anyone passed any type of policy or standard that would require a certain percentage of masonry on any new construction such as: SF residential, multi-family, commercial, industrial? We are trying to determine how common masonry standards are becoming in Texas. Simply reply with the name of your city and when the standard was passed. We would also like the name of any city that is currently considering adopting a masonry policy within the next 18 months. Responses.
September 2, 2008 RFI #4: The San Antonio zoning ordinance is currently silent on wind turbines (wind power generating facilities). As it is likely that wind power will be used more in the future, we are looking for other cities in Texas that have adopted standards or policies on the placement of these facilities in urban areas. Responses.
September 2, 2008 RFI #6: May municipalities require platting for the creation of lots larger than 5 acres or does Texas Local Government Code, §212.004 preclude that? It seems to me that §212.0045 “to determine whether specific divisions of land are required to be platted, a municipality may define and classify the divisions. A municipality need not require platting for every division of land otherwise within the scope of this subchapter.” allows municipalities to require platting for lots larger than 5 acres. Any input you can provide would be much appreciated. Thank you. Responses.
September 2, 2008 RFI #7: Staff is preparing a training workshop with our Board of Adjustment. If anyone has a manual, PowerPoint or other prepared information they’d be willing to share, it would be very helpful to see what else is out there. We will be preparing something similar for the Planning and Zoning Commission, so, something specific for them would be great as well. Thanks. Responses.
August 18, 2008 RFI #1: Do your parks/open spaces have a specific zoning designation? If so, was this category created specifically for parks/open space or was it an existing category such as “Institutional”? Any particular challenges you may have dealt with in this area or suggestions you may have? Also, we are getting an increasing number of requests by residents for the installation of wind chargers/generators on residentially zoned property. Do you require a Specific/Special Use Permit for installation? What is your minimum lot area/setback requirement? Do you allow roof-mounted chargers? Responses.
August 1, 2008 RFI #1: In tiny but historic Castroville, TX, we have a number of small landmark houses that sit on moderately large lots. These lots are now zoned as single family. Understandably, some property owners want to build new homes that may edge the desirable Medina river bank rather than adding on to and enlarging their landmark houses that are closer to the street. Faced with the prospect of two residences on one, single family lot, the owner does not want to demolish his heritage landmark property. How do other cities with landmark properties deal with this problem? Responses.
August 1, 2008 RFI #2: Does anyone have any ordinances or other parameters that deal with the regulation of on-premise digital wall or billboard signs? Responses.
July 23, 2008 RFI #1: The City of Pflugerville is comparing rezoning notifications from various communities with particular consideration to signs, size, who posts them (applicant or City), affidavits used, locations required, and fee or deposit structure, etc. Please respond with links to codes, policies or forms that are integrated into this process. Responses.
July 23, 2008 RFI #2: I am asking for information from cities or counties that have undergone or are undergoing a highway expansion/widening which affected their central business district area. What worked, what did not work for them and if they had to do it over again what would they do differently. Also, what techniques were used to work with affected businesses? Responses.
July 23, 2008 RFI #4: We are reviewing our current platting process and would appreciate feedback from other cities. Please answer the following questions and indicate the pros/cons and your city. (1) Do you file your final plats before infrastructure is accepted by Engineering? (2) Do you file your final plats after infrastructure is accepted by Engineering? (3) Do you file your final plats after infrastructure is accepted by Engineering and construction is complete? Responses.
July 23, 2008 RFI #5: I am interested in hearing from cities that have (in the last several years) combined separate Departments of Planning, Inspections, Code Enforcement, etc. into a Department of Development Services (or whatever terminology your City uses). Please list the departments, divisions and/or functions that were incorporated into the new department. An organizational chart or brief description of the management structure would be greatly appreciated, along with any comments on pros/cons or general observations. Responses.
July 23, 2008 RFI #6: Does anyone have a cash-in-lieu for sidewalk installation provision? Responses.
