Alamo City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 16
PUD PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
10-16-1: APPLICATION OF PROVISIONS:
The following regulations shall apply to the PUD District. (Ord. 228-03-26, 3-3-2026)
10-16-2: PURPOSE AND INTENT:
The purpose of the Planned Unit Development (PUD) District is to encourage innovative and well- designed developments that provide benefits to the community. This district provides flexibility in development standards, allowing for a mix of uses and creative site layouts that may not be achievable under conventional zoning districts. The intent is to facilitate the best use of the land, preserve natural features, and promote a harmonious relationship with surrounding areas while ensuring the proposed development provides adequate amenities, safety, and other public benefits. (Ord. 228-03-26, 3-3-2026)
10-16-3: APPLICATION AND APPROVAL PROCESS:
A Planned Unit Development (PUD) may be established as a new zoning district by the Board of Commissioners. The application shall include a master plan and proposed development standards, along with any other descriptive materials or proffers necessary to fully describe the development. A subdivision plat must also be submitted if required. (Ord. 228-03-26, 3-3-2026)
10-16-4: GENERAL STANDARDS FOR PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT:
A proposed development may not comply with all dimensional and use requirements of a conventional zoning district, provided the following standards are met:
A. Unified Plan: The development shall be governed by a master plan and proposed development standards that are sufficiently detailed to ensure compliance with the purpose and intent of this section. The plan must show a comprehensive and unified design for the entire development. At a minimum, a viable PUD shall have no less than four (4) land uses master designed.
B. Comprehensive Plan. The development must substantially align with the comprehensive plan.
C. Sufficient Size: The project must be of a size and in a location that permits the creation of an internal environment that will not adversely affect existing and future development in the surrounding area; in this regard, the minimum size for any PUD shall not be less than forty (40) acres.
D. Harmonious Design: The development shall be designed to promote a harmonious relationship with adjacent properties. This can be achieved through techniques such as:
1. Thoughtful building placement and orientation;
2. Appropriate building heights, spacing, and setbacks;
3. Preservation of natural vegetation and topography;
4. Effective landscaping, screening, and grading;
5. Strategic location of recreation areas, open spaces, and parking lots.
E. Maintenance: Satisfactory provisions must be made to ensure that all private and common areas of the development are maintained without expense to the general taxpayer. This must be a legally binding agreement approved by the City Attorney.
F. Industrial Uses: To ensure a harmonious relationship between uses and protect public health and safety, no industrial land uses will be permitted within five hundred feet (500') of an existing residential district or an existing/developed residential neighborhood. This buffer distance is intended to mitigate potential negative impacts such as noise, vibration, heavy truck traffic, and odors.
G. Resilience and Stormwater Management. All Planned Unit Developments shall adhere to the town’s stormwater management regulations, with a focus on mitigating potential impacts to adjacent properties and public infrastructure. Applicants are encouraged to incorporate green infrastructure and Low Impact Development (LID) principles into their stormwater plans. While not required, these practices, such as bioretention areas, permeable pavements, and green roofs, are a key consideration for approval, as they contribute to climate resiliency by reducing runoff and improving water quality. (Ord. 228-03-26, 3-3-2026)
10-16-5: LAND USE:
Permitted uses within a Planned Unit Development (PUD) are not predefined but will be determined on a case-by-case basis as part of the PUD plat approval process. The Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners have the sole discretionary authority to approve, deny, or modify the proposed list of land uses for the development. Their decision will be based on the overall intent of the PUD District, the specific context of the proposed development, and its compatibility with the surrounding area. (Ord. 228-03-26, 3-3-2026)
10-16-6: PROCEDURES:
Procedures for the approval of a Planned Unit Development (PUD) application shall be the same as those for a Plat being discussed/approved. No development shall commence, and no permits shall be issued until the master plan and the plat(s) have been approved by the P&Z Commission and the Board of Commissioners. Final site plan approval by the city’s Planning Director, and the Fire Marshal for nonsingle family structures, is also required before any permanent building can be erected. (Ord. 228-03-26, 3-3-2026)
