HomeMy WebLinkAboutORD 2025-08 - UDC Amendments - Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 3, and Chapter 4ORDINANCE NO. 2O Z6 D U
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN,
TEXAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 8, CHAPTER 9, CHAPTER 3, AND CHAPTER 4
OF THE UNIFIED DEVLEOPMENT CODE RELATIVE TO SCREENING AND
RESIDENTIAL FENCES, OFF STREET PARKING, UDC AMENDMENT
PROCESS AND ASSCOICATED PUBLIC HEARING REQUIREMENTS AND
PROVISIONS TO REVISIONS TO APPROVED SITE PLANS AND
COURTHOUSE VIEW PROTECTION OVERLAY REPEALING CONFLICTING
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS; INCLUDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, on March 11, 2003, the City Council of the City of Georgetown, Texas, adopted
a set of comprehensive development regulations known as the Unified Development Code
("UDC') via Ordinance No. 2003-16, which codified various zoning and subdivision standards;
and
WHEREAS, the proposed amendments to the UDC would amend zoning regulations
related to the requirements for screening of trash receptacles, residential fences, off-street parking
requirements, revisions to approved site development plans, text amendments and public
hearing notice for text amendments, and the courthouse view protection overlay along Austin
Avenue.
WHEREAS, on January 28, 2025, the City Council authorized the use of the executive
amendment process outlined in section Sec. 3.05.030 of the UDC for the amendments outlined
within this ordinance and associated exhibits.
WHEREAS, the City Council established the Planning and Zoning Commission pursuant
to Chapter 212 of the Texas Local Government Code to provide a report on proposed changes to
zoning regulations to City Council as well as perform other duties authorized by State law and
the Georgetown City Charter and ordinances; and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission conducted a Public Hearing on the
proposed amendments at their February 18, 2025 regular scheduled meeting and recommended
to the City Council approval of the amendments.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GEORGETOWN, TEXAS, THAT:
ORDINANCE NO. LJ✓ -0 PAGE 1 OF 2
DESCRIPTION: Q1 2025 Amendments Exhibits -
DATE APPROVED: 3/11/2025
SECTION 1: The facts and recitations contained in the preamble of this Ordinance are hereby
found and declared to be true and correct, and are incorporated by reference herein and expressly
made a part hereof, as if copied verbatim. The City Council hereby finds that this Ordinance
implements the vision, goals, and policies of the Georgetown 2030 Comprehensive Plan and
further finds that the enactment of this Ordinance is not inconsistent or in conflict with any other
policies or provisions of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan.
SECTION 2: Section 8.04.070 Screening requirements, Section 8.07.040 and 8.07.80 Residential
Fences, Section 9.02.030 Downtown Off -Street Parking requirements, Sec. 3.09.080. Revisions to
Approved Site Development Plans, Section 3.05 UDC Code Text Amendments and Section 3.03
Public hearing notice for text amendments, and Section 4.10 Courthouse View Protection
Overlay Austin Avenue corridors," of the Unified Development Code (UDC) are hereby
amended as shown in Exhibit A attached hereto.
SECTION 3: All ordinances and resolutions, or parts of ordinances and resolutions, in conflict
with this Ordinance are hereby repealed, and are no longer of any force and effect.
SECTION 4: If any provision of this Ordinance, or application thereof to any person or
circumstance shall be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the other provisions, or
application thereof, of this Ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provision or
application, and to this end the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby declared to be severable.
SECTION 5: The Mayor is hereby authorized to sign this Ordinance and the City Secretary to
attest. This Ordinance shall become effective in accordance with the provisions of State Law and
the City Charter of the City of Georgetown.
APPROVED on First Reading this 2511' day of February 2025.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED on Second Reading this 111h day of March 2025.
THE CITY
Josh Sc
Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Skye MaWson
City Attorney
ORDINANCE NO.
DESCRIPTION: Q1 2025 Amendments
DATE APPROVED: 3/11/2025
ATTEST:
Robyn De smore, TRMC
City Secretary
PAGE 2 OF 2
Exhibits -
Sec. 8.04.070. Screening.
A. General.
1. All planting materials used for screening purposes shall be of an evergreen species. Screening is
required in order to minimize visual impacts from surrounding properties and rights -of -way. Unless
otherwise provided, screening requirements are in addition to all other landscape requirements and
may not be credited or counted toward meeting other requirements.