July 23, 2008 RFI #7: I am looking for information on the use of Planned Development Districts and Planned Mixed Use Districts in Texas. Specifically, I would like to know where the use of PDDs has been successful. What makes them an effective tool? Do they create unique and innovative outcomes? What is the process and how is it different from other rezoning requests? Is the process cumbersome or easily navigated? Do they add time or expense to a development proposal? Are they well received from the development community and/or from the general citizenry? What items or issues can be addressed with a PDD (ie: site layout, building elevations, reduced setbacks, etc.)? Are incentives offered to create a better product? What issues or problems (including negative feedback or poor product) are there? Responses.
July 23, 2008 RFI #10: Our city has a plethora of older, motels that offer no amenities or services. You get a key and go park in front of your room. Do any cities have zoning ordinances that regulate or prohibit “limited service” motels as a way to encourage higher end, full service hotels? Responses.
July 1, 2008 RFI #1: Does anyone know of corridor planning projects that have been implemented in recent years and are successful? The projects can be in Texas or in other areas of the country. Responses.
July 1, 2008 RFI #2: Are there any cities in Texas (population under 50,000) that have adopted the Industrialized Housing Code of Ordinances? If so, could we get a list of those cities? Responses.
June 19, 2008 RFI #1: Does anyone have a good technique for controlling the size and scale of front loaded garage doors? With so many new builders designing for 3 car garages providing some flexibility in the garage design is preferable to an outright prohibition. Responses.
June 19, 2008 RFI #3: San Marcos is reviewing the qualifications for individuals to serve on the Planning and Zoning Commission. In particular, we are reviewing residency and property ownership requirements for membership. Our department has been asked to contact other communities regarding requirements for individuals to have lived in the city limits for a certain time period and/or own property in the city limits. We are especially interested in cities that have large rental populations and college towns. Responses.
June 19, 2008 RFI #4: Do any cities have an adopted or proposed rough proportionality ordinance and/or impact fee ordinance to determine dedication of rights-of-way, and other public infrastructure and costs? Responses.
June 6, 2008 RFI #1: Have other cities in Texas encountered problems with assembly type uses (schools, churches, etc.) located in residential districts that continue to grow and encroach into residential areas? If so, has anyone had success regulating or mitigating the effect of continued expansion that results in traffic congestion, overflow parking issues and demolition of existing residential structures for expansion? Responses.
June 6, 2008 RFI #2: We have a zoning ordinance that allows multi-family development in most areas of the City, so the City has implemented a ratio for multi-family units to single-family in order to regulate how many, if not where, these developments may occur. What I am wondering is if anyone else has had experience with a single-family to multi-family ratio. How does this get implemented? How does it get determined who gets credit for which developments? Can a developer accumulate credits toward future multi-family development? Responses.
June 6, 2008 RFI #3: How do other cities handle requests from citizens to rezone property that they do not own? Responses.
June 6, 2008 RFI #4: How do you regulate and/or provide incentives for increasing the aesthetic qualities of detention ponds? How do you regulate and/or provide incentives for the use of grass-crete type products for parking surfaces and other flatwork? Responses.
June 6, 2008 RFI #7: We have a developer proposing senior housing (55+) in the city of Pearland and is proposing a parking ratio of 0.8 spaces per unit. The development has a combination of one bedroom and two bedroom units. The city of Pearland considers this use similar to single family and requires a ratio of 2 spaces per unit. The developer claims that the average age is 72 in these kinds of developments. Do any of your cities have a different ratio for senior living (55+) housing. Have you encountered any problems with a lesser ratio? Responses.
June 6, 2008 RFI #8: Are there any other Texas cities which require a minimum pitch for visible roofing on commercial and industrial building designs? If so, what are your minimum standards? Responses.
June 6, 2008 RFI #9: Have any cities addressed location and performance criteria for wind generation systems, including tower sighting and heights, turbine noise, battery bank storage, electrical permits, etc. Responses.
