Growth of Planned Development Districts - Multiple Required Public Hearings

The City of Grand Prairie wanted to encourage the growth of planned development districts within its borders. One major barrier, however, was that each phase of a single planned development had to undergo public hearings in order to be approved. The result was that many quality developers did not want to endure multiple public hearings, and therefore chose to build in jurisdictions where regulations were not so onerous.

Expedited Approval Process

Grand Prairie created a shortened approval process whereby developments that meet certain heightened quality standards could avoid the additional public hearings on the project’s separate phases, reducing overall review time by six or more weeks. This procedure applies to manufacturing, retail, commercial, and light industry projects.

A planned development must meet the heightened requirements of its equivalent district, the most restrictive retail district in terms of landscaping, masonry, and other quality requirements. The planned development also has to meet any unique requirements specified in the planned development

ordinance. If these requirements are met, then the plan may receive administrative approval rather than proceed through the public hearing process.

Developers have the right to choose to go through the full review process, including the multiple public hearings, in the event that they do not want to comply with the higher standard. However, 90% of developers and builders submitting site plans chose the streamlined route.

• Government: $4,000 - $7,000 and 6 weeks per case (50% savings)
• Industry: $10,000 - $15,000 and 6 weeks per case (50% savings)
• Consumers: 6 weeks per case (50% savings)

The Land Use & Zoning Task Group reviewed this program and made the following assessments:

Advantages

• The program encourages development and design, and prevents a lengthy public hearing process.
• It is citizen and business friendly, and encourages businesses to come to the area.
• Applicable to any zoning process.

• None listed.

The Streamlining Committees designated this program as a streamlined model without modifications.

IMPLEMENTATION:

This program was adopted through administrative action of the Grand Prairie Planning & Zoning Commission, and through legislative action of the Grand Prairie City Council.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR ASSISTANCE IN CONSIDERING THE USE OF THIS MODEL, PLEASE CONTACT: