HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda UDCAC 01.12.2022Notice of Meeting for the
Unified Dev elopment Code Adv isory Committee
of the City of Georgetown
January 12, 2022 at 3:30 P M
at City L ibrary, 402 W. 8th Street, Georgetown, Texas 78726
T he C ity of G eorgetown is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you
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Luther King Jr. S treet, G eorgetown, T X 78626 for additional information; T T Y users route through R elay
Texas at 711.
P ublic Wishing to Address the B oard
O n a s ubjec t that is posted on this agenda: P lease fill out a speaker regis tration form whic h can be found at the
Board meeting. C learly print your name, the letter of the item on which you wish to speak, and pres ent it to the
S taff Liais on, preferably prior to the start of the meeting. You will be c alled forward to speak when the Board
cons iders that item.
O n a s ubjec t not posted on the agenda: P ersons may add an item to a future Board agenda by filing a written
request with the S taff Liais on no later than one week prior to the Board meeting. T he reques t must include the
s peaker's name and the spec ific topic to be addres s ed with sufficient information to inform the board and the
public . F or Board Liaison c ontact information, pleas e logon to
http://government.georgetown.org/c ategory/boards -commissions /.
A O n a subject not posted on the agenda: P ersons may add an item to a future B oard agenda by filing a
written request with the S taff L iaison no later than one week prior to the B oard meeting. T he request
must include the speaker's name and the specific topic to be addressed with sufficient information to
inform the board and the public. F or B oard L iaison contact information, please logon to
http://government.georgetown.org/category/boards-commissions/.
At the ti me of posti ng, no persons had si gned up to speak on i tems not on the agenda.
L egislativ e Regular Agenda
B C ons ideration and possible action to approve the minutes of the Dec ember 8, 2021 regular meetings of the
Unified Development C ode Advis ory C ommittee -- S tephanie Mc Nickle, P lanning S pec ialis t
C Disc ussion on 2022 Annual R eview, inc luding review and potential updates to UDC C hapter 7 regarding
Non-R es idential Building R equirements– S ofia Nelson, P lanning Direc tor, Travis Baird, As s t. P lanning
Direc tor, Ethan Harwell, S enior P lanner
Adjournment
Ce rtificate of Posting
I, R obyn Densmore, C ity S ecretary for the C ity of G eorgetown, Texas, do hereby c ertify that this Notic e of
Page 1 of 17
Meeting was posted at C ity Hall, 808 Martin Luther King Jr. S treet, G eorgetown, T X 78626, a plac e readily
acc es s ible to the general public as required by law, on the _____ day of _________________, 2022, at
__________, and remained s o posted for at leas t 72 c ontinuous hours prec eding the s cheduled time of said
meeting.
__________________________________
R obyn Dens more, C ity S ec retary
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City of Georgetown, Texas
Unified Development Code Advisory Committee
January 12, 2022
S UB J E C T:
C onsideration and pos s ible ac tion to approve the minutes of the December 8, 2021 regular meetings of the
Unified Development C ode Advisory C ommittee -- S tephanie Mc Nic kle, P lanning S pecialist
IT E M S UMMARY:
F IN AN C IAL IMPAC T:
.NA
S UB MIT T E D B Y:
Mirna G arcia, Management Analys t
AT TAC H ME N T S:
Description Type
Minutes Cover Memo
Page 3 of 17
UDC Advisory Committee 1
December 8, 2021
City of Georgetown, Texas
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the
Unified Development Code Advisory Committee Meeting
Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 3:30 P.M.
Historic Light and Waterworks Bldg, 809 Martin Luther King Jr St, Georgetown, Texas 78626
Committee Member(s) in Attendance: P.J. Stevens; Brian Robinson; Philip Wanke and Jordan Maddox
Committee Member(s) Absent: Tracy Dubcack, Brian Ortega and Jen Henderson
Staff Present: Nick Woolery, Assistant City Manager; Sofia Nelson, Planning Director; Travis Baird,
Assistant Planning Director; Ethan Harwell, Senior Planner and Stephanie McNickle, Planning Specialist.
Meeting called to order at 3:33 P.M.
