Mcallen City Zoning Code

A subordinate building on foundation, located on the same lot as the main building, the use of which is clearly incidental to and customarily found in connection with the main building or principal use of the property.

An additional dwelling unit integrated within a single-family dwelling, or located in a detached accessory building, such as carriage houses or agricultural-type outbuildings, located on the same lot as single-family dwellings. This use must be clearly incidental to the main residence on the property. This use also includes similar uses like servant's quarters and guard residences.

A building or use that:

Facilities capable of supporting and servicing the physical area and designated intensity of a proposed subdivision or development based upon specific levels of service identified in the UDC or as adopted by the City.

A facility that offers services and activities to senior citizens, including but not limited to counseling, assistance with daily tasks, exercise, transportation, and social activities. Such facilities do not include overnight stays.

The use of land for the production of plants and animals useful to humans, including, to a variable extent, the preparation of these products for human use and their disposal by marketing or otherwise, and includes horticulture, floriculture, viticulture, forestry, dairy, livestock, poultry, bee, hatcheries, and any and all forms of farm products and farm production. This includes accessory uses for treating or storing farm products and equipment.

Events and activities that allow for recreation, entertainment, and tourism that is in conjunction with on-going agricultural activities on-site (examples include corn mazes, hayrides, and petting zoos).

A place where an aircraft can land and take off, usually equipped with hangars, facilities for refueling and repair, and various accommodations for passengers and/or freight.

A public right-of-way or private easement used for utility installation and/or secondary access to individual properties which have their primary access from an adjacent public or private street.

A minor revision or modification of a recorded Plat that does not change or create new lot boundaries.

An open lot with its appurtenant facilities devoted primarily to the showing of motion picture or theatrical productions on a paid admission basis to patrons seated in automobiles.

Anyone authorized to submit an application for development, including, but not limited to, a property owner or the owner's designee or a subdivider or developer or their agent, attorney, architect, engineer, surveyor, or contractor. The applicant may be referred to as "subdivider" or "developer" in this UDC.

Notice to the City provided on an acceptable form from the City that begins the development or subdivision process.

A container, typically affixed to the ground or a structure in which plantings may be placed within.

The workshop of an artist, writer, craftsperson, or photographer, but not a place where members of the public come to receive instruction on a more than incidental basis or to sit for photographic portraits.

"Per the Texas Health and Safety Code, Section 247.002, "assisted living facility" means an establishment that:

A permanent sign painted, printed, attached, or otherwise applied to any facet of the covering or frame structure of an awning or attached structural canopy.

A temporary sign made of fabric, cloth, bunting, plastic, paper, or any other non-rigid material with no enclosing framework that is attached, mounted, tied, or otherwise placed on a building or pole attached to a building. This definition does not include flags, pennants, or streamers.

An athletic field or stadium owned and operated by a public agency for the general public including a baseball field, golf course, football field or stadium which may be lighted for nighttime play.

Building(s) and associated open area other than a street or required automobile parking space used for the display or sale of new or used automobiles, motorcycles, ATVs, recreational vehicles, light trucks, and trailers, to be displayed and sold on the premises, and where minor repair work and maintenance is done for those vehicles. This use does not allow for the storage of wrecked automobiles or the dismantling of automobiles or the storage of automobile parts or junk on the premises.

The use of any building or other premises for the display and sale of new or used parts for automobiles, panel trucks, vans, trailers, or recreational vehicles.

An establishment that serves alcoholic beverages by the drink for on-site consumption and that derive fifty-one (51) percent or more of the gross revenue from the on-premise sale of alcoholic beverages.

An establishment that serves alcoholic beverages by the drink for on-site consumption and that derive seventy-five (75) percent or more of the gross revenue from the on-premise sale of alcoholic beverages.

An accessory structure that includes living space and barn space on an agricultural property. Barns detached from the living space operating as a separate structure are not included in this definition.

A flood having a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year based on a fully developed watershed. Also known as the 100-year flood.

A temporary manufacturing facility for the production of concrete or asphalt during construction of a project and to be removed when the project is completed.

Group of batteries assembled together capable of storing energy in order to supply electrical energy at a future time.

An owner-occupied property, other than a hotel or multiple-family dwelling, which offers lodging for paying guests and which serves meals to these guests and which contains one or more guest bedrooms and where facilities for food preparation are not provided in the individual guest bedrooms.

A locker or box in which multiple bicycles can be placed, stored, and locked.

Those facilities such as bicycle racks, bicycle lockers, and other features required to park or store bicycles on a site.

An identified tract or parcel of land surrounded by a street or streets, and other physical features which may be further subdivided into individual lots or reserves.

That dimension between two intersecting streets.

A building, other than a hotel or multiple-family dwelling, where lodging or meals is provided to persons for compensation, and where facilities for food preparation are not provided in individual rooms.

A vertical device that provides a physical barrier between different uses or site features to divert traffic from a roadway or specific area.

A bicycle facility affixed to pavement that stores up to two bicycles which are locked from the outside.

The production of beer, wine and/or liquor at industrial quantities and internal large-scale commercial distribution.

A restaurant or other facility that manufactures alcoholic beverages including but not limited to beer, wine or liquor for either on-premises or off-premises retail and wholesale and consumption in quantities not considered industrial or large-scale production as determined by the City Manager. The business must hold the required licenses and permits from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

Any permanent structure designed, used, or intended to be used for human occupancy or use or to support the human occupancy or use of land, including manufactured homes.

The City's most recently adopted Building Code.

See Section 4.2.4.

See "Setback."

The following exterior construction materials: fired brick, veneer brick, natural and manufactured stone, granite, marble, Architectural Concrete Block (earth-tone coloring integrated into the masonry material), or tilt-wall replicating any of the aforementioned materials.

The following exterior construction materials: all Building Materials Class 1, cement fiber board, and 3-step stucco process.

The sale of new building and landscaping materials and supplies with related sales for hardware, carpet, plants, electrical and plumbing supplies all of which are either oriented to a retail customer or contractor or wholesale customer. Outdoor storage and retail sales are incidental.

The individual holding the office of Building Official of the City of McAllen, who shall actively oversee the construction of development. This term includes their designee.

A permit issued by the City before a building or structure is started, improved, enlarged or altered as proof that such action complies with the UDC.

The area or floor space within a building or structure.

A group of small, detached structures arranged around a shared court visible from the street. Dwelling unit entrances are from the shared court.

