This chapter shall be known as the "Code of Planning and Zoning Regulations of the City of Bellaire."

This chapter is adopted pursuant to the Charter of the City of Bellaire, the Texas Constitution, the Texas Local Government Code and all other provisions of the laws of the State of Texas which are currently applicable or which may be later enacted or determined applicable.

(Ord. No. 89-009, § 1, 3-6-1989)

This chapter is adopted for the purpose of promoting and protecting the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the residents, citizens and inhabitants of the City of Bellaire and for the protection and preservation of places of historical and cultural importance and significance and the general welfare of the community. The provisions of this chapter are the requirements necessary to accomplish these purposes as specifically delineated in this chapter. This chapter is further adopted in order to regulate the use of land within the City of Bellaire so as to promote orderly and healthful development, good government, peace and order of the City and the trade and commerce thereof, as may be necessary or proper to carry into effect the powers vested in the City of Bellaire by the Constitution and laws of the State of Texas.

(Ord. No. 82-020, § 1, 3-29-1982)

The Comprehensive Plan dated November 16, 2009, along with any updates thereto subsequently approved by the City Council, is adopted as the Comprehensive Plan of the City, and the requirements of such plan are herein incorporated by reference. The Comprehensive Plan shall be maintained of record in the office of the City Clerk and the user is directed to the City's official website for a link to the Comprehensive Plan.

(Ord. No. 97-012, § 2, 4-7-1997; Ord. No. 09-077, § 2(App. A), 11-16-2009)

State Law reference— Comprehensive plan, V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 211.001 et seq.

A.

General Application. This chapter shall apply to all structures and the uses of land within the corporate limits of the City of Bellaire, Texas. Existing structures and uses which are inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter shall be permitted only as provided for in Article VII of this chapter. All applications for development approval shall be required to meet the requirements of this chapter which are in effect on the date of any permit or authority issued hereunder.

B.

General Prohibition. It shall be unlawful for any person to carry out any development or to modify in any way any use or structure existing upon any land within the City of Bellaire, which is inconsistent with the requirements of this chapter.

C.

Building Permits Issued Prior to Enactment of this chapter. This chapter shall not affect lawfully issued building permits which have been finally issued prior to the effective date of this chapter, save and except those building permits so issued which shall have expired, lapsed or been revoked.

All prior provisions of Chapter 24 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Bellaire are hereby repealed save and except those provisions of Sections 24-186 and 24-187 of such chapter which are set out and contained in Articles VIII and IX, respectively, of this chapter.

The provisions of this chapter shall become final, binding and effective upon all property within the City of Bellaire upon the same being finally enacted as evidenced by the ordinance of enactment duly executed by the Mayor and the City Clerk of the City of Bellaire, the provisions of which shall form a part of this Code.