Public Wishing to Address the Board
On a subject that is posted on this agenda: Please fill out a speaker registration form which can be
found at the Board meeting. Clearly print your name, the letter of the item on which you wish to
speak, and present it to the Staff Liaison, preferably prior to the start of the meeting. You will be
called forward to speak when the Board considers that item.
On a subject not posted on the agenda: Persons may add an item to a future Board agenda by filing
a written request with the Staff Liaison no later than one week prior to the Board meeting. The
request must include the speaker's name and the specific topic to be addressed with sufficient
information to inform the board and the public. For Board Liaison contact information, please logon
to http://government.georgetown.org/category/boards-commissions/.
A. On a subject not posted on the agenda: Persons may add an item to a future Board agenda by filing a written
request with the Staff Liaison no later than one week prior to the Board meeting. The request must include the
speaker's name and the specific topic to be addressed with sufficient information to inform the board and the
public. For Board Liaison contact information, please logon to
http://government.georgetown.org/category/boards-commissions/.
At the time of posting, no persons had signed up to speak on items not on the agenda.
Legislative Regular Agenda
B. Consideration and possible action to approve the minutes of the November 10, 2021 regular
meeting of the Unified Development Code Advisory Committee – Stephanie McNickle, Planning
Specialist
Motion by Committee Member Wanke to approve the November 10, 2021 minutes with correction.
Second by Committee Member Robinson. Approved.
C. Discussion on potential 2022 Annual Review, potential items, process, and timeline – Sofia Nelson,
Planning Director, Travis Baird, Assistant Planning Director-Current Planning, Ethan Harwell,
Senior Planner.
Staff stated the City of Georgetown has seen significant growth and change during 2021. This has
Page 4 of 17
UDC Advisory Committee 2
December 8, 2021
led to lessons learned, and there are opportunities for improvement of the UDC with the 2022
Annual Update.
The 2020/21 Annual Review generated some significant improvements to the code, including the
first updates to the City’s Tree Preservation code section in over 5 years, and included subject
matter that was exceptionally technical and complex. Staff stated before the next update, they
asked the Committee to review the previous update process to determine best practices, identify
inefficiencies, and areas for improvement.
What within the process worked best? The Committee stated they appreciate staff being the link to
what City Council wanted and staff did a good job providing feedback from city council.
What parts of the last, or prior reviews, are not desirable to continue? The Committee felt the
process was too long and felt the tree ordinance was an ambitious undertaking. Committee felt like
the review process could have been shorter. Staff stated structuring the code language for the
Unified Development Code is time consuming. It was also stated the tree ordinance is a big piece of
the UDC. It was also stated there is a lot of internal work involved with updating the Unified
Development Code. The Committee suggested in the future Planning staff bringing examples of
what possibly works best for the City of Georgetown to assist the Committee.
Staff has identified 5 items the Committee could possibly update for the 2022 review cycle.
These include:
Shot Clock updates: These are updates to the code to recognize the changes brough about by
legislation passed in 2019. While the City has updated practices and procedures to ensure
compliance with this legislation, including application timing and relationships, approval
authority, etc.; these changes have not been codified in the UDC.
Lighting: The City has robust lighting regulations within Chapter 7 of the UDC. However, these
have not been examined since 2017. A review and potential update would provide opportunity to
examine the current standards, and to provide opportunity to ensure compliance with changes in
State law since the last update.
Code Errors and Inconsistencies: Periodic updates to the UDC, whether it is with the Annual
Review, Executive Amendment, etc. can have far reaching effects. Throughout the code, there are
multiple examples of erroneous cross-references or dead-ends, representing defunct of changed
connections between sections which need to be remedied.
Hardships and Variances: The UDC allows for variances to some zoning and subdivision
requirements, a key component of which is potential hardship that application of a code section
may create for an owner or applicant. General review both against legislative updates and recent
requests could provide opportunities for updates to realign code sections with applicable changes
in State law.