Any premises for the transient housing or parking of motor-driven buses and the loading and unloading of passengers.

A structure open on a minimum of three sides designed or used to shelter vehicles, not to exceed 24 feet on its longest dimension.

A facility where the primary or secondary function is washing automobiles, pick-up trucks, and small vans, but not trailers or commercial trucks. This includes both mechanical production line methods or self-service equipment. A car wash may also function as an accessory use to an automobile service station or other primary use.

Land used or intended to be used for the burial of the dead and dedicated for cemetery purposes, including mausoleums and mortuaries when operated in conjunction with and within the boundaries of such cemetery.

A certificate issued by the Historic Preservation Officer or McAllen Historic Preservation Council its approval of plans for alteration, construction, removal, or demolition of a landmark, property, or structure within a historic district.

A Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) grants a CCN holder the exclusive right to provide retail water and/or sewer utility service to an identified geographic area. Texas Water Code Ch. 13 requires a CCN holder to provide continuous and adequate service to the area within its CCN boundary. Municipalities and districts normally are not required to have a CCN; however some municipalities and districts do have a CCN. A district or municipality may not provide services within an area for which another utility holds a CCN unless the district or municipality has a CCN itself for that area and/or established an interlocal agreement authorizing service.

A fabricated or formed three-dimensional letter, number, logo or symbol affixed directly onto a surface.

"Per the Texas Health and Safety Code, Section 464.001:

A business for the care of children at a location other than a caretaker's residence for 24 hours a day. See Texas Human Resources Code Ch. 42.

A private residence where state licensed care, protection, and supervision are provided, for a fee, at least twice a week to no more than six (6) children at one time, including children of the adult provider, for less than twenty-four (24) hours per day. See Texas Human Resources Code Ch. 42.

A private residence where state licensed care, protection, and supervision are provided, for a fee, at least twice a week to no more than twelve (12) children at one time, including children of the adult provider, for less than twenty-four (24) hours per day. See Texas Human Resources Code Ch. 42.

The City of McAllen, Texas and it's departments, agencies, personnel, and staff unless otherwise expressly stated.

The City of McAllen's agreed upon legal counsel overseeing the daily legal activities of the City.

The duly elected governing body of the City of McAllen, Texas.

The individual holding the office of City Engineer of the City of McAllen, who shall actively maintain licensure in good standing as a professional engineer under the laws of the State of Texas. Those duties assigned by this UDC to the City Engineer which relate to the development review process may be reassigned by the City Manager, in whole or in part, to one or more licensed professional engineers, as needed to adjust workflow or to provide specific expertise. This term includes the City Engineer's designee.

The boundary of the incorporated limits of the City of McAllen.

A building or complex of buildings that houses municipal offices and services and which may include cultural, recreational, athletic, convention and/or entertainment facilities owned and/or operated by a governmental agency.

A facility or area for a special purpose organization or for the sharing of sports, arts, literature, politics, or other similar interests, but not primarily for profit or to render a service that is customarily carried on as a business, excluding religious land uses.

A public or private, profit or nonprofit facility for the reception and treatment of outpatient persons physically or mentally ill, injured, handicapped or otherwise in need of physical or mental diagnosis, treatment, care or similar service. This use includes physician and dental offices.

The City of McAllen's adopted codes not housed within the UDC.

An institution established for educational purposes offering courses of study beyond the secondary education level, but excluding trade and commercial schools.

An industrial facility where fabrics are cleaned with substantially nonaqueous organic solvents.

A place for preparing, cooking or baking of products primarily intended for off-premises distribution.

A structure housing horses which are boarded or rented to the public or any stable other than a private stable, but not including a sale barn, auction or similar trading activity. Accessory uses are permitted and include but are not limited to offices, storage areas, caretaker's quarters, educating and training in equitation, and caring for, breeding, or training horses associated with the stable use.

An easement shown on a Plat or other recorded instrument that assigns benefit and right of entry to the public at large or to an abutting property owner and allows passage to the beneficiary over and across the property on which the easement is located.

The long-range planning and development policy of the City and adjoining areas as adopted by the City Commission, including all its revisions and plan elements (including, but not limited to, the future land use plan, thoroughfare plan, parks master plan, etc.). This plan indicates the general locations recommended for various land uses, transportation routes, public and private buildings, streets, parks, water and wastewater facilities, and other public and private developments and improvements. The Comprehensive Plan is titled the Envision McAllen 2040 Comprehensive Plan.

A permit granted on a discretionary and conditional basis by the City Commission, which authorizes a land use in a zoning district in which that use is not normally permitted. All requirements of a Conditional Use Permit are in addition to and supplement UDC requirements.

The offices and/or storage facilities for a specialized trade related to construction, electric, glass, painting and decorating, welding, water well drilling, sign making, or similar items. This use includes storage yards (for equipment, materials [including sand, road-building aggregate or lumber], supplies and/or vehicles owned or rented by the establishment), roofing and sheet metal, fabrication of cabinetry and related millwork and carpentry, elevator maintenance and service, and venetian blind and metal awning fabrication and cleaning. Incidental sales of materials are included within this definition.

A storage yard or assembly yard for building materials and equipment directly related to a construction project and subject to removal at completion of construction and subject to same restrictions as field office.

A retail store which sells everyday goods and services which may include, without limitation, ready-to-eat food products, groceries, over-the-counter drugs, and sundries.

A lot abutting the intersection of two or more streets other than an alley.

The yard abutting a street on a corner lot.

The line, generally parallel with and measured from the corner side property line, defining the limits of a yard in which no building may be located above ground, except as may be provided in this UDC.

A facility that is generally designed for the confinement, correction, and rehabilitation of adult and/or juvenile offenders sentenced by a court.

The person holding the office of County Clerk where they are responsible for local elections and maintaining public records. This term shall also include any designee of the County Clerk.

Land and buildings customarily containing a golf course and a clubhouse and available only to specific private membership; such a club may contain adjunct facilities such as private club, dining room, swimming pool, tennis courts, and similar recreational or service facilities.

A medium-to-large sized detached residential structure consisting of multiple side-by-side and/or stacked dwelling units oriented around a courtyard or series of courtyards. Each unit is accessed from the courtyard and shared stairs each provide access up to three units.

Contractual promises relating to how a particular piece of property can be used or developed. The restrictive covenant shall specify constraints on specific uses of the property.

A street having only one outlet to another street, and that terminates on the opposite end by a vehicular turnaround or "bulb." The length of a cul-de-sac is to be measured from the intersection centerpoint of the adjoining through street to the midpoint of the cul-de-sac bulb.

A facility whose primary service is data processing and is used to house computer systems and associated components, such as telecommunications and storage systems, including not limited to web hosting organizations and internet service organizations.

An establishment providing care for seven (7) or more children for less than twenty-four (24) hours a day at a location other than the permit holder's home. A State license is required. Also includes similar terms such as nursery and child care center. See Texas Human Resources Code Ch. 42.

A document used to place limitations or conditions on a particular property.

Any act or process that destroys in part or in whole a landmark or structure within a historic district.

A temporary, freestanding sign made of fabric, cloth, bunting, plastic, paper, or any other non-rigid material with no enclosing framework that affixes to the ground. This definition does not include flags, pennants, or streamers.

A single-family dwelling (a building designed exclusively for occupancy by one (1) family) which is not attached to any other dwelling or building by any means, excluding mobile homes and manufactured housing situated on a permanent foundation.

An agreement authorized under Texas Local Government Code § 212.172, Subchapter G between the City and a subdivider of property that outlines certain development and design standards, responsibilities, and procedures relating to the development of a property and may contain a timeline for annexation of the property and assumption of certain responsibilities for the provision or maintenance of public facilities.

See "Zoning District."

An accessory structure where clothes, goods, products, and other items are placed for donation and are subsequently delivered to a charitable organization for public consumption.

A building in which housing is provided for individual students under the general supervision or regulation of an accredited college or university and as distinguished from an apartment, hotel, motel, or rooming house. A dormitory may provide apartment units for guests, faculty, or supervisory personnel on a ratio not to exceed one such apartment unit for each 50 students for which the building is designed. Individual rooms or suites of rooms may have cooking facilities. The dormitory may include facilities such as a commissary and/or snack bar, lounge, and study area, dining halls, and accessory kitchen, recreation facilities, and laundry, provided that these facilities are for the benefit and use of the occupants and their guests and not open to the general public.

A lot having frontage on two nonintersecting streets, as distinguished from a corner lot.

A building designed for occupancy by two individuals or families living independently of each other within separate units which have a common wall and are under one roof.

Any area within, on, over, and/or under real property in which the City (and/or another entity, such as a franchised utility) has an interest involving a right of use of the property and/or right to exclude uses of the property-such as requiring removal of all or any part of any buildings, fences, trees, shrubs, or other improvements or uses that interfere with the lawful purpose of the holder of the easement-including but not limited to those required for provision of sidewalks, utility services, or access to property or equipment owned and/or maintained by the City.

A multifamily dwelling development constructed for occupancy of at least 80% by persons 55 years of age or older. An elderly living development shall be designed for independent living arrangement with private dwelling units for individuals that are at least 55 years old and shall not be constructed to mean assisted living facility, a nursing home, or other long-term care facility.

A subsidiary station in which electric current is transformed.

A sign that displays a digital copy, including any illuminated sign on which the illumination is not kept stationary or constant in intensity and color when the sign is in use, including any light emitting diode (LED) or digital panel, and which varies in color or intensity. Electronic message centers are also referred to as digital signs, dynamic signs, or changeable electronic variable message signs (CEVMS).

A wireless tower as established in Section 3.2.8A.

The overlapping of a boundary or setback by a physical item such as an awning, canopy, porch, etc.

To build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend or affix, and shall also include the painting of signs on the exterior surface of a building or structure, and also includes the painting or affixing of signs to the exterior or interior surface of windows, and includes outdoor signs and signs located interior to a building but readily visible from the exterior.

An area measuring a minimum of eleven (11) feet wide that provides access around a drive thru facility.

Illumination provided by an external light source such as a lamp, bulb, or the like.

The area of land lying outside and adjacent to the corporate limits of the City over which the City has legal control as set forth in Texas Local Government Code Ch. 42.

An area or space either outside or within a building for the display of topic-specific goods or information. This use includes outdoor fairs, exhibitions, rodeos, and circuses.

One or more persons, related by blood, marriage, adoption, or contract, occupying a dwelling unit as a single, nonprofit housekeeping unit, but not including a group occupying a hotel, boardinghouse, club, dormitory, fraternity or sorority house.

A seasonal and/or periodic outdoor market where individual vendors offer for sale to the public cultivated products, craft items, food and beverage, or similar items, but not second-hand goods, typically dispensed from booths or designated sales points on-site.

An establishment for the selling of foodstuffs for animals and including implements and goods related to agricultural processes but not including farm machinery.

An area or facility primarily engaged in feeding animals. These animals are kept for the products they produce or for eventual sale.

A permanent barrier that is not a screening device, but offers privacy between uses. Fences are typically located on residential lots and are wood constructed. Fences are not screening devices.

The design, proportioning, and disposition of windows and other exterior openings of a building.

A building or structure, of either permanent or temporary construction, used in connection with a development or construction project for display purposes or for housing temporary supervisory or administrative functions related to development, construction or the sale of real estate properties within the active development or construction project.

The legal record of land, including a subdivision, prepared from actual field measurements and staking of identifiable points by a licensed surveyor to a location referenced to a survey corner. The final plat describes all boundaries, corners, and curves with enough detail that a licensed surveyor or engineer can reproduce them without additional references. The final plat also establishes and records lots, right-of-way, and easements.

An establishment where the primary occupation is financial services such as banking, savings and loans, loan offices, and check cashing and currency exchange outlets. It does not include financial services that typically occur in an office or storefront, such as investment companies, loan companies, credit and mortgage, insurance services, or brokerage firms), which are classified under "Office," below. Alternative financial services like cash advances are listed under "Pawn Shop/Pay Day Loans," below.

The most recently adopted International Fire Code as published by the International Code Council.

The official responsible for enforcing the fire regulations of the City of McAllen, Texas.

A lot that abuts a street by means of a strip of land that does not comply with minimum lot width. Flag lots are often used to achieve access/frontage.

A site where space inside or outside a building is rented to vendors on a short-term basis for the sale of merchandise. The principal sales shall include new and used household goods, personal effects, tools, artwork, small household appliances, and similar merchandise, objects or equipment in small quantities. The term "flea market" shall not be deemed to include wholesale sales establishments or rental services establishments, but shall be deemed to include personal services establishments, food services establishments, retail sales establishments, and auction establishments.

An area identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as possibly being floodprone, or below the immediate flood line (100-year floodplain).

Area regulated by federal, state, or local requirements to provide for discharge for the base flow, so that the cumulative increase in water surface elevation is no more than a designated amount within the 100-year floodplain. A river, channel or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than a designated height. Normally, the floodway shall include the stream channel and that portion of the adjacent land areas required to pass the base flood (100-year flood) discharge without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation at any point more than one foot above that of the pre-floodway condition, including those designated on the flood insurance rate map.

A place for preparing, cooking, baking and selling of products on the premises.

An area designated for mobile vendors (e.g., food trucks) to park and sell food, beverages, and other retail items or services to patrons. This use may include any necessary electrical outlets, seating/dining areas, restroom facilities, and trash receptables needed for the food trucks daily operations.

One lumen per square foot, unit of illuminance. It is the luminous flux per unit area in the Imperial system. One footcandle equals approximately 10 (10.76) lux.

A detached residential structure containing four dwelling units, designed for occupancy by not more than four families living independently of each other.

All the property abutting on one side of a street between intersecting or intercepting streets, or between a street and a right-of-way, waterway, end of a dead-end street, or village boundary measured along the street line. An intercepting street shall determine only the boundary of the frontage on the side of the street which it intercepts. Where a lot abuts more than one street, the Planning and Zoning Commission shall determine the frontage for purposes of this UDC.

The required location where a building, or portion of a building must front.

A yard across the full width of the lot extending from the front line of the primary building to the front property line.

The line, generally parallel with and measured from the front property line, defining the limits of a yard in which no building may be located above ground, except as may be provided in this UDC.

A stand-alone fuel dispenser that has one (1) or more nozzles or sets of nozzles, which in turn are separately connected to a distinct system that records the fuel pumped by a single vehicle and the corresponding payment owed for that fuel.

A luminaire with light distribution such that no light is emitted above the horizontal.

An establishment used primarily for human funeral services, which may or may not include facilities on the premises for embalming and, performing of autopsies or other surgical procedures. Examples include funeral homes, mortuaries, or columbarias.

The thoroughfare component of the Comprehensive Plan, the official map depicting the City's existing and future street system and roadway network, together with explanatory text.

A roof with two slopes – front and rear – joining at a single ridge line parallel to the entrance facade.

A ridged roof with two slopes at each side, the lower slopes being steeper than the upper slopes.

A detached accessory building or portion of the main building for the parking or temporary storage of automobiles of the occupants of the premises; if occupied by vehicles of others, it is a storage space.

A facility at which natural gas flows are regulated and recorded.

A small permanent sign other than a flag, speaker board, or walk-up board, that is freestanding or attached to a building that is in addition to the primary sign types for the property, such as detached signs and attached signs, and that has a height and scale that is clearly subordinate to the primary sign types allowed for the property. Examples of typical General Incidental Signs include house numbers, occupant directories, property or tenant identification names or numbers, wayfinding signs, and directional signs, and signs warning the public against trespassing or danger from animals.

A sign constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wood, wallboard, metal, or other light materials, with or without frames, which is intended to be displayed for a limited period of time only. Examples of typical General Temporary Signs include, public demonstrations, grand opening signs, contractor signs, real estate signs, garage sale signs, and signs that announce an event such as a carnival, circus, or similar event. The list of examples is not exhaustive and is provided to clarify the regulations and does not limit the content of General Temporary Signs.

The sensation produced by a bright source within the visual field that is sufficiently brighter than the level to which the eyes are adapted to cause annoyance, discomfort, or loss in visual performance and visibility; blinding light. The magnitude of glare depends on such factors as the size, position, brightness of the source, and on the brightness level to which the eyes are adapted.

An area for the servicing and storage of vehicles or other property of a governmental agency.

A facility, structure, or area, often artificially heated and/or cooled, used as a location for cultivating plants which are used by the grower and not sold as a commercial activity. This use also includes where trees or plants are raised and/or sold, including related storage of equipment for landscape contracting and like instances.

A dual-sided bicycle facility affixed to pavement that stores multiple (1 to 20) bicycles which are locked from the outside.

A store primarily engaged in retailing a general line of food products, such as canned and frozen foods; fresh fruits and vegetables; and fresh and prepared meats, fish, and poultry.

A permanent structure that is structurally independent of a building affixed to the ground, that is of rigid construction, and over which a covering is attached that provides weather protection, identity, or decoration.

A permanent attached sign that is affixed to a grounded canopy.

A licensed home for inmates on release from more restrictive custodial confinement or initially placed in lieu of such more restrictive custodial confinement, wherein supervision, rehabilitation, and counseling are provided to mainstream residents back into society, enabling them to live independently.

Illumination created by concealing the light source behind three-dimensional opaque letters, numbers, or other characters of a sign, resulting in the nighttime perception of a halo around the silhouette of each character. This is also referred to as "reverse channel" or "reverse lit" illumination. A halo-lit sign is not considered an internally illuminated sign.

A sign suspended from the underside of a canopy, awning, ceiling, marquee, roof overhang, a covered porch, or walkway.

An establishment that provides exercise facilities such as running, jogging, aerobics, weightlifting, indoor/outdoor sports courts, and swimming, as well as locker rooms, showers, and saunas. Uses would typically include racquetball and handball courts, tennis courts, weightlifting and exercise equipment facilities, exercise areas, swimming pools and spas, martial arts, classrooms and/or practice areas, gymnasiums and running or jogging tracks. This shall not include municipal or privately owned, access-only recreation buildings.

An establishment that offers mechanical and body work on motor vehicles including straightening of body parts, body repairs, battery rebuilding, painting, welding, short-term storage of automobiles not in operating condition, outdoor similar work on motor vehicles that may involve noise, glare, fumes, smoke, or similar impacts.

The sales and maintenance of heavy machinery. This includes establishments primarily engaged in sales, renting, or servicing machinery and equipment for use in business, agricultural, or industrial operations. These establishments typically cater to a business clientele and do not generally operate a retail-like or store-front facility. "Heavy machinery" includes office equipment, machinery tools, construction equipment, farm implements, excavation equipment, or transportation equipment.

The manufacturing, processing, and storing of paper, chemicals, plastics, rubber, cosmetics, drugs, nonmetallic mineral products (such as concrete and concrete products, glass), primary metals, acetylene, cement, lime, gypsum or plaster-of-Paris, chlorine, corrosive acid or fertilizer, insecticides, disinfectants, poisons, explosives, paint, lacquer, varnish, petroleum products, coal products, plastic and synthetic resins, electrical equipment, appliances, batteries, and machinery. This group also includes asphalt mixing plants, concrete mixing plants, smelting, animal slaughtering, oil refining, and magazine contained explosives facilities.

A roof with four sloped sides. The sides meet at a ridge at the center of the roof. Two of the sides are trapezoidal in shape, while the remaining two sides are triangular, and thus meet the ridge at its end point.

A geographically and locally defined area approved by the City Commission that possesses a significant concentration, linkage, or continuity of buildings, objects, sites, structures, or landscapes united by past events, periods, or styles of architecture, and that, by reason of such factors, constitute a distinct section of the McAllen. Historic sites within a local district need not be contiguous for an area to constitute a district. All sites, buildings, and structures within a local historic district, whether individually contributing or not are subject to the regulations of the district.

A building, structure, object, or site that has been designated by the City Commission as an historic resource or by the State of Texas or by the National Registry of Historic Places.

The appointed official serving as the Historic Preservation Officer for the City of McAllen.

An occupation or business activity which results in a product or service and is conducted in whole or in part in a dwelling unit and is subordinate to the residential use of the dwelling unit. This term does not include Home-Based Businesses as discussed in Texas Local Government Code § 229.902.

A non-profit association whose dues are paid by property owners within a defined subdivision who have voluntarily subjected themselves to the regulations and covenants of the association, and who also jointly own, manage, or oversee the management of common property and, through an elected or appointed board, manage and enforce the restrictive covenants applicable to the subdivision. Also known as an HOA or Property Owners' Association.

A building containing guest rooms in which lodging is provided, with or without meals, for compensation, and which is open to transient or permanent guests, or both. This use may include restaurants, club rooms, banquet halls, ballrooms and meeting rooms as accessory uses. A hotel/motel only provides temporary lodging, and does not include multifamily or attached dwelling or any other form of permanent residence. Guests are prohibited from using a guest room or suite as a primary permanent residence.

A place where entertainment activities occur completely within an enclosed structure for a fee, including but not limited to bowling alleys, arcades, skating rinks, escape rooms, pool halls, dance halls, event centers, video and pinball parlors.

A large tract of land that has been planned, developed, and operated as an integrated facility for a number of individual industrial uses, with special attention to circulation, parking, utility needs, aesthetics, and compatibility.

Per the Texas Occupations Code Ch. 1202.002:

The redevelopment of an existing built-out site or property.

Illumination created by a light source internal to the sign, transparent or translucent material from a light source within the sign structure or panel, or exposed lighting located on the same plane as the sign face.

All persons, firms and corporations, as well as their agents and employees, who engage in the temporary or transient business in the city of exposing or offering to expose plates or films to make negatives for the making of pictures or photographs, or who engage in the temporary or transient business in the city of selling or offering for sale any goods or merchandise, or exhibiting for sale or exhibiting goods or merchandise for the purpose of taking orders for the sale thereof, or who, for the purpose of carrying on such business or conducting such exhibits thereof, either hire, rent, lease or occupy any room or space in any building, structure, other enclosure, vacant lot or any other property whatever in the city, in, through, or from which any goods or merchandise may be sold, offered for sale, exhibited for sale or exhibited for the purpose of taking orders for the sale thereof. The term "itinerant vendor," as defined in this section, shall not include or be construed to include any person engaged in interstate commerce nor any person upon whom the provisions of this article would impose a direct and unlawful burden on interstate commerce.

Those materials and products of older scrap copper; brass; rope; rags; batteries; paper; trash; rubber; debris; waste; junked, dismantled, scrapped or wrecked motor vehicle or associated parts; iron; steel; or other old or scrap materials.

A facility licensed to house dogs, cats, or other household pets and/or where grooming, breeding, boarding or training or selling of animals is conducted as business.

An interior lot, one side of which is contiguous, or separated only by an alley, to the rear line of a corner lot.

An independent plan that is a part of the site plan process that shows a site's required landscaping.

The acronym for light emitting diode.

A letter or documentation verifying the subdivider or owner has accepted and constructed the required infrastructure facilities and utilities as required and approved by the City.

Minor repair or replacement of parts, tires, tubes, and batteries; diagnostic services; minor motor services such as grease, oil, spark plug, and filter changing; tune-ups; emergency road service; replacement of starters, alternators, hoses, brake parts; automobile washing and polishing; performing state inspections and making minor repairs necessary to pass said inspection; normal servicing of air conditioning systems, and other similar minor services for light load vehicles.

Manufacturing of products, from extracted, raw, recycled or secondary materials, including bulk storage and handling of those products and materials, or crushing, treating, washing, and/or processing of materials. This includes similar establishments, and businesses of a similar and no more objectionable character. It also includes incidental finishing and storage. Goods or products manufactured or processed on-site may be sold at retail or wholesale on or of the premises. This does not include any activity listed under Industrial and Manufacturing, Heavy. Examples of general manufacturing include the manufacture or production of the following goods or products: apparel (including clothing, shoes, dressmaking); boats and transportation equipment; brooms; caskets; communication or computation equipment; dairy products; die-cut paperboard and cardboard; drugs, medicines, pharmaceutical; electrical equipment or machinery; farm machinery; fasteners and buttons; feed and grain; food/baking (including coffee roasting, creameries, ice cream, ice, frozen food, confectionery, and beverage); fruit and vegetable processing, canning and storage; gaskets; glass products made of purchased glass; household appliances; industrial controls; leather and allied products; lithographic and printing processes (including printing plants as defined below); mattresses; medical equipment and supplies; medicines; mill work and similar woodwork; mobile homes; musical instruments; novelties; office supplies; optical goods; photographic equipment; prefabricated and modular housing and components; printing and print supplies (including printing plants); 3-D printing, radio and TV receiving sets; sanitary paper products; scientific and precision instruments; service industry machines; signs; textiles (including dyeing, laundry bags, canvas products, dry goods, hosiery, millinery); tobacco products; toys, sporting and athletic goods; and watches and clocks. A "printing plant" means a facility devoted to printing or bookbinding, including related large-scale storage and transshipment.

A live-work unit is a Dwelling Unit that is also used for work purposes, provided that the "work" component is restricted to the uses of professional office, artist's workshop, studio, or other similar uses and is located on the street level. The "live" component may be located on the street level (behind the work component) or any other level of the building. The residential unit is occupied by the business owner or manager.

An off-street space or berth on the same lot with a building or contiguous to a group of buildings for the temporary parking of a commercial vehicle while loading or unloading merchandise or materials, and which abuts upon a street, alley, or other appropriate means of access.

An undivided tract or parcel of land having frontage on a public street, and which is, or in the future may be, offered for sale, conveyance, transfer or improvement, which is designated as a distinct and separate tract, and which is identified by a tract or lot number or symbol in a duly approved subdivision plat which has been properly filed of record. This term may also be referred to as a plot.

The total space required for a lot by multiplying the lot's depth by its width.

The portion of a lot occupied by the base (first story or floor) of all buildings located on the lot.

The distance parallel to the front property line, measured at the front setback line. Lot width on a curving front property line means the distance parallel to the tangent of the front property line at the building setback line. The lot width and the lot frontage may have different lengths on an irregularly shaped lot as they are measured at different points on the lot.

The City has adopted by reference the "Guidance for Sustainable Stormwater Drainage on the Texas Coast for Nonpoint Source Pollution & Flood Management," 2nd edition to incorporate low impact development best management practices for reducing runoff and mimicking a site's predevelopment hydrology by minimizing disturbed areas and impervious cover and then infiltrating, filtering, storing, evaporating, and detaining stormwater runoff close to its source. Low impact development practices include measures such as preserving undeveloped open space, biofiltration, reducing impervious cover and using porous pavement.

A low-lying bicycle facility affixed to pavement that stores multiple (1 to 20) bicycles which are locked from the outside.

The unit of measure used to quantify the amount of light produced by a lamp or emitted from a luminaire (as distinct from "watt," a measure of power consumption).

The complete lighting unit (fixture), consisting of a lamp, or lamps and ballast(s) (when applicable), together with the parts designed to distribute the light (reflector, lens, diffuser), to position and protect the lamps, and to connect the lamps to the power supply.

Any revision(s) that the Planning Director determines is not a minor revision. A major revision requires a new application submittal.

A roof with two slopes on each side, with the lower slope being nearly vertical and the upper slope nearly horizontal.

A structure, constructed on or after June 15, 1976, according to the rules of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, transportable in one or more sections, which, in the traveling mode, is eight body feet or more in width or 40 body feet or more in length, or, when erected on-site, is 320 or more square feet, and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems. All references in this article to manufactured housing or manufactured home(s) shall be references to HUD-code manufactured housing, unless otherwise specified. This use does not include mobile homes.

A permanent attached sign affixed to a marquee.

The City of McAllen's appointed Historic Preservation Council responsible for overseeing development related to historic properties.

An establishment, whether or not licensed or required to be licensed by the State of Texas, by or in which facilities are maintained, furnished, conducted, operated, or offered to prevent, diagnose, or treat human disease, pain, injury, deformity, or physical condition, whether medical or surgical, of two or more non-related mentally or physically sick or injured persons; or for the care of two or more non-related persons requiring or receiving medical, surgical, or nursing attention or service as acute, chronic, convalescent, aged, or physically disabled. This use includes an intermediate care facility, mental facility, outpatient surgery center, birthing facility, diagnostic imaging facility, radiation therapy facility, dialysis facility, medical/physical rehabilitation and trauma unit, or related institution or facility that offers treatment on an outpatient basis. This use may be operated for profit or nonprofit, privately owned, or operated by a local government unit. This use includes any hospital, defined as any licensed and State of Texas accredited health care institution with an organized medical and professional staff and with inpatient beds available around-the-clock, whose primary function is to provide inpatient medical, nursing, and other health-related services to patients for both surgical and nonsurgical conditions and that usually provides some outpatient services (such as emergency care).

A small-scale brewery that produces less than 15,000 barrels of beer or wine per year.

Adjustments to the specific standards of this UDC granted during the review and approval process for a development, including improvements to existing structures or site features. These modifications ensure compliance with the UDC's purpose and intent, accommodate site-specific development challenges, and allow for flexibility in applying standards in a manner consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan, while achieving substantially equivalent outcomes to the original requirements.

A plat that creates four (4) or fewer lots which do not need the extension of public improvements.

Those revisions that are necessary in light of technical considerations discovered after the decision on the development application, and which do not substantively change the character of the development approval.

The development of a tract of land or building or structure with two or more different uses such as but not limited to residential, office, retail, public, or entertainment, in a compact urban form. A mixed-use development may include a mixed-use building. A mixed-use building is a building with any of the following floor space configurations: (1) an office, as defined below, located above the ground floor, where the ground floor is occupied by any general retail use; or (2) any general retail use on the ground floor, and residential dwelling units above the ground floor or behind the non-residential floor area. The floor space above the ground floor may be occupied by non-residential floor area in addition to dwelling units.

Any business which sells edible goods from a non-stationary location within the city. The terms shall include, but not be limited to:

A structure constructed before June 15, 1976, transportable in one or more sections which, in the traveling mode, is eight body feet or more in width or 40 body feet or more in length, or, when erected on-site, is 320 or more square feet, and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems. Mobile homes shall not be used as dwelling units within the corporate limits of the city.

The Model Subdivision Rules (MSRs) were developed by the Texas Water Development Board to safeguard residents by ensuring safe, sanitary water and sewer. The Model Subdivision Rules and regulations are adopted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 30, Part 10, Chapter 364.

A permanent detached or freestanding sign with a low profile, a base, and a support structure with a solid appearance that is at least 50% of the width of the widest part of the sign's face.

A residential structure arranged, intended, and designed to be occupied by thirteen or more families living independently of each other, and each including its own separate kitchen and bathroom accommodations.

A detached residential structure that consists of 5 to 12 dwelling units arranged in side-by-side and/or stacked design.

A hand-produced work in which paint is applied by hand directly on an exterior wall of a building or structure. A mural does not include:

A type of entertainment facility that comprises of a dance floor, lightshow, and/or stage for the playing of live music or disc jockey recordings that serves alcoholic beverages and incidental food sales.

A lot that does not conform to the regulations of this UDC, but that was lawfully established under the regulations in force at the time the lot was established and has been in regular use since that time.

A sign that was lawfully in existence and was properly permitted by the City, to the extent such permitting was required as of the effective date of this UDC.

A site plan feature, such as landscaping, parking, setbacks, etc., that does not conform to the regulations of this UDC, but that was lawfully established under the regulations in force at the time the site plan was approved and has been in regular use since that time.

A building or structure, or portion thereof, that does not conform to the regulations of this UDC, but that was lawfully constructed under the regulations in force at the time of construction.

A use that does not conform to the use regulations of this UDC, but that was lawfully established under the regulations in force at the time the use was established and has been in regular use since that time.

The collective term for all nonconforming situations.

Any development intended to provide primarily commercial, industrial, automotive, retail, agricultural, or civic uses and structures.

Any subdivision of land intended for nonresidential development. An example of a nonresidential subdivision is a unified office park development.

An office for professionals, such as lawyers, architects, financiers, engineers, artists, musicians, designers, teachers, accountants and others who, through training, are qualified to perform services of a professional nature and where no storage or sale of merchandise exists, except as accessory to the professional services.

A specified projection or recession that runs vertically along the entirety of a building wall.

A place where entertainment activities occur outdoors for a fee, including but not limited to miniature golf, batting cages, water slides, driving ranges, and go-cart tracks.

An accessory space reserved for customers at a restaurant.

The outside arrangement of goods, materials, products, or other equipment on a lot for consumer sales.

The outside keeping of goods, materials, products, containers, or other equipment on a lot.

An open recreation facility or park owned and operated by a public agency and available to the general public. A park may be privately owned.

A designated lot or area on a lot for the parking of vehicles, inclusive of surface and multi-level, structured parking facilities.

A permanently surfaced area either within a structure or in the open, not on public right-of-way (unless otherwise specified), exclusive of driveways or access drives, for the parking of one vehicle.

An establishment where money is loaned on the security of personal property pledged in the keeping of the owner (pawnbroker). This includes short-term cash loan businesses (also known as payday loans) most commonly based on a borrower's personal check held for future deposit or on electronic access to the borrower's bank account.

An individual, company, joint stock company, firm, proprietorship, business, corporation, organization, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, co-partnership, association, and any other legal entity or their legal representatives, agents or assigns. Notwithstanding any other provision of the code, each and every code provision-including but not limited to every prohibition, requirement, and penalty-applies to both natural persons and corporations, partnerships, and all other legal entities or organizations.

Shops and establishments primarily engaged in providing services generally involving the care of the person or such person's apparel, or rendering services to business establishments such as laundry or dry-cleaning retail outlets, portrait/photographic studios, beauty or barber shops, massage spas, employment service, or copy shops.

See Section 5.2.2F.

See Section 5.2.2F.

A roof that has a slope.

A zoning district designed for the unified and coordinated development that utilizes unique development standards including to but not limited to enhanced landscaping standards, creative site or architectural design that cannot be accomplished or developed through the City's standard development regulations and its unique qualities ensure a level of exceptional quality or innovation that warrant the use of a planned development district. A planned development district requires the approval of the City Commission.

The City of McAllen's appointed Planning and Zoning Commission.

A person hired or designated by the City Manager to supervise or oversee the City's Planning Department, and to exercise the authority of the Planning Director, including the Planning Director's designee.

An instrument upon which is depicted a map, drawing, or plan of a certain tract of land, drawn to scale, which is designed to facilitate the location of, reference to, and legal description of such tract, or lots contained therein, or both, by indication in the map, drawing or plan of certain points of reference which are known to or which are described to coincide with established survey monuments.

A permanent detached or freestanding sign in which the sign face is mounted on one (1) or more poles and the base of the sign face is situated more than 12 inches above the ground.

An organized operation conducted outside of a permanent structure at a designated location used by vendors primarily for the distribution and sale of retail merchandise.

A temporary building that does not have a foundation and is transportable.

An establishment which displays and sells structures which are capable of being carried and transported to another location, not including mobile homes or manufactured housing.

Local branch of the United States Postal Service or private commercial venture engaged in the distribution of mail and incidental services.

An industrial facility using solar, wind, water, electric, or other sources to generate electric power.

A meeting with the City staff before commencing construction on land approved for development.

Abbreviated as PDM, this term means a meeting with the Staff Review Committee before a formal submittal of a development application.

A scaled planning document that lays out the boundary, streets, lots, topography, and public facilities or improvements in a proposed subdivision and that provides the City with a basis for reviewing subdivision-related plans and the final plat.

The main use of land or building as distinguished from the subordinate or accessory use.

An establishment which reproduces printed or photographic impressions including but not limited to the process of composition, binding, platemaking, microform, type casting, presswork, and printmaking.

A building or buildings dedicated to social and/or recreational activities serving residents of a subdivision or development which is operated by an association or incorporated group for their use and benefit; not to be a commercial, for profit, business.

An accessory use designated for quartering horses on private property.

A classification of streets that are owned and maintained by a homeowners' association or property owner's association, and which are not dedicated to the public.

A swimming pool on private property for the use of the property owner, including family and guests.

An individual with a post-secondary degree in engineering and is a certified professional engineer by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

A permanent attached sign type that is affixed to and projects 18 inches or more from the wall of a building and is generally perpendicular to the building facade. A projecting sign does not include signs located on an attached canopy/awning, marquee, or roof.

See "Homeowners' Association."

The acronym for Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines.

A building or buildings dedicated to social and/or recreational activities, serving the city or a neighborhood and owned and operated by the city or by a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the health, safety, morals, or general welfare of the city.

See Public Improvements or Public Utilities definitions.

A meeting held by the Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Historic Preservation Council, or City Commission where action is conducted on an application after public commentary is heard.

An improvement, facility or service together with its associated public site, right-of-way or easement necessary to provide transportation, storm drainage, public or private utilities, parks or recreational, energy or similar essential public services and facilities, for which the City ultimately assumes the responsibility, upon a letter of final acceptance being issued, for maintenance, operation, or ownership.

An institution for the collection, display and distribution of objects of art, science, or library sciences and which are sponsored by a public or quasipublic agency that is open to the general public.

The term means:

An established agency responsible for providing and overseeing public utilities.

A tree that qualifies for tree preservation.

A facility used for the racing of motor-driven vehicles and/or animals.

A land use that broadcasts amplitude modulation or frequency modulation audio signals for general public reception.

Any premises for the transient parking of trains and the loading and unloading of passengers.

A facility/place for the loading and unloading of materials on trains.

A yard between the rear property line and the rear line of the primary building and the side property lines.

The line, generally parallel with and measured from the rear property line, defining the limits of a yard in which no building may be located above ground, except as may be provided in this UDC.

