What is a Zoning Change Request?

Zoning is the process of classifying land into districts with specific regulations concerning building and structure designs, building and structure placement, and the uses to which land, buildings, and structures may be utilized.

Property owners or their designated representative may ask to change the zoning of their land, to revise existing conditions relative to its use or development, or to seek a special permit for a specific use. The City of Richardson may also initiate a zoning change on any property in the City. For such a change to take place, Texas law requires that public hearings be held during the City Plan Commission (CPC) and the City Council (Council).

The following map shows the location of current applications for zoning and special permit changes in the City of Richardson.

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Open Zoning Change Map

Zoning Request Documentation

Documentation about each zoning change request is made available to the public throughout the zoning process, with links provided in the above map.

Notice — Per state law, a public hearing notice is mailed to property owners, as that ownership appears on the county tax roll, within 200 feet of the property for which the zoning is being requested at least ten (10) days prior to the City Plan Commission meeting, as well as being posted online. The notice indicates the requested change and location for the application.
Staff Report — The Staff Report comprises information provided to the City Plan Commission and City Council prior to their meetings. The packet includes details on the zoning change application for their review, including maps, plans, technical reports, and correspondence received from the public. The packets are posted on the Thursday (Council) or Friday (City Plan Commission) prior to the meeting when the public hearing will be held.
Meeting Video — City Plan Commission and City Council meetings are broadcast live online and through Richardson’s CITV network. Links to the meeting video archives are posted the day after the meeting.

Public Hearings

Public hearings are held as part of all zoning change requests to provide an opportunity to people to speak in support or against the proposal. The public hearing process allows the decision making bodies to gather testimonials and other information in order to make the most informed decision possible.

All zoning change requests must be presented first before the City Plan Commission (CPC) prior to being heard before the City Council. The CPC will conduct at least one public hearing prior to sending a recommendation of approval or denial to the City Council. The City Council is the final determining body for all zoning change requests.

Unable to Attend the Meeting?

Community feedback is essential but not everyone has the opportunity to attend a Council or CPC meeting. Instead, those that are unable to attend can submit written correspondence which will become part of the record and will be provided to all members in advance of the meeting.

Additionally, both CPC and Council meetings are broadcast live on the City’s cable channel or can be viewed 24 hours following the scheduled meeting at on the CITV Video on Demand page.

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