2. All mechanical equipment and screening must be shown on the Landscape Plan.
B. Parking Lot Screening.
1. Vehicular parking areas shall be screened from street view and adjacent properties using methods as
described below.
a. All parking lot screening shall be achieved through one of the following methods:
i. A planting screen (hedge);
ii. A berm;
iii. A wall; or
iv. A combination of any of the above.
b. Live screening shall be a minimum of two feet tall at time of planting, with predominately a
mature height of three to four feet within two years, as determined by a landscape architect or
other licensed professional.
C. Live screening shall be planted in a prepared bed at least three feet in width.
d. Plantings, fences, or walls shall be set back a minimum of three feet from the curb or wheel stop
to allow for the overhang of the vehicle.
e. A change in grade or elevation that provides an equivalent level of screening for the parking lot
as the vegetative screen may be substituted for the requirements above, as determined by the
Director.
2. Screening shall not be required between properties for parking spaces provided in conjunction with
shared access and/or shared parking between those properties.
C. Screening of Mechanical Equipment.
1. All mechanical equipment (e.g. air handling equipment, compressors, duct work, transformers, and
elevator equipment), including roof -mounted equipment, shall be screened from view from all public
rights -of -way and adjoining properties.
2. Screening shall result in the mechanical equipment blending in with the primary building, and not
appearing separate from the building.
3. Screening shall consist or be constructed of the following materials, depending on the location of the
equipment to be screened. When possible, materials should be consistent with the primary building
materials.
a. Planting screens;
b. Brick, stone, reinforced concrete, or other similar masonry materials;
C. Redwood, cedar, preservative pressure treated wood, or other similar materials; or
(Supp. No. 13)
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d. Metal screening or louvers painted to blend with the primary building.
4. All fence posts shall be rust -protected metal, concrete -based masonry, or concrete pillars.
D. Screening of Waste or Recycling Containers.
1. All waste and/or recycling containers shall be completely screened from public view at any adjoining
street or property line.
2. All enclosures are to be at least one foot above the height of the waste and/or recycling container.
3. Waste and/or recycling container screening shall be maintained by the owner at all times.
4. Waste and/or recycling containers shall be located at least 15 feet from shade trees.
5. Dumpsters, compactors, and other similar waste and/or recycling containers.
a. Dumpsters, compactors, and other similar waste and/or recycling containers shall be located a
minimum of 50 feet from the property line of the following:
i. any single- or two-family zoned property; or
ii. A property with an existing single-family home in the ETJ which home is located within
100' of the property line; or
iii. A property in the ETJ which is platted or planned for residential use on the Future Land
Use Map.
b. Dumpsters, compactors, and other similar waste and/or recycling containers shall be no closer to
any street than the principal structure.
C. Dumpsters, compactors, and other similar waste and/or recycling containers shall be placed on
reinforced concrete pads that are a minimum of six inches in thickness and sloped to drain.
d. Screening shall be provided on four sides and be comprised of:
i. Brick, stone, reinforced concrete or other similar masonry materials that have a similar
finish to the primary finish;
ii. Redwood, cedar, preservative pressure treated wood or other similar materials; or
iii. Screening, comprised of large evergreen shrubs, may be proposed as an alternative if the
Director determines it meets the intent of the screening requirement.
e. All fence posts shall be made of rust -protected metal, concrete based masonry, or concrete
pillars.
f. Dumpster, compactors, and other similar waste and/or recycling containers enclosures shall have
steel framed gates with spring -loaded hinges or the equivalent. The enclosure shall have
fasteners to keep the gate closed and tiebacks to secure the gate in the open position when
accessed.
g. Six-inch diameter concrete filled steel pipes shall be located in corners and possible impact areas
to protect the enclosure from truck operations.
6. Location of waste and/or recycling container enclosures shall also comply with the standards of the
waste collection service provider. When the standards of this section and the service provider conflict,
the standards of this section shall apply.
E. Screening of Loading Docks.
(5upp. No. 13)
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1. Loading and service areas shall be located at the side or rear of buildings and be completely screened
from public view at any adjoining street or property line.
Screening shall be provided on three sides of the area by a wall or other screening mechanism, not less
than eight feet in height, comprised of:
A wall that has a similar finish to the primary structure; or
b. Screening comprised of large evergreen shrubs may be proposed as an alternative if the Director
determines it meets the intent of the screening requirement.
Loading areas shall not be located closer than 50 feet to the property line of a single-family or two-
family residence, unless located completely within an enclosed building.
(Ord. No. 2021-62, § 2(Exh. Q 9-14-2021)
(Supp. No. 13)
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Sec. 8.07.040. Residential Fences.
Fences for single-family, two-family and townhome uses are allowed in accordance with the following provisions:
A. Front Yard Fences and Fences abutting a Street in the side and rear setbacks - Outside of a Historic
Overlay District.
1. Front yard. Fences located in a front yard are allowed with the following limitations:
a. Fences shall be limited to four feet in height.
b. Fences shall be at least 50 percent (50%) transparent. For example, a wrought iron fence or
picket fence that has openings the width of the picket.
2. Fences located in a street side setback or rear setback abutting a local or collector -level street are
allowed with the limitations of Section C., but shall be set back a minimum of ten feet.
B. Front Yard Fences and Fences abutting a Street in the side and rear setbacks - Within a Historic
Overlay District.
1. Fences located in a front yard or a street side setback abutting a local or collector -level street are
allowed with the following limitations:
a. Fences shall be limited to four feet in height.
b. Fences shall be at least 50 percent (50%) transparent. For example, a wrought iron fence or
picket fence that has openings the width of the picket
2. Fences located in the rear setback abutting a street. Fences located in the rear yard abutting a local
or collector -level street are allowed with the limitations Section C., but shall be set back a minimum of
ten feet.
3. For fences that do not meet the above circumstances, the property owner may request an
alternative fence be considered by requesting a Certificate of Appropriateness as described in 8.07.080
C. Fences in all other locations are allowed with the following limitations:
1. Fences shall be limited to six feet in height, but may be increased to a maximum of eight feet in
height in the following circumstances:
a. If the adjacent use is non-residential, in which case only a fence on the property line
abutting the non-residential use may be allowed the increase in height.
b. If the fence is located in the rear yard not adjacent to a street right-of-way and has the
consent of both property owners.
C. If the fence is more than fifty percent (50%) transparent overall or one hundred percent
(100%) transparent above six feet.
d. If the fence is in a location where the topography of the land dictates the need for
additional height for privacy, at the discretion of the Building Official.
e. If the fence is adjacent to a roadway where the right-of-way width is greater than 120 feet.
2. Fences directly abutting public alleys shall be limited to six feet in height.
D. Replacement of a Fence. If seeking to replace an existing fence that would not comply with the
setbacks, opacity and height of this code, the new fence may be constructed in the existing location
with the same opacity and height, unless located in a right-of-way or in conflict with utilities, sight
triangle, etc.
(Supp. No. 13)
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Barbed wire fences are not allowed on lots of less than two acres.
F. Sports fencing is allowed only in rear yards and set back from all property lines at a distance that is
multiplied by one and one-half times the height of the sports fence. The sports fence shall be a
maximum height of 15 feet.
G. For fences that are outside of a historic overlay district and would not meet the above circumstances, the
Director or Building Official may consider a request for an Administrative Exception, as described in
Section 8.07.080.
(Supp. No. 13)
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Sec. 8.07.080. Alternative Fences.
A. Outside of a Historic Overlay District.
Through the Administrative Exception process detailed in Section 3.16 of this Code, the Director or Building Official
may consider alternatives to the provisions of this Section. Justifiable reasons to consider an alternative include,
but are not limited to, the protection of trees, the location of existing structures on a site, location and materials of
existing fences, unique topographical or other physical constraints. In addition, the Director or Building Official is
authorized to determine whether direct application of this Section would create an unsightly effect and could be
better achieved with an alternative design. The Administrative Exception may be granted if the Director or Building
Official determines that the proposed alternative clearly meets or exceeds the quality of design that this Section
seeks to promote and that the following assurances listed below are met.
The following may be proposed to the Director or Building Official for an alternative:
1. Fence location, as long as the alternative location does not affect health and safety standards and can be
proven to be seamlessly integrated with the surrounding neighbors and design of the neighborhood.
