Georgetown will update its unified development code this summer for the first time since 2003, aiming to modernize regulations in response to the city's massive growth, Mayor Josh Schroeder said.
By modernizing the code and updating applicable uses of zoning categories, the city hopes to improve transparency and create a document that average residents can read, officials said.
What residents should know
The most significant citywide change will be allowing accessory dwelling units, which include structures like casitas or backyard cottages, ubiquitously, Schroeder said.
Restrictions are written into the code, limiting properties to one ADU per residence and enforcing rules regarding how far the ADU can be from a property, parking and utility connections.
“People don't need to freak out about it and think every neighbor around them is going to be adding ADUs tomorrow because there are a lot of restrictions and limitations,” Schroeder said.
What else?
To address housing affordability while maintaining quality, the code will also normalize integrating diverse housing products into single-family neighborhoods, Schroeder said. This includes townhomes, duplexes, fourplexes and courtyard homes, which will be incorporated into a new, mixed-density residential category designed for smaller parcels of land.
“It's really a focus on just making sure that all of our districts and all of our product types are actually usable and developable, and maintaining that quality but also being something that is practical so that it does get used,” Development Support Manager Zane Brown said.
These municipal changes will not override any existing home owner associations rules or deed restrictions, Schroeder said.
Something to note
The new code aims to cut down on the number of planned unit developments and special use permits for commercial and industrial projects by updating zoning categories to include more relevant acceptable uses, Schroeder said.
PUDs, a special zoning designation approved on a case-by-case basis, require lengthier council approval processes and additional city staff management, Schroeder said.
“If you've got a ton of those happening, it's an indication that ... something's wrong in your code,” Schroeder said. “There's a problem if you're having to go create these special zoning categories for each piece of property.”
Moving forward, PUDs will be reserved strictly for truly unique, original developments, Brown said.
The updated UDC will also limit the mixed-use downtown zoning district exclusively to the downtown and old town districts, which will help limit commercial uses in residential areas, council members said at an April 28 workshop.
Get involved
Residents can expect to receive a state-mandated notice in the mail soon regarding the zoning changes, Brown said.
The official language on the card is stipulated by state regulations, but officials say the code update is primarily designed to grant property rights and make development easier.
Public meetings are scheduled for July and August to gather community feedback. The final ordinance is slated for approval Aug. 11, and the new code will go into effect Nov. 1.
“What we have drafted may not ultimately be what ends up getting adopted, but one of the reasons we're sending out the notice is [to say], ‘Hey, we're going to talk about this,’” Schroeder said. “If you have an opinion on it, now's the time to get involved.”