Building Design: Changes in real estate development in the past months/years are becoming more
apparent, including an increased demand for certain types of industrial space. The City’s current
code language on building design creates unique, and sometimes unnecessary, difficulties for this
Page 5 of 17
UDC Advisory Committee 3
December 8, 2021
type of development. This has led to an increase in the number of request for administrative
exceptions, PUDs, etc. Review of the City’s building criteria, especially as relates to roof pitch,
building articulation, and building features, could have dramatic and positive impacts on the
quality of development and efficiency by which it could pass through the City’s process.
Staff and Committee members discussed each item and the importance of how they are currently
affecting the City of Georgetown.
After much discussion the Committee members decided to start work on building designs. The
Committee asked staff to invite a licensed Architect to the next meeting.
Staff gave an update on the 2022 UDC Annual Review Process
December UDCAC discuss potential list of amendments
January In depth UDCAC review of selected item
UDCAC proposal forwarded to Council for Review
Coding/Drafting work
February/March Public Outreach
UDCAC final review
April/May UDCAC final review
Council Approval
Staff stated during the November meeting, a desire was expressed to increase the speed by which
the Annual Review could be completed. This, coupled with the need to complete reviews in a time
which reduces opportunity for interference with the upcoming UDC Diagnostic, have led to the
need to discuss an advanced timeline for completion.
The Committee decided the next meeting will be Wednesday, January 12th at 3:30.
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn at 4:42 p.m.
_____________________________________ __________________________________
PJ Stevens, Attest Attest, Phillip Wanke, Secretary
Page 6 of 17
City of Georgetown, Texas
Unified Development Code Advisory Committee
January 12, 2022
S UB J E C T:
Dis cus s ion on 2022 Annual R eview, including review and potential updates to UDC C hapter 7 regarding
Non-R esidential Building R equirements – S ofia Nels on, P lanning Director, Travis Baird, Asst. P lanning
Director, Ethan Harwell, S enior P lanner
IT E M S UMMARY:
T he C ity of G eorgetown has seen signific ant growth and change during 2021. T his has led to les s ons
learned, and there are opportunities for improvement of the UDC with the 2022 Annual Update. In the
December meeting, these opportunities were disc ussed and T he UDC Advis ory C ommittee elec ted to
review c ertain requirements for building des ign within C hapter 7 of the UDC .
Building Design Recap:
No review and s ignificant changes have been made to C hapter 7 in s everal years. In that time the market
has realized a s ignificant s hift with demand for indus trial type developments , partic ularly logis tic al us es ,
inc reas ing drastically. T hes e types of developments often experience difficulty c omplying with building
des ign standards within the UDC given their use, plac ement in the area, and typical cons truction methods .
T his has led to a signific ant increase in requests for administrative exceptions and inc reas ed diffic ulty in the
development process experienced by both C ity S taff and applicants.
Current Building Desing
S taff has identified 3 particular c omponents of building design which c reate the greatest opportunity for
fruitful review. T hes e are:
1. R oof S tyles & Treatments
2. Building Articulation
3. Arc hitectural F eatures
Within thes e c omponents there exis t s everal s ubsets , s uc h as vertic al and horizontal articulation, roof pitch,
etc . for whic h the targets of the c urrent UDC have not particularly acc ounted for the types of cons truction
prevalent among c ontemporary indus trial developments.
R eview of thes e elements and the assoc iated difficulties is foc used on identifying thos e ins tances in which
UDC requirements have aligned to c reate the expected outc ome only with additional intens ive interpretation
and additional applic ations . T hese are measured through the number of Adminis trative Exc eptions (AE)
and instanc es in whic h multiple AEs have been is s ued to addres s the s ame or s ubstantially s imilar issues .
T hos e ins tances will be disc ussed and potential s olutions examined for further review.
2022 UD C Annual Review Timeline:
During the November meeting, a desire was expressed to inc reas e the s peed by whic h the Annual R eview
could be completed. T his, c oupled with the need to c omplete reviews in a time period whic h reduc es
Page 7 of 17
opportunity for interference with the upcoming UDC Diagnostic, have led to the need to dis cus s an
advanced timeline for completion. T he existing timeline, as las t dis cus s ed in the December meeting, will be
reviewed to ens ure expec tations are being met and timelines are being tracked.
F IN AN C IAL IMPAC T:
None s tudied at this time.
S UB MIT T E D B Y:
Travis Baird, As s t. P lanning Director
AT TAC H ME N T S:
Description Type
UDC Chapters 7 & 16 Exhibit
Page 8 of 17
- UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE
Chapter 7 - NON-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
SECTION 7.03. BUILDING DESIGN STANDARDS
Georgetown, Texas, Unified Development Code Created: 2021-11-03 10:55:23 [EST]
(Supp. No. 10, Update 2)
Page 1 of 9
SECTION 7.03. BUILDING DESIGN STANDARDS
Sec. 7.03.010. General.
In order to ensure a high quality, safe and sustainable built environment throughout the community, building
design standards apply to all new buildings and expansions to existing buildings subject to this Chapter, except as
specifically stated herein.
(Ord. No. 2017-15, § 2, 2-28-2017)
Sec. 7.03.020. Structures Exempt from Building Design Standards.
A. New buildings of less than 250 square feet and 15 feet in height are exempt from all requirements of Section
7.03.
B. New buildings and expansions to existing buildings located in an Industrial District are exempt from the
requirements of Section 7.03, with the exception of Section 7.03.030; however, all requirement of Section
7.03 shall be applicable when those buildings are adjacent to a public park, Residential District, or arterial or
freeway level roadway as identified in the Thoroughfare Plan.
C. Where building expansions are less than twenty percent (20%) of the existing building's square footage, an
applicant may request an Administrative Exception to those requirements of Section 7.03 that are not met by
the original structure, using the process established in Sections 7.03.070 and 3.16.
D. Agricultural buildings used for the purposes of farming, ranching or sheltering of animals are exempt from
the requirements of Section 7.03.
E. Temporary buildings used for Temporary Uses, as identified in Section 5.08, are exempt from the
requirements of Section 7.03.
(Ord. No. 2017-15, § 2, 2-28-2017)
Sec. 7.03.030. Foundation Requirements.
All Non-Residential buildings shall be placed on a poured-in-place permanent slab foundation, an approved
engineered pier and beam foundation or other type of approved engineered foundation. Foundation requirements
apply only to enclosed covered buildings and do not apply to outdoor structures, open porches or buildings less
than 250 square feet and 15 feet in height.
(Ord. No. 2017-15, § 2, 2-28-2017)
Sec. 7.03.040. Building Elements.
A. Building Materials.
At least eighty percent (80%) of the collective walls of a building shall be finished in one or more of the
following building materials:
1. Brick, stone, cast stone, rock, marble, granite, glass block or tile;
Page 9 of 17
Created: 2021-11-03 10:55:22 [EST]
(Supp. No. 10, Update 2)
Page 2 of 9
2. Stucco or plaster;
3. Split-face concrete block, poured-in-place concrete, and tilt-wall concrete. Any use of concrete
products shall have an integrated color and be textured or patterned. Tilt-wall concrete structures shall
include reveals, punch-outs or other similar surface characteristics to enhance the wall on at least ten
percent (10%) of each wall;
4. Glass with less than twenty percent (20%) reflectance. However, a maximum of fifty percent (50%) of
the first two stories or floors of a building may be constructed in glass. Above the first two stories or
floors, there are no restrictions on the amount of glass;
5. The following materials may be counted towards the minimum building material requirement if they
are installed a minimum of four feet above ground level, but shall not comprise more than sixty
percent (60%) of the collective walls of the building.
a. Exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS) or equivalent product; or
b. Cellulose fiber-reinforced cement building siding that is horizontally installed, such as Hardi-plank
or similar product approved by a nationally-recognized building products evaluation service.
B. Color.
1. Side and rear walls shall be finished in a similar color as the front of the building. For sites with multiple
buildings, outparcels/pad sites, secondary or accessory buildings, see Section 7.03.060.
2. Any use of color such as bands, stripes, patterns, outlines or delineations displayed for the purpose of
commercial identification (corporate colors) shall not comprise more than twenty percent (20%) of any
wall or visible roof face, per the Code definition of "sign" in Chapter 16.
