(a)

General.

(1)

Special purpose districts. Special purpose districts are established to address land uses that are not easily addressed by the agricultural, residential, business, commercial and industrial district regulations. Special purpose districts are base zoning districts, not overlays. The following special purpose districts are included in this Unified Development Code:

a.

PUD Planned Unit Development District; and

b.

PR Parks, Recreation and Public Use Districts.

(2)

Overlay districts.

a.

Overlay districts deal with special situations or accomplish specific city goals that cannot be easily or efficiently addressed through the use of "base" or regular zoning districts. As the name implies, overlay districts "overlay" applicable base district classifications to alter some or all of the zoning regulations that apply to particular sites.

b.

Overlay district regulations supplement the zoning regulations of the applicable base district. When overlay district standards conflict with the applicable base district standards or other regulations of this Code, the regulations of the overlay district always govern. When no special overlay district standards are specified, the base district standards and all other applicable regulations of the Code will govern. The following overlay districts are included in this Unified Development Code:

1.

OTB Old Town Belton Overlay District;

2.

GCO Gateway Commercial Overlay District;

3.

Planned District Overlay.

(3)

Changes to approved plans.

a.

Major changes in an approved plan shall require the resubmission and approval of new or amended preliminary plan and final plan documents. Major changes shall be those which alter the concept or intent of a development, increase density; reduce required yards, significantly change the location of any buildings, increase building height by more than ten percent, reduce open space, change road standards or locations, or other changes to the authorizing ordinance. The director of planning shall make the determination of scope of a major change.

b.

Minor changes shall be those not defined as a major change and may be approved administratively by the director of planning.

(UDC 2010, § 12.1; Ord. No. 2018-4436, § 1, 5-15-2018)

(a)

Purpose and description. The purpose of the OTB, Old Town Belton Overlay District is to develop an identifiable center of the City of Belton with city hall as its nucleus. Its intent is to further define a sense of community and to promote a centrally located, high-quality civic environment deemed important in the city's growth management plan. A fully realized Old Town Belton concept will incorporate elements of public/quasi-public, commercial, vehicular and pedestrian environments into an integrated design which reflects the community focus of the city. The Old Town Belton concept is implemented by use of an overlay district that imposes additional criteria on the underlying zoning districts.

(b)

Objectives. In order to achieve the city center concept, the following objectives will be realized:

(1)

The pedestrian environment in the Old Town Belton Overlay District is essential for developing the sense of community desired by the city. Amenities will be provided to promote pedestrian usage.

(2)

Vehicular circulation and parking should be accommodated without impacting the pedestrian experience. Adequate measures will be provided to reduce vehicular and pedestrian circulation conflicts.

(3)

The architectural character of buildings should be harmonious with the architectural style of the municipal complex.

(4)

The size and scale of buildings in the Old Town Belton Overlay District should be complementary to a pedestrian environment. Buildings located near the perimeter of the Old Town Belton Overlay District should be designed to provide a harmonious transition between the commercial development and surrounding residential areas.

(5)

Signs will be of a scale, height, material and illumination that reflect the architectural concepts being promoted in the Old Town Belton Overlay District.

(c)

Permitted uses. All uses allowed in the underlying zoning district shall be allowed in the OTB district as specified in the use table with the exceptions listed in subsections (c)(1) through (5). Those uses identified as requiring a conditional use permit shall do so in accordance with the regulations of this Code. In order to promote the pedestrian intent of the OTB district, the following uses are prohibited:

(1)

Motor vehicle repair;

(2)

Gas stations;

(3)

Vehicle sales;

(4)

Accessory outdoor storage; and

(5)

Drive-thru facilities, except for restaurants with drive-thrus with frontage on E. North Avenue.

(d)

Dimentional standards. The following dimentional standards shall apply to the OTB District:

(e)

District-specific design standards. Building and design standards shall follow the Downtown Design Guidelines adopted in 2011. If the provisions of the adopted guidelines conflict with the following design standards, the more restrictive provision shall be used.

(1)

Building design.

a.

All buildings shall be oriented toward the public street or common access drive adjacent to each lot.

b.

All buildings shall have four-sided architecture with the same quality of materials applied to all sides.

(2)

Site design.

a.

All building entrances for the general public, customers, or clients shall have pedestrian connections from the public sidewalk network.

b.

Off-street parking shall be designed to minimize traffic and utilize shared parking. Off-street parking shall be located behind building facades. Exceptions to parking locations may be made for sites off of Main Street when parking is screened from the public street with low walls and/or landscaping.

c.

Off-street parking requirements shall not apply to the reuse of pre-existing buildings. New development or redevelopment of properties shall provide off-street parking at a 50 percent reduced rate of the standard minimum parking requirement in this Code. Improved on-street public parking that is adjacent to the lot frontage may be considered as part of the minimum parking requirement.

d.

Fences are subject to the height and design standards in this Code, with the exception that fences in rear yards on Main Street may be exempt from the corner street side provided the fence does not create a sight distance issue.

(3)

Placemaking.

a.

All new developments or redevelopments of properties shall provide a minimum of two pedestrian amenities on-site, which may include bike racks, outdoor seating, trash receptacles, or similar features. Properties on Main Street that are developed at zero foot setbacks may be exempt from this requirement.

b.

Outdoor dining and seating areas may be permitted as an accessory use for principal land uses that include the production, processing, preparation, selling, or serving of food or beverages. Outdoor dining and seating may be permitted in the front and corner side rights-of-way on the public sidewalk for properties with Main Street frontages, provided that all required pedestrian and vehicular access shall remain clear of encroachments by outdoor dining and seating areas. All outdoor dining and seating areas shall be fixtures that are moveable and not affixed permanently to the ground or adjacent building walls.

c.

Signage shall be installed in accordance with this Code. Pedestrian-oriented signage, including projecting, awning, under canopy, and sidewalk signs are encouraged along Main Street.

(UDC 2010, § 12.2; Ord. No. 2023-4800, § 1, 8-22-2023; Ord. No. 2024-4828, § 1(Exh. A), 1-23-2024)

(a)

General purpose and description. The purpose of the GCO, Gateway Commercial Overlay District is to provide for quality design and development near interstate highway interchanges in order to create a cohesive and attractive entrance to the City of Belton.

(b)

Applicability. The GCO district is appropriate for parcels located within the general vicinity of an interstate highway interchange.

(c)

Review procedure. The review procedure for applications within the GCO district will be as set forth for site plan review.

(d)

Permitted uses. All uses allowed in the underlying zoning district shall be allowed in the GCO district as specified in the use table.

(e)

Dimensional standards. All dimensional requirements of the base zoning district will apply.

(f)

District-specific design standards.

(1)

Building design features. All building facades visible from adjoining streets or properties must include at least two of the following features:

a.

Variations in roof form and parapet heights;

b.

Canopies or porticos;

c.

Outdoor patios;

d.

Architectural details such as tile work and moldings that are integrated into the building structure and design; or

e.

Integral planters or wing walls that incorporate landscaped areas and/or places for sitting.

(2)

Facade materials.

a.

All buildings and other structures must be clad with brick, wood, natural stone, architectural cast stone, architectural precast concrete panels, glass or other comparable, durable materials approved during the plan review process.

b.

Concrete masonry units and similar materials may be allowed in service areas and on exterior walls that are not generally visible to the public.

(3)

Site design features. All developments within the GCO district shall incorporate the following site design features:

a.

A unified pedestrian access system that allows pedestrians to easily move between buildings within the development.

b.

Parking areas shall be interconnected to allow the movement of vehicles from one site to another without having to drive on to a public street or access road.

c.

Access to any outparcel shall be provided by frontage roads. Direct access to the outparcel from the public street providing access to the development should be avoided.

d.

Lots within the development should not be isolated from the development. Vehicular and pedestrian access must be provided from any lot to the development.

e.

The development shall be designed as a unified district instead of a "strip" commercial center.

f.

Landscaping shall be used to help define pedestrian walks throughout the site.

g.

Outdoor patios and terraces shall contain benches or seating areas.

h.

The use of fountains and art sculptures are encouraged.

(4)

Action on application. The planning commission may, upon showing of undue hardship by the applicant, waive one or more of the specific requirements of the design standards of this subsection (f). The commission shall approve the minimum waiver necessary to allow the application to be approved. The applicant for any such waiver shall have the burden of showing that the proposed project with such waiver shall have minimum negative effect on aesthetics and compatibility within the CCO district.

(UDC 2010, §§ 12.3, 12.4)

(a)

General purpose and description.

(1)

The purpose of the P Planned District is as an overlay district that will provide latitude and flexibility in the location of buildings, structures, open spaces, play areas and roads. The planning commission and city council will use the requirements and standards for the base zoning district as a guide in approving a "P" district and may permit deviations from these requirements where it is deemed that amenities or conditions in accordance with this section will be gained to the extent that a higher quality development is produced.

(2)

All R, C, BP and M districts may be designated as "planned districts,"(e.g., RE-P or M1-P), as applicable, under this section. Upon approval, a planned district designation functions as an overlay zone in which standards and requirements specifically approved for the "planned district" rezoning and applicable approved site plan govern over conflicting requirements and standards of the base zoning district. Otherwise, requirements of the base zoning district remain in force.

(b)

Review procedure. The procedure for review of applications for designation of a planned district will be the same as for amendments to this Unified Development Code as set forth in this section. Applications for C, BP and M planned districts must also be accompanied by a conceptual site plan.

(c)

Permitted uses. Uses allowed in a planned district are those permitted in the applicable base zoning district.

(d)

Dimensional standards. Dimensional standards will be the same as those for the base zoning districts unless deviations are granted pursuant to this section.

(e)

District-specific design standards.

(1)

In exchange for the flexibility provided under planned district zoning, applicants are required to provide high-quality design elements and amenities. Each residential and nonresidential development must provide amenities in accordance with the following menu:

(2)

The planned district must include such provisions for the ownership and maintenance of the common open space and amenities as are reasonably necessary to insure its continuity, care, conservation and maintenance. In a residential planned district, such common open space and amenities that are for the use of the residents of the planned district will be owned and maintained in common by them, generally through a property owners' association. Such provisions will insure that remedial measures will be available to the entity responsible for maintaining the common open space so that it is not permitted to deteriorate and is maintained in a condition consistent with the best interests of the planned district and of the entire community.

(3)

The planning commission may, upon showing of undue hardship by the applicant, waive one or more of the specific requirements of the design standards of this section. The commission shall approve the minimum waiver necessary to allow the application to be approved. The applicant for any such waiver shall have the burden of showing that the proposed project with such waiver shall have minimum negative effect on aesthetics and compatibility within the P district.

(UDC 2010, §§ 12.5, 12.6)

(a)

Operational performance standards. All uses in the P district must comply with the operational performance standards.

(b)

Outdoor storage, display and work areas.

(1)

All allowed uses in the residential districts must comply with the requirements outlined in residential zoning district regulations.

(2)

All allowed uses in the business, commercial and industrial districts must comply with the requirements.

(UDC 2010, § 12.7)

(a)

General purpose and description. The PUD Planned Unit Development District is a special purpose district that is intended to encourage the unified design of residential, commercial, office, professional services, retail and institutional uses and facilities or combinations thereof in accordance with an approved comprehensive development plan. This district provides for flexibility in the design of buildings, yards, courts and circulation in exchange for the provision of platted common open space, amenities and design excellence.

(b)

Review procedure. The procedure for review of applications for planned unit developments will be as set forth.

(c)

Allowable uses. The Planned Unit Development District may be established exclusively for residential, commercial or industrial development or any combination of these uses. Each use category must be listed on the PUD plans and approved by the planning commission and the city council.

(d)

District-specific design standards.

(1)

Maintenance of overall density. The planning commission and city council may designate divisible geographic sections of the entire parcel to be developed as a unit, and may, in such a case, specify reasonable periods within which developments of such unit must be commenced. In the case of residential planned unit developments, the planning commission may permit in each unit deviations from the number of dwelling units per acre established for the entire planned development, provided such deviation will be adjusted for in other sections of the development so that the number of dwelling units per acre authorized for the entire planned development is not increased.

(2)

Adequate circulation system.

a.

The site must be accessible from public roads that are adequate to carry the traffic that will be imposed upon them by the proposed development, and the streets and driveways on the site of the proposed development must be adequate to serve the residents or occupants of the proposed development.

b.

A traffic study shall be submitted with the rezoning application in order to determine impacts of the proposed development and necessary improvements to the transportation system. The traffic study shall take into consideration the transportation plan of the City of Belton. The director of public works, or his or her designee, shall review the traffic study and make a recommendation to the planning commission and city council regarding necessary improvements to the transportations system.

(3)

Adequate public services. The development must not impose an undue burden upon public services and facilities, such as fire and police protection and public infrastructure. The development must make adequate provisions for resulting additional system demands imposed by the development upon roads and streets, water supply and storage, storm sewerage, sanitary sewerage and wastewater treatment. The developer must make arrangements and will furnish such performance bonds, escrow deposits or other guarantees as may be determined by the city to be reasonably required to assure consistency of the development with the city's growth management plan, water, sewer and street master plans.

(4)

Additional buffering. When a commercial or industrial use within a planned unit development district abuts a residential zoning district, a landscape buffer shall be provided. If the residential zoning district and the commercial or industrial use are separated by a street right-of-way, a ten-foot-wide landscaped buffer containing trees, shrubs and evergreens must be provided along the residential side of the right-of-way line. The applicant must provide for perpetual maintenance of the landscape buffer containing trees, shrubs and evergreens.

(e)

Additional requirements.

(1)

Operational performance standards. All uses in the planned unit development district must comply with the operational performance standards.

(2)

Outdoor storage, display and work areas.

a.

All residential uses allowed in the PUD must comply with the requirements.

b.

All business, commercial or industrial uses allowed in the PUD must comply with the requirements.

(3)

Bulk and dimensional standards. Bulk and dimensional standards shall be established by the planning commission and city council as part of the zoning map amendment process.

(UDC 2010, §§ 12.8—12.10)

(a)

Purpose. The PR Parks, Recreation and Public Use District is a special purpose district that is intended to accommodate land uses that offer a variety of active and passive recreational opportunities and other public uses.

(b)

Permitted uses. The following uses are permitted in the PR district:

(1)

Public active and/or passive recreation areas and parks;

(2)

Activities for conservation of natural resources and the environment, such as for soil, water, vegetation and wildlife;

(3)

Indoor or outdoor health, recreation and exercise facilities;

(4)

Community centers and similar facilities;

(5)

Minor utility uses as defined by this Code;

(6)

Government centers, police and fire stations.

(c)

Dimensional requirements.

(1)

Minimum lot size: none.

(2)

Minimum lot width: 70 feet.

(3)

All buildings and structures must be at least 30 feet from any property line.

(4)

Buildings shall not exceed 35 feet in height. The planning commission may allow a greater building height when necessary to accommodate special recreation needs and when the following criteria are met:

a.

That substantial architectural relief is provided to relieve the feeling of mass; and

b.

That the additional height allowance provides a recreational amenity or public facility that is unique and desired in the City of Belton, and is supported in the comprehensive plan.

(d)

Review procedure. The review procedure for applications within the PR district will be as set forth for site plan review.

(UDC 2010, § 12.11)

(a)

Purpose and description. The purpose of the North Scott Corridor Overlay District is to support the continued development and revitalization of a commercial services corridor serving both local and regional needs. The overlay district is intended to provide certain exceptions to base zoning district standards to aide in the continued investment by permitted uses, while also improving community aesthetics. The overlay district has been designed to achieve the goals for the corridor identified in both the 2014 North Scott Corridor Plan and the 2050 Belton Comprehensive Plan adopted on November 19, 2024.

(b)

Application. The overlay district applies to all properties identified in the North Scott Subarea Plan in the 2050 Belton Comprehensive Plan. When a standard or code requirement is not modified in this section, the regulations contained elsewhere in the Unified Development Code (herein referred to as the "Code") and the Code of Ordinances shall apply.

(c)

Dimensional standards. Dimensional standards, including lot sizes, width, setbacks, height, and coverage, are subject to the following:

(1)

Residential land uses shall meet the base zoning district standards.

(2)

Non-residential land uses shall meet the following standards:

(d)

District-specific design standards.

(1)

Site design. Access, parking, landscaping and screening, exterior lighting, walls and fences, and signage shall all meet requirements of this Code.

(2)

Standard building design. Building design shall meet the design, materials, form, and other design elements specified elsewhere in this Code, with the following modifications:

a.

The use of metal siding or paneling may be permitted on non-street side and rear elevations in properly zoned areas identified as "Service Commercial" or "Business Park" in the future land use map subject to all metal wall and panel requirements.

b.

Overhead doors for ingress and egress of vehicles are permitted on non-street side and rear building elevations. Overhead doors for the ingress and egress of vehicles and for light, air, and decorative purposes, may be permitted on street-facing elevations if transparent.

(3)

Storefront building design. Building design shall meet the design, materials, form, and other design elements specified in this Code and the additional storefront design standards to be eligible for a ten-foot reduction in front and corner side setbacks. Storefront building design includes a minimum 50 percent transparency on the front façade that may be achieved through a combination of windows, doors, and decorative overhead doors with awnings or other projecting elements. Pedestrian connectivity and landscaping shall also be incorporated into the setback area.

(4)

Outdoor storage. Outdoor storage areas for the parking of accessory vehicles for a permitted business may be permitted subject to the following:

a.

All outdoor storage areas shall be located in the interior side and rear yards of the building and shall be setback a minimum of three feet from all property lines unless a more restrictive setback or screening buffer is required based on the adjacent zoning district. Exceptions to the storage yard setback may be allowed for shared storage areas that cross property lines.

b.

Privacy fencing or walls and landscaping shall be installed to screen outdoor storage areas from all existing and proposed street rights-of-way and the view of any adjacent properties identified as "Medium-Density Residential," "High-Density Residential," or "Mixed-Use."

c.

In C-2 and C-3 zoning districts, outdoor storage areas shall be limited to accessory vehicles, which include cars, trucks, trailers, and construction equipment utilized by the business and customary to the use. Non-commercial cars and trucks may also be parked in striped spaces in the principal parking lot, provided that sufficient parking is provided for customers.

d.

In BP, FCI, M-1, and M-2 zoning districts, outdoor storage areas may include all permitted vehicles and equipment allows for C-2 and C-3 zoning districts, as well as the storage of materials and supplies provided all screening requirements are met. Materials and supplies shall be arranged in a manner to provide minimum ingress and egress to, from, and through the outdoor storage area. The height of stacked materials and supplies shall not exceed the height of the screening wall or fence, unless otherwise permitted by this Code or if approved as part of a development plan.

e.

In all zoning districts, outdoor storage areas shall not be used for the parking or storing of shipping or cargo containers or other items that are not listed as permitted in this section, with the following exceptions:

1.

In C-2 and more intensive zoning districts, a maximum of three temporary shipping or cargo containers may be located on a property provided that it is located in an outdoor storage area subject to all of the location, paving, and screening standards in this section. Containers shall not be stacked and shall not be located closer than 50 feet to any public right-of-way. Temporary containers shall include containers that are regularly mobile and moved on and off site at least every 45 days, including those for delivery drops. Containers used for long-term or permanent storage are not permitted and shall be replaced with a permanent structure or moved to the interior of a permanent structure. Containers shall be maintained in good condition.

f.

Outdoor storage areas shall meet minimum paving requirements as outlined in this Code. Dust proof chip and seal paving and asphalt millings may be permitted in rear outdoor storage areas in BP, FCI, M-1, and M-2 zoning districts if approved as part of a development plan. All outdoor storage area paving shall be maintained in good condition and dust proof.

(e)

Permitted uses. Land uses are subject to the base zoning district and all conditional or special use standards in chapter 40 and all other requirements contained elsewhere in the Code.

(f)

Incremental improvements. It is the intent that as reinvestment occurs on existing properties, that they be brought closer into compliance with the overlay district standards and all other requirements within the Code. At a minimum, the following must be brought into compliance with any building addition or site expansion:

(1)

Landscaping shall be installed along the street frontage, including exterior perimeter parking area buffers and street frontage trees. In areas where the addition of the perimeter parking area buffer cannot be achieved due to site constraints, the addition of parking lot islands for trees, shrubs, and ornamental grasses may be used to achieve the intent of the landscaping requirements.

(2)

Any unpaved parking or outdoor storage areas shall be paved with an approved material.

(3)

Any required screening or fencing for outdoor storage areas, trash receptacles, or to buffer from lesser-intensive zoning districts as required by this Code shall be brought up to the minimum standard.

(4)

All documented nuisance and property maintenance code violations, except for those that can be addressed as part of the scope of work under a permit as determined by the director, shall be corrected prior to the issuance of any permit approval for an addition or expansion. All outstanding violations must be completed prior to final inspection.

(5)

All building additions and site expansions shall meet the overlay district standards and all other requirements within the Code.

(Ord. No. 2017-4393, § 1, 11-28-2017; Ord. No. 2023-4750, § 2, 1-10-2023; Ord. No. 2023-4777, § 2, 6-13-2023; Ord. No. 2024-4836, § 3, 2-27-2024; Ord. No. 2025-4912, § 3 (Exh. C), 4-29-2025)