2. Fence height, as long as evident safety concern arises from the height standards provided for in this
section, notwithstanding the allowances in Subsection 8.07.030.B.4.
3. An Administrative Exception is not required for any health and safety determination, hazardous material
security, or any other exceptions explicitly stated in this section.
B. Within a Historic Overlay District
Through an administratively granted Certificate of Appropriateness, a property owner may request relief from the
standards of UDC Section 8.07.040 in the following circumstances:
1. The proposed fence is enclosing a rear yard
2. The proposed fence is setback from the edge of pavement a minimum of 10'
3. The proposed fence meets the material standards of the design guidelines
For relief that does not meet the above the circumstances, a Certificate of Appropriateness may be requested for
HARC review.
(Supp. No. 13)
Page 1 of 1
Created: 2025-01-07 16:41:48 [EST]
Sec. 9.02.030.Off-Street Parking Requirements.
A. Off -Street Parking Requirements Table.
The following table lists minimum off-street parking requirements by land use category.
Table 9.02.030.A: Off -Street Parking Requirements`
Use Category
Specific Use
General Requirement
Residential Uses
Household Living
Multi -family - Senior
1 per dwelling unit + additional 5% of
total spaces for visitor use
Multi -family
1.5 per 1-bedroom unit
2 per 2-bedroom unit
2.5 per 3-bedroom unit
+ additional 5% of total spaces for
visitor use
All other household dwellings
2 per dwelling unit
Group Living
Nursing
1 per bedroom
Home/Hospice/Assisted
Living
All other Group Living
1 per bedroom
Civic Uses
Educational and
Family Home Day Care
2 per home
Group Day Care
6 per home
Day Care Facilities
Commercial Day Care
1 per 400 ft2 GFA
Elementary or Middle
1.5 per classroom + 1 per 2.5 seats
Schools
capacity for auditoriums and flexible
space
All other Educational
10 per classroom + 1 per 2.5 seats
Facilities
capacity for auditoriums and flexible
space
Government and
Government/Post Office
1 per 250 ft2 GFA + 1 per fleet vehicle
All other Government/
1 per 250 ft2 GFA + 1 per fleet vehicle
Community
Facilities
Community Facilities
Medical and
Hospitals
1 per 2 patient beds
Institutional
All other Institutions
1 per 250 ft2 GFA
Facilities
Parks and Open
Golf Courses and Country
3 per hole + 1.5 per 250 ft2 GFA of
Areas
Clubs
clubhouse and other structures
including pools and tennis courts
(Supp. No. 13)
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Created: 2025-01-07 16:41:48 [EST]
Neighborhood Amenity
1 per 300 ft2 GFA + 1 additional for
Center
every 300 ft2 GFA over 1800 ftz GFA
including pools
All other Parks and Open
Determined by Director
Spaces
Places of Worship
Religious Assembly
1 per 100 ft2 GFA of sanctuary,
classrooms, flexible seating areas
Commercial Uses
Mixed -Use Retail
I Commercial Centers less than
1 per 150 ft2 GFA
Center*(optional)
10,000 ft2 including all
Commercial Uses (except
Self -Storage, Agriculture or
Landscape Supply, Funeral,
Repair and Commercial Sales
and Service)
Automotive Sales
Car Wash
1 per 200 ft2 GFA (does not include self -
and Services
service facility) + 2 spaces
All other Automotive Sales
1 per 400 ft2 GFA (indoor only) + 1
and Services (except Fuel)
additional per 1000 ft2 GFA of outdoor
lot, storage or repair bay area
Overnight
Bed and Breakfast/Inn
1 per guest room + 2 additional spaces
All other Overnight
1 per guest room + 1 per 250 ft2 GFA of
Accommodation
Accommodations
office/conference space
Food and
All Restaurants/Bar/Brewery/
1 per 100 ft2 of designated seating
Beverage
Winery
area/entertainment area + 4 additional
Establishments
spaces
Food Catering Services
1 per 400 ftz GFA
Entertainment
Theaters and Stadiums
1 per 250 ft2 GFA + 1 additional per 500
and Recreation
ft2 GFA up to 50,000 ft2 GFA
All other Entertainment and
1 per 400 ft2 GFA + 1 additional per 4
Recreation
capacity seating
Health Services
Home Health Care
1 per 400 ft2 GFA
All other Health Services
1 per 200 ft2 GFA
Professional and
Professional Office
1 per 300 ft2 GFA
All other Offices and Services
1 per 400 ft2 GFA
Business Offices
Consumer Retail
Funeral Home
1 per 150 ft2 GFA
Self Storage (all)
1 per 300 ftz GFA office space
Sales and Services
Small Engine Repair
1 per 400 ft2 GFA
(supp. No. 13)
Page 2 of 3
Created: 2025-01-07 16:41:48 [EST]
Farmers Market, Agricultural
1 per 400 ft2 GFA +1 additional per
and Landscape Supply Sales
2,500 ftZ indoor and outdoor storage or
staging area
All other Consumer Retail
1 per 250 ftZ GFA for first 20,000 ftZ
GFA, 1 per 500 ftZ GFA from 20,000 ftZ
GFA up to 100,000 ftZ GFA
Commercial Sales
All Commercial Sales and
1 per 300 ft' GFA of office/showroom
and Service
Service
area + 1 additional per 2,500 ftZ indoor
and outdoor storage or staging area
All Other Uses
Transportation,
All Transportation Terminal
1 per 300 ft' GFA of office; 1 per 400 ft'
Utilities and
or Dispatch Facilities
GFA of terminal area + additional spaces
Communication
as determined by the Director
Major Utilities
1 per 500 ftZ GFA - minimum of 2
Industrial
Batch Plant/Oil
1 per 300 ftZ GFA of office/showroom
Manufacturing
Refinery/Resource
area + 1 additional per 2,500 ftZ indoor
and Warehousing
Extraction/Waste
and outdoor storage area
All other Industrial
1 per 500 ftZ GFA of indoor facility + 1
Uses
Manufacturing and
additional per 2,500 ftZ indoor and
Warehousing
outdoor storage area
Agriculture
Farm Stand
2 per stand
Kennel
1 per 300 ftZ GFA of office
Downtown Overlay
District
Downtown
Retail buildings greater than
1 per 1,500 sq ft GFA
Overlay District
20,000 square feet in Area 1
t
All other uses in Area 1
No off-street parking requirement
Residential Uses in Area 2
See the Household Living parking
requirements of this table
Non -Residential Uses in Area
1 per 500 sq ft GFA
2t
`The required number of parking spaces for uses not listed in the above table will be determined by the Director.
Alternative parking plans may be requested in accordance with Section 9.02.050,
t Retail and Restaurant Uses do not require off-street parking when a shared public parking lot is within 2 blocks of the
proposed use.
(Supp. No. 13)
Page 3 of 3
Created: 2025-01-07 16:41:48 [EST]
- UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE
Chapter 3 - APPLICATIONS AND PERMITS
SECTION 3.OS. UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE TEXT AMENDMENT
SECTION 3.05. UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE TEXT AMENDMENT
Sec. 3.05.010. General.
Amendments to this Unified Development Code (UDC) may be made in order to establish and maintain sound,
stable, and desirable development within the jurisdiction of the City, to correct errors in the text or because of
changed or changing conditions in the City. All Text Amendments shall be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
Section 3.05.02 Review Process
A. Initiation. Initiation of an amendment may be made upon resolution of the City Council upon the
recommendation of the:
1. City Council
2. Planning and Zoning Commission; or
3. Director
At the request of the City Council the amendment to be considered may be directed to the UDC Advisory
Committee for review and recommendation in advance of the Planning and Zoning Commission review. The
resolution from City Council shall specify the following: intent of the changes, whether a recommendation
from UDC Advisory Committee or other city boards/commissions are desired in advance of Planning and
Zoning Commission action, and any notice in addition to UDC requirements and state law is desired.
B. Staff Review. The director shall prepare a report for the Planning and Zoning Commission review on the
proposed amendment and consistency with the approval criteria outlined in the code
C. Planning and Zoning Commission Review. Fnllnwing Wire in arrnrdanr.P with Chapter 211 of the Texas
Local Government Code, the Commission shall hold a Public Hearing in accordance with state law and
make a recommendation to the City Council.
D. City Council Final Action. The City Council shall hold a public hearing and take final action on the
proposed amendment.
Sec. 3.05.050. Approval Criteria.
The following lists of criteria are not all-inclusive. Review and recommendations on text amendments to
this Unified Development Code should consider the following:
A. The proposed text amendment corrects an error or meets the challenge of some changing
condition, trend or fact;
B. The proposed text amendment is in response to changes in state law;
C. The proposed text amendment is generally consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and other
adopted plans and does not conflict with any specific policy or action item outlined in the
comprehensive plan;
Georgetown, Texas, Unified Development Code
(Supp. No. 13)
Page 1 of 2
Created: 2024-11-22 10:51:32 [EST]
D. The proposed text amendment is generally consistent with the stated purpose and intent of the
section it is amending;
E. The proposed text amendment constitutes a benefit to the City as a whole and is not solely for
the good or benefit of a particular landowner or owners at a particular point in time;
F. The proposed text amendment will maintain or advance the public health, safety, or general
welfare including but not limited to facilitating the adequate provision of transportation, water,
sewers, schools, and parks
(5upp. No. 13)
Page 2 of 2
Created: 2024-11-22 10:51:32 [EST]
Sec. 3.09.080. Revisions to Approved Site Development Plans.
Any modifications to an approved Site Development Plan must be resubmitted to the Director for consideration as
follows:
A. Modifications to an approved Site Development Plan which do not substantially change the design or
nature of the original Site Development Plan and have no significant adverse impact upon neighboring
properties, the public, or persons who will occupy or use the proposed development may be processed
as one of the following based upon the scope and impact of the change:
1. a Record Change/Record Drawing; or,
2. a Minor Revision to a Site Development Plan; or,
3. a Site Development Plan Amendment.
An application for modification of a Site Development Plan following the requirements of the UDC
Development Manual shall be submitted to the Planning Department identifying the requested
revisions and/or modifications.
B. The Director shall publish requirements within the Development Manual for all modifications to
approved plans.
C. All other revisions or modifications to an existing Site Development Plan that do not meet the
provisions of Subsections A. or B. above shall be processed as a new Site Development Plan application.
D. Approval of a new Site Development Plan or Site Development Plan Amendment application shall void
the previously approved Site Development Plan. A Minor Revision to a Site Development Plan, or a
Record Change/Record Drawing shall directly update and be applied to the original Site Development
Plan.
(Ord. No. 2015-48, § 2(Exh. A), 9-22-2015)
(5upp. No. 13)
Page 1 of 1
Created: 2025-01-07 16:41:33 [EST]
- UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE
Chapter 4 - ZONING DISTRICTS
SECTION 4.10. COURTHOUSE VIEW PROTECTION OVERLAY DISTRICT
SECTION 4.10. COURTHOUSE VIEW PROTECTION OVERLAY DISTRICT'
Sec. 4.10.010. Purpose and Intent.
The Williamson County Courthouse provides a cultural, symbolic, and historic resource unique to the City.
Residents, visitors, and the traveling public currently enjoy broad views of the Courthouse Dome from several
corridors. The purpose of this section is to ensure that future development along the identified view corridors does
not lead to the loss of the views of the Courthouse Dome. It is the intent that these broad views be protected, to
the extent feasible, by means of careful siting of buildings and with consideration given to how the overall height
of buildings impact those views. Compliance with the requirements of this section will be verified during the Site
Plan process.
Sec. 4.10.020. Applicability.
Where Site Plan review is required in accordance with Section 3.09, the Courthouse View Protection Overlay shall
be applied to all properties within the view corridors listed below. The areas within the corridors listed below are
not exact and are depicted graphically on the Courthouse View Protection Overlay District Map. The Planning and
Development Department shall confirm applicability at a parcel level.
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'Editor's note(s)—Ord. No. 2015-34, § 2(Exh. A), adopted May 12, 2015, repealed the former Section 4.10, §§
4.10.010, 4.10.020 in its entirety, which pertained to the Historic Overlay District, and derived from original
codification. Subsequently, said ordinance redesignated the provisions of former Section 4.12, §§ 4.12.010-
4.12.040 as Section 4.10, §§ 4.10.010-4.10.040.