C. Roof Styles.
The following types of roof styles are prohibited:
1. Mansard roofs and canopies without a minimum vertical distance of eight feet and at an angle not less
than 25 degrees and not greater than 70 degrees;
2. Roofs less than or equal to a 2-to-12 pitch unless full parapet coverage is utilized; and
3. Back-lit awnings used as a mansard or canopy roof.
D. Roof Treatments.
1. Parapets shall be used on all flat roofs and meet the following minimum requirements:
a. Parapets shall extend a minimum of two feet above the roof line;
b. Parapets shall conceal all roof top equipment located on a flat roof from the view of adjacent
properties and rights-of-way;
c. Parapets shall adhere to the vertical and horizontal requirements for the relevant building wall as
described in Subsection 7.03.040.C above;
d. Parapets shall require cornice detailing;
e. Parapets shall consist of similar materials and colors as the building walls;
f. Parapets shall not be considered during calculations for building height to determine articulation
requirements.
2. Where overhanging eaves are used, overhangs shall be no less than two feet beyond the supporting
walls.
Page 10 of 17
Created: 2021-11-03 10:55:22 [EST]
(Supp. No. 10, Update 2)
Page 3 of 9
3. All roof-mounted mechanical equipment shall be screened from view on four sides in accordance with
Section 8.04.070.
4. Roof-mounted photovoltaic solar panels are not considered roof-mounted mechanical equipment for
the purposes of this section, but any form of electrical conveyance equipment shall be screened.
5. Roof lighting shall comply with Subsection 7.04.010.C.
E. Entryways and Entrance Treatments.
1. Any front entry to a building shall be set back from the drive aisle a minimum distance of 15 feet.
2. Single-use or multi-tenant buildings over 60,000 square feet in size shall provide clearly defined, highly
visible customer entrances that include an outdoor patio area that is a minimum of 200 square feet in
area and incorporates the following:
a. Benches or other seating components;
b. Decorative landscape planters or wing walls that incorporate landscaped areas; and
c. Structural or vegetative shading.
3. Pedestrian routes shall be provided between the parking and building(s).
(Ord. No. 2017-15, § 2, 2-28-2017)
Sec. 7.03.050. Building Articulation and Architectural Features.
A. Purpose.
In order to provide attention in design and human scale and to avoid the massive appearance of large walls
and structures, articulation techniques, and architectural features shall be incorporated into the building
design.
B. Applicability.
Articulation shall apply to all building walls facing a public street, public park or adjacent Residential Zoning
District. However, a wall facing an adjacent Residential District or public park is not required to meet the
articulation provisions for such a wall meeting the following criteria:
1. The wall is on a building that is less than 20 feet in height;
2. The wall is set back at least 30 feet from the lot line; and
3. The wall is screened by a High Level Bufferyard that includes a solid screening wall.
C. Building Articulation.
1. Horizontal Articulation (Footprint).
a. No building wall shall extend laterally for a distance greater than three times the building's
average height without a perpendicular offset of at least twenty-five percent (25%) of such
height.
b. Where the length of the wall is less than 60 feet, articulation is not required.
c. The perpendicular offset shall extend laterally for a distance equal to at least seventy-five
percent (75%) of the building's average height.
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Created: 2021-11-03 10:55:22 [EST]
(Supp. No. 10, Update 2)
Page 4 of 9
d. The perpendicular and lateral offset(s) may be divided and distributed throughout the length of
the wall if the applicant demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the Director, that the intent of this
section has been met.
2. Vertical Articulation (Elevation).
a. No building wall shall extend laterally for a distance greater than three times the building's
average height without a change in vertical elevation of at least twenty-five percent (25%) of
such height.
b. The change in elevation shall extend laterally for a distance equal to at least seventy-five percent
(75%) of the building's average height.
c. The vertical change(s) in elevation may be divided and distributed throughout the length of the
wall if the applicant demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the Director, that the intent of this
section has been met.
D. Architectural Features.
In addition to the horizontal and vertical articulation requirements, all building walls shall incorporate at
least three of the architectural features listed in Subsections 1. and 2. below. Building walls greater than 100
feet in length or buildings greater than 30 feet in height shall incorporate an additional two items from
Subsection 2. below.
