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1. What is Zoning?

Zoning establishes the types of land uses permitted on a specific tract of land. Zoning also regulates the size, intensity, and height of development, as well as signage, screening, and parking related to development. Weatherford has 20 zoning districts which are broadly grouped into residential, commercial, industrial, and special districts. Specific information regarding each district can be obtained in the City of Weatherford’s Zoning Ordinance.

2. What is a Comprehensive Plan?

A Comprehensive Plan is an official document adopted by a local government that serves as a guide for making land use changes, preparation of capital improvement programs, and the rate, timing, and location of future growth. It is based upon establishing long-term goals and objectives to guide the future growth of a city.

3. What is a Subdivision Plat?

A subdivision plat is a survey, prepared by a licensed registered surveyor, of property describing the dimensions and location of lot lines, streets, and easements. A plat also establishes the lot, block, and subdivision name used in real estate transactions. A plat is a legal document complete with:
a. A drawing of the property boundaries
b. A written description of those boundaries
c. A dedication statement
d. An owner’s certification statement
e. A title block
f. Approval statements
Plats are reviewed and approved by the City and filed in the Plat Records of Parker County. A plat is not the property survey required by mortgage companies when closing the sale of property.

4. What is the Board of Adjustment?

The Board of Adjustment is a 6-member board appointed by the City Council. The main purposes of the Board of Adjustment (called the BOA) are to provide an alternative for those situations where literal enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance may impose unnecessary hardship, and to grant special exceptions that ensure that the City can develop in accordance with the intent and purpose of the Zoning Ordinance. An additional mission of the BOA is to ensure that land is fully utilized for a lawful purpose, and that substantial justice may be done. This is achieved by hearing cases for Variances.

5. What does "Nonconforming" mean?

Lots, structures, uses of land and structures, and characteristics of use which were lawfully in existence and operating before this Zoning Ordinance was enacted, amended, or otherwise made applicable to such lots, structures or uses, but which do not now conform to the regulations.

6. What can I do with my property?

Persons owning property in Weatherford can develop and use their land for any of the lawful land uses allowed in the land use chart in the Zoning Ordinance (for any land use allowed in the zoning district in which their parcel is located). If an owner wishes to use his/her land for a land use not currently allowed for their particular zoning, the owner may apply to Planning and Development for a zoning change. Zoning changes must be voted on by the Planning and Zoning Board, and must be approved by a majority of the City Council after all appropriate public hearings are complete. If the land in question is located within the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction of the City, the owner is asked to coordinate any construction or development activity with both the City of Weatherford, and Parker County.

7. Does the City have a schedule of annexations?

Yes. The City is currently in the process of annexing unincorporated land to the west of the current city limits. The anticipated completion date is June of 2009. For detailed information on the specific property affected, please contact Planning and Development.

8. What is "Planned Development" zoning?

Planned Development or “PD” zoning is referred to as an overlay type of zoning. It allows a local government to decide on a land use request on a case-by-case basis, and usually results in a “give and take” strategy between the developer and the local government. If approval for a PD is granted, all of the requirements are written into a specific ordinance (a local law) that is voted on by the City Council for the address in question. The PD ordinance is fully enforceable in a court of law.

9. Do I need permission to grade my property or to remove trees?

Yes and Yes. Prior to beginning any tree clearing or site grading activity on any land in Weatherford, the owner or general contractor must submit applications for a grading permit and a tree removal/alteration permit. Contact Planning and Development for applications. Grading applications will be reviewed by the Transportation and Public Works Department. The tree removal/alteration permit will be reviewed by Planning and Development.