Georgetown, Texas, Unified Development Code
(Supp. No. 13)
Page 1 of 3
Created: 2025-01-07 16:41:44 [EST]
This map is available for viewing at the Planning and Development Department or as a downloadable map at
http://www.georgetown.org/maps.overview.php.
A. 1-35 View Corridor.
1.Properties located in the shaded areas between the Williamson County Courthouse, the western
(southbound) lanes of 1-35 south of Northwest Boulevard beginning at 393 North I.H. 35 to the
intersection at State Highway 29 (University Avenue), and
2.Properties lying within the protected view corridor along I.H.-35 from the State Spur 26 (Austin
Avenue) Overpass to the Courthouse Dome.
B. Austin Avenue View Corridor.
1.Properties within the protected view corridor projecting north from the Williamson County
Courthouse to State Spur 158 (Austin Avenue) at F.M. 971 and continuing north to County Road
151 the width of the State Spur 158 (Austin Avenue) right-of-way, and
Sec. 4.10.030. Maximum Height Determination Required.
All properties are permitted to build a structure of a single story, which is designed to minimize the impact on the
protected view. All other structures proposed within the view corridors may not exceed the height of the plane
delineating the corridor as determined by the height calculation formula in Section 4.10.030.C.3. below. The
maximum height permitted is the lesser of either the base zoning district maximum height or the maximum height
permitted in this section.
A. Application for Height Determination.
Prior to Site Plan application, properties within the Courthouse View Protection Overlay District
proposing to build a new structure or expand an existing structure shall submit an application for
height determination to establish the requirements of this district as they may relate to a specific
property.
An application form shall be submitted including the required calculations showing the elevations of
the review site, view point, proposed height of building, and distances from view point to review site to
the Courthouse, which establishes the allowable height according to the height calculation formula. An
dei idl map of the proposed site and Courthouse and view point elevations may be obtained from the
City. For specific definitions of the terms of this section, refer to Chapter 16 of this Code.
Elevation Study Required.
As part of the height determination review, sites that lie within the Courthouse View Protection
Overlay District shall be required to submit an elevation study illustrating the potential impact of all
buildings in the project on the protected view of the Williamson County Courthouse Dome.
C. Review Elements.
Review of the application for height determination and associated elevation study shall consider the
following elements:
1.Height.
Within the Courthouse View Protection Overlay District, structure height shall be limited to
avoid blocking the view to the Williamson County Courthouse Dome. Examples of design
techniques to meet this requirement include:
(Supp. No. 13)
a. Overall reduction of height; and
b. Stepping back the building height.
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21ocation.
Within the Courthouse View Protection Overlay District, structures shall be located to minimize
the possible impact on the view to the Williamson County Courthouse Dome. Location of parking
as it relates to the building shall be designed to best preserve the view of the Courthouse.
Examples of techniques to avoid location impacts include:
Relocation of building on the site outside the view corridor; and
b. Cutting off building corners.
3. Height Calculation Formula.
The height calculation formula is used to determine structure height for projects within the
Courthouse View Protection Overlay District. An example of the formula can be found in the
Development Manual. The height calculation formula is as follows:
• Tan of angle = A/B = E/F (TAN Deg = A/B = E/F)
• Tan of angle x F=E (TAN Deg x F=E)
• E-D=G.
• Combined formula (A/B x F) - D = G (allowable height)
Sec. 4.10.040. Courthouse View Determination.
Upon completion of the administrative review and height determination the Director shall make a final
determination. The applicant may request a Courthouse View Administrative Exception, using the procedures of
Section 3.16, if strict application of the provisions of this section would not be consistent with the Purpose of the
Overlay District due to unique topographical or physical characteristics of the subject site. In consideration of an
Exception, the burden of proof shall be on the applicant to demonstrate that the proposed exception is consistent
with the criteria contained in this section. The Director shall consider the following criteria in determining the
Administrative Exception:
A. Granting the Administrative Exception would not adversely affect any identified public view corridor;
and
Granting the Administrative Exception would be in the public interest and consistent with the Purpose
of the Overlay District.
Sec. 4.10.050. Courthouse View Corridor Waiver.
Upon completion of the administrative review and height determination the Director shall make a final
determination. The applicant may request relief from the requirements of the Courthouse View Corridor using the
procedures of 3.27.
(Supp. No. 13)
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