1. Awnings, canopies, arcades, alcoves, windows, projections, recessed entries ornamental cornices, pillar
posts, decorative light features, variation in building wall materials, integrated planters or water
features or other similar building element features as approved by the Director or their designee.
2. Offsets, covered porches, stepped-back heights, porticos, varied wall surfaces, or other similar building
elements as approved by the Director or their designee.
(Ord. No. 2017-15, § 2, 2-28-2017)
Sec. 7.03.060. Architectural Compatibility.
A. Building Walls.
All building walls facing a public street, public park, or adjacent Residential District shall be designed with
consistent architectural style, detail, and trim features as required by the provisions of Section 7.03. The
building materials, color, window and entrance door details, and other similar architectural elements on
these walls shall continue onto and be compatible with the architectural elements on the adjoining walls for
the length of the adjoining walls.
B. Buildings.
Sites with multiple buildings, outparcels/pad sites, secondary, and accessory buildings shall be designed to
employ architectural elements that are integrated with and common to those used on the primary structure
of the site. Architectural elements shall be deemed compatible if consistent in, but not limited to: building
materials, color, roof style and pitch, and architectural design and detail. For structures on outparcels/pad
sites, all exterior walls shall meet the highest level of treatment outlined in Subsection A. above and the
preceding sections.
(Ord. No. 2017-15, § 2, 2-28-2017)
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Created: 2021-11-03 10:55:22 [EST]
(Supp. No. 10, Update 2)
Page 5 of 9
Sec. 7.03.070. Alternative Building Design.
To provide flexibility in the attainment of harmonious building design, an applicant may request an Alternative
Building Design using the Administrative Exception process detailed in Section 3.16 of this Code. An Alternative
Building Design may be proposed to the provisions for the Building Articulation and Architectural Features,
Building Elements, and Architectural Compatibility Sections of this chapter. The Director shall consider the
following criteria and standards in determining whether to grant an Administrative Exception for an Alternative
Building Design:
A. Whether, if the Administrative Exception is granted:
1.The design would meet the intent, if not the letter, of the design standards set forth in this chapter;
2.The design would produce an aesthetically pleasing building(s) that is comparable to buildings
meeting the minimum design standards of Section 7.03;
B. Alternative materials such as wood, metal, and glass if they are incorporated into an overall
architectural design in an appropriate manner;
C. The locations of building walls in relation to an interior public street or an exterior public street in
regards to a Business Park or Industrial Park;
D. If building walls are significantly screened from view by other buildings on site, natural features, or
fencing; and
E. A variety of building elements or design techniques, additional screening or landscaping or other site
design features are used.
(Ord. No. 2017-15, § 2, 2-28-2017)
Chapter 16 DEFINITIONS
SECTION 16.01. GENERAL
Sec. 16.01.010. Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to define words, terms, and phrases contained within this Unified Development
Code, unless otherwise specifically defined elsewhere herein.
Sec. 16.01.020. Word Usage.
A. In the interpretation of provisions in this Code, the rules of this chapter shall be observed and applied,
except when the context clearly indicates or requires otherwise. In case of a conflict between this chapter
and the text of this Code, an interpretation shall be made by the Director.
B. For the purpose of this Code, certain terms and words are hereby defined; terms not defined herein shall be
construed in accordance with adopted building codes, the City Code of Ordinances or their customary usage
and meaning.
C. Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary may be referenced to determine the meaning of terms not
otherwise defined within this chapter, subject to approval of interpretation by the Director.
Page 13 of 17
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(Supp. No. 10, Update 2)
Page 6 of 9
D. Terms found in this Code may be defined in this chapter in alternate order. For example, "Senior Activity
Center" may be listed here as "Activity Center, Senior."
SECTION 16.02. DEFINITIONS
The following definitions describe terms found in this Code.
***
Abutting. Sharing a property line or common border or a portion of a property line or common border.
***
Accessory Building. See "Structure, Accessory".
Accessory Dwelling Unit. See "Dwelling Unit, Accessory".
Accessory Use. See "Use, Accessory".