May 23, 2008 RFI #1: In efforts to stimulate downtown economic development/revitalization, we are looking closely at the allowable use charts. Bail Bonding offices have recently been removed and I’m curious if other cities have restricted/removed churches as an allowable use by right in downtown areas. Belton is the County seat, with the historic courthouse square but we also have jail & courts complex. Responses.
May 23, 2008 RFI #2: Do any cities permit “Park Model” RV’s as primary or accessory dwellings, “granny flats”, “servants quarters”, etc in residential districts? Responses.
May 23, 2008 RFI #3: Are any Texas cities that allow public utilities in private street subdivisions? Responses.
May 14, 2008 RFI #1: Does anyone have a cash in lieu of sidewalks provision? Responses.
May 14, 2008 RFI #2: How do you determine the number of parking spaces required for veterinary clinics, and if a veterinary clinic contains an area designated for pet boarding, is a reduction in the required parking allowed? If so, how is the reduction calculated? Responses.
May 14, 2008 RFI #3: Are there are any cities in Texas that have adopted regulations in regards to plastic bags with possible bans of their use citywide? Responses.
May 14, 2008 RFI #4: I am looking for information on solar and wind energy structure/devices with regards to specific standards and regulations. The City of Rowlett is looking at how other cities handle solar and wind energy structure/devices and any relevant information would be appreciated. Responses.
April 30, 2008 RFI #1: The City is Shenandoah will ask for RFQ/RFP’s to create a unified development code and update to the Comprehensive Plan in the near future. I am needing examples or templates of Request For Proposals/Qualifications. Could anyone email or fax me examples of RFP’s or RFQ’s soliciting to perform a unified development code and update to the Comprehensive Master Plan? Responses.
April 25, 2008 RFI #1: Do you regulate the size and location of accessory buildings within residential districts? If yes, could you please provide the specific or general regulations? Responses.
April 25, 2008 RFI #2: Do you require school districts to plat? Also, do you exempt school districts from any other building or development requirements; e.g. landscaping, setbacks, building permits, fees, etc.? Responses.
April 25, 2008 RFI #3: Do you require large industrial complexes within your city to get building permits and have inspections? Responses.
April 25, 2008 RFI #4: Do you require development to participate in the development or cost of the following? If so, how and to what share of impact? (1) Parks (2) Drainage (3) Impact Fees (4) Development Agreements (5) Roads (6) Other. Responses.
April 25, 2008 RFI #5: What permitting software programs for planning and/or building inspection offices do cities have, and are they happy with them? Responses.
April 25, 2008 RFI #6: Does anyone have in their zoning code conditions for Specific Use Permits? Responses.
April 25, 2008 RFI #7: I am looking for information on Condominium zoning districts with regards to specific standards and regulations. The City of College Station is looking at how other cities handle condominiums and any relevant information would be appreciated. Responses.
April 25, 2008 RFI #8: Does anyone have municipal regulations on residential mail boxes? In a recent conversation with the Post Office, its regulations on mailbox construction are not always adhered to, which results in delay of service and other problems (likely due to lack of communication/knowledge). Interestingly, new mail boxes do not officially become property of the US Post Office until after 10 days of postal service. Anyone out there working with the Post Office to communicate/ regulate standards? Responses.
April 25, 2008 RFI #9: Is there anything that would legally preclude Texas cities from preserving rights of way for future rapid transit (regardless of mode, and independent of roads) and major regional bike/ped trail corridors through their identification in the Master Thoroughfare Plan, much in the same way that arterial roadway corridors are preserved? Do you know of any cities that are doing this? Or other techniques being used? Responses.
April 25, 2008 RFI #10: I am looking for information on both Telecommunications Master Plans and Hazardous Waste Routes. In Fairview, we are trying to compile information on city wide communication plans. We are wondering if any other city has this type of master plan or information that would help us in writing a plan of this nature. Responses.