***
Adjoining Property. Property that touches, abuts, or is adjacent to the subject property.
***
Alteration. Any exterior change or modification in the architectural appearance and design, other than cosmetic or
decorative, or in supporting members of a building, such as bearing walls or partitions, columns, beams or girders;
or a complete rebuilding of the roof or the exterior walls. Alteration also includes the removal, stripping or
concealing of any significant exterior architectural feature that is integral to the historic character of a building or
structure that is designated as a local historic landmark or contributing to the historic district. "Alteration" does
not include modifications that qualify as "ordinance maintenance and repair" as this term is defined in this Code.
***
Antenna. Any device used to collect or radiate radio waves, microwaves or electromagnetic waves. An antenna
could include directional or panel antennas, ancillary antenna, parabolic or panel dishes, omni-directional
antennas such as whips, and other similar transmitting or receiving equipment intended for commercial use.
Apartment. A structure that contains three or more dwelling units that share common walls, floors or ceilings with
one or more dwelling units. The land underneath the apartment structure is not divided into separate lots. See also
"Multifamily, Attached Dwelling Units."
***
Architectural Feature. An architectural element attached to, contiguous to or otherwise related to a building,
structure, or property including, but not limited to, awnings, pillars, posts, windows, doors, lights, overlays,
moldings and other fixtures.
Articulation. An interruption/differentiation of the building wall plane with either a recess (concavity) or an offset
(convexity) that projects away from the building wall plane by a measurable distance or a differentiation in the
height of the wall surface.
***
Awning. An architectural projection, which provides weather protection, identity or decoration, and is supported
by the building to which it is attached. It is composed of a lightweight rigid or retractable skeleton structure over
which another cover is attached which may be of fabric or other materials.
***
Page 14 of 17
- UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE
Chapter 16 - DEFINITIONS
SECTION 16.02. DEFINITIONS
Georgetown, Texas, Unified Development Code Created: 2021-11-03 10:55:28 [EST]
(Supp. No. 10, Update 2)
Page 7 of 9
Building. A structure constructed, maintained, or intended for use for the shelter or enclosure of persons, animals,
or property of any kind.
Building, Enclosed. A roofed building surrounded on all sides by walls.
Building Envelope. An area within the property boundaries of a lot or space within which a permitted structure
can be placed.
Building Floor or Story. The part of a building from one floor to the next floor above or to the ceiling if there is no
floor above.
Building Height. See "Height, Building".
***
Building Wall. Any vertical partition under the roof of a dwelling unit or accessory structure.
***
Canopy. An awning, canopy, or other fabric, plastic or structural protective cover over a door, entrance, window,
fuel pumps, or outdoor area.
***
Comprehensive Plan Roadway or Thoroughfare. A street or trail identified in the City's Overall Transportation Plan
as an existing or future roadway needed to accommodate the current and future transportation needs of the
community. Includes Major Collector, Minor Arterial, Major Arterial, and any identified public trail or railway.
***
Gross Floor Area. The square feet of floor space within all exterior walls and including all floors of a building. Gross
Floor Area (often referred to as GFA) does not include porches, garages or space in a basement or cellar not used
for dwelling purposes.
***
Height, Building. The vertical distance from grade to the average height of the highest roof structure.
***
Patio. A level surfaced area directly adjacent to a principal building no more than three feet above finished grade
and not above the first floor level, without a permanent roof intended for outdoor entertainment. A free-standing
patio (not adjacent to the principal structure) is a level surface that may be no more than one foot above the
finished grade, without a permanent roof, intended for outdoor entertainment.
***
Permanent Foundation. Construction at or below the ground, including exterior walls and necessary support
columns or piers, designed to support and distribute the load of any building, structure or mobile home for the
usable life of that structure.
Primary. The basic, fundamental or most important use, activity or development of a building or site. Usually, the
first activity in order of time or development. The first in rank, importance, or value. For the purposes of this Code,
"Primary" is equal to, identical to, and often used interchangeably with "Principal".
Primary Entrance and Building Facade. The face or wall of a building that serves as the primary entrance for
customers of a business within the building. This building face shall not include service areas, trash collection,
loading dock, or other similar functions. The primary face of a building shall receive the highest level of
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- UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE
Chapter 16 - DEFINITIONS
SECTION 16.02. DEFINITIONS
Georgetown, Texas, Unified Development Code Created: 2021-11-03 10:55:28 [EST]
(Supp. No. 10, Update 2)
Page 8 of 9
architectural treatment on the building. Pursuant to this definition, a building may have no more than two primary
facades.
***
Roof. The top covering of a building. For the purposes of this ordinance, a roof shall be defined as having a slope of
less than 65 degrees. A roof having a slope of greater than six degrees, including mansard roofs, shall be treated as
a wall surface for the placement of signs (See for comparison "Wall Surface Area")
***
Screening. A method of visually obscuring structures or land uses (i.e. parking or outdoor storage) from another
with the use of one or combination of fencing, walls, dense vegetation, or berms or other acceptable screening
material.
Secondary. For the purposes of this Code, "Secondary" is equal to, identical to, and often used interchangeably
with "Accessory".
***
Slope. The vertical change in grade divided by the horizontal distance over which that vertical change occurred.
The slope is usually given as a percentage.
Street, Arterial. A street designed to carry large volumes of local and regional traffic into or out of the City which
provide for efficient vehicular movement between distant locations, decreasing traffic on local and collector
streets. Separated in this Code by Minor and Major classifications, the specific characteristics and average daily trip
ranges of each can be found in Chapter 12 of this Code.
***
Structure. Anything constructed or erected on the ground or attached to something located on the ground.
Examples of structures include, but are not limited to, buildings, telecommunications towers, sheds, parking lots
that are the primary use of a parcel, and permanent signs. Sidewalks and paved surfaces shall not be considered
structures unless located within a public easement.
Structure, Accessory. A structure that is subordinate to, incidental to, and is detached from, a principal building or
a principal use of a lot. Also may be referred to as "Secondary Structure".
Structure, Principal. A structure in which the primary use of the lot is conducted. For example, for single-family
residential lots, the house is the principal structure. Also may be referred to as "Primary Structure".
***
Unloaded Street. A street where vehicular access driveways are outright prohibited or provisionally allowed.
Includes Neighborhood Collectors, Major Collectors, Arterials and Highways.
***
Wall Surface Area. The total vertical wall area, including windows, of a building when seen in an elevation view of
the building. Roofs, including mansard roofs, having a slope of greater than 65 degrees shall be considered part of
a wall surface for the purposes of this ordinance. See for comparison "Roof".
Wall, Boundary. A masonry wall bounding residential development along large roadways to present a cohesive,
durable fencing enclosure, as described fully in Section 8.07.
Wall, Building. See "Building Wall".
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- UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE
Chapter 16 - DEFINITIONS
SECTION 16.02. DEFINITIONS
Georgetown, Texas, Unified Development Code Created: 2021-11-03 10:55:28 [EST]
(Supp. No. 10, Update 2)
Page 9 of 9
***
(Ord. No. 2014-30, § 2(Exh. A), 5-27-2014; Ord. No. 2015-34, § 2(Exh. A), 5-12-2015; Ord. No. 2015-49, § 2(Exh. A),
9-22-2015; Ord. No. 2016-17, § 2(Exh. A), 3-8-2016; Ord. No. 2017-15, § 2, 2-28-2017; Ord. No. 2018-61, § 2(Exh.
A), 10-9-2018; Ord. No. 2019-01 , § 2(Exh. A), 1-8-2019; Ord. No. 2019-21 , § 2(Exh. A), 4-9-2019; Ord. No. 2019-30
, § 2(Exh. B), 5-14-2019; Ord. No. 2020-08 , § 2(Exh. C), 1-28-2020; Ord. No. 2020-40 , § 2(Exh. B), 5-12-2020; Ord.
No. 2020-75 , § 5(Exh. C), 11-10-2020; Ord. No. 2021-04 , § 3(Exh. A), 1-26-2021; Ord. No. 2021-53 , § 10(Exh. I), 7-
27-2021; Ord. No. 2021-62 , § 2(Exh. E), 9-14-2021)
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