A facility used for the collection and/or processing of recyclable material. Processing means the preparation of material for efficient shipment by such means as baling, compacting, flattening, grinding, crushing, mechanical sorting or cleaning. Such a facility, if entirely enclosed within a building or buildings, shall be considered a warehouse.

A container used for, but not limited to, receiving garbage designed and intended to be lifted by forks or other device mounted on a vehicle and the contents emptied into that part of the vehicle designed to receive the same. An enclosure may be associated with the refuse container. An enclosure is an outdoor structure that encloses a dumpster or trash receptacle.

A structure or group of structures intended for regular gatherings of people to attend, participate in or conduct religious services and other related activities and associated accessory uses. Associated accessory uses may include religious instruction classrooms, church offices, counseling programs, private school, youth programs, parking, child and adult day care facilities, summer camps, recreational facilities, caretaker's quarters, food bank, thrift shop, sale of religious items, and cemeteries

A revision to a recorded subdivision that revises or creates new lots, dedicates right-of-way or easements or reflects abandonment of the same.

A facility (such as a laboratory) for general research, scientific research, development and/or training where assembly, integration, and testing of products in a completely enclosed building is incidental to the principal use of scientific research, development, and training.

Any development intended to provide primarily residential uses and structures.

Any subdivision of land intended for residential development.

An establishment where food and drink are prepared, sold to customers, and may be consumed on the premises.

An establishment offering automated retail sale of bagged or bulk ice, and dispensed water through a coin-operated machine enclosed in a structure; ice is frozen and bagged on-site.

Any person, corporation, public utility, water supply or sewer service corporation, municipality, political subdivision or agency operating, maintaining, or controlling in this state facilities for providing potable water service or sewer service, or both, for compensation.

A shop or store that, as its primary business, sells merchandise to the public. Examples include drugstores and discount department stores, and stores that sell apparel, home improvement/furnishings, toys, electronics or sporting goods. Liquor stores are considered retail stores subject to no on-premise consumption.

A type of corner lot, where the street side property line of which is substantially a continuation of the front property line of a lot located immediately adjacent to its rear on which a primary structure has been or proposed to be constructed. The front yard of a reverse corner lot is defined by the street frontage to which the front door faces.

An amendment to the Official Zoning Map to effect a change in the nature, density, or intensity of uses and development characteristics allowed on a property.

A parcel of land occupied, or intended to be occupied, by a street or alley. Where appropriate, "right-of-way" may include other facilities and utilities such as sidewalks; railroad crossings; electrical, communication, oil and gas facilities; water and sanitary and storm sewer facilities; street improvements; and any other special use. The use of right-of-way shall also include parkways and medians outside of the paved portion of the street. The usage of the term "right-of-way" for land platting purposes shall mean that every right-of-way hereafter established and shown on a final plat is to be separate and distinct from the lots or parcels adjoining such right-of-way and shall not be included within the dimensions or areas of such lots or parcels.

The external upper covering of a building, including the frame for supporting the roofing.

Any building, structure, or open area used for the dismantling or wrecking of any type of used vehicles or the storage, sale, or dumping of dismounted or wrecked vehicles or their parts and accessories, including any farm vehicles or farm machinery or parts thereof, stored in the open and not being restored to operating condition, including the commercial salvaging, storage, and scraping of any other goods, articles, or merchandise. This use also includes areas in which waste or scrap materials are bought, sold, exchanged, stored, packed, disassembled, or handled, including but not limited to scrap iron and other metals, paper, rags, rubber tires and bottles.

A public or private educational facility offering instruction at the elementary, junior, and/or senior high school levels in the branches of learning and study required to be taught in the schools of Texas.

A barrier of permanent material of sufficient height and density so that the objects being screened are not visible from any point on the property line when viewed from the ground level.

The acronym for the City of McAllen's adopted Standard Design Guide for Public Infrastructure Improvements, as amended.

Any structure or land used by the property owner, their family, or tenants to sell agricultural or horticultural produce, livestock, or merchandise principally produced on that farm, which is clearly an accessory use of the premises and does not change its character. This may also include the sale of produce grown on other farms and accessory products.

Guidelines published by the U.S. Department of the National Park Service for rehabilitating historic structures. These standards, revised in 1990, are used by the NPS and the SHPO to determine if a rehabilitation qualifies as a Certified Rehabilitation for Federal tax purposes.

A weather-protected, standalone bicycling parking structure or building extension with shared racks and access control.

A facility used for storage of goods and/or materials with separate access to individual storage units by persons renting the individual units.

An opening in a wall or building, whether with or without bay doors, which is designed to allow vehicle access.

A building or place arranged, designed, used, or intended to be used for the primary purpose of dispensing gasoline, oil, diesel fuel, liquefied petroleum gases, greases, batteries, and other automobile accessories at retail direct to the on-premises motor vehicle trade provided that the above services shall not be construed to include major overhaul, the removal and/or rebuilding of an engine, cylinder head, oil pan, transmission, differential, radiator, springs, or axles, steam cleaning, body or frame work, painting, upholstering and replacement of glass. Service stations shall not allow automobiles, which are inoperative or are being repaired, to remain outside such service station for a period greater than seven days.

A line, generally parallel with and measured from the property line, defining the limits of a yard in which no building, other than accessory buildings nor structure may be located above ground, except as may be provided in this UDC. See "Yard" for additional clarity.

An adult arcade, adult bookstore, adult novelty store, adult video store, adult cabaret, adult motion picture theater, adult theater, semi-nude model studio, or sexual encounter center. This term includes all definitions established in section 54-151.

When the light emitted from the fixture is projected below a horizontal plane running through the lowest point of the fixture where light is emitted.

A paved, surfaced of leveled area between the curb line, or the lateral lines of a roadway and the adjacent property lines designed for or ordinarily used for pedestrian travel.

A temporary and portable sign that is ordinarily in the shape of an "A" or inverted "T" with back-to-back sign faces, an easel, or a similar configuration to be located on a sidewalk or walkway.

A yard between the primary building and the adjacent side property line, and extending entirely from a front yard to the rear yard.

The line, generally parallel with and measured from the side property line, defining the limits of a yard in which no building may be located above ground, except as may be provided in this UDC.

The sight visibility triangle is the area in the form of a triangle as defined by SDG (Standard Design Guide).

A visual display of an object or device that includes elements such as colors, lights, motion, symbols, images, icons, letters, numerals, figures, characters, or combines any of those elements, that is intended to communicate, advertise, identify, announce, direct, inform, or attract attention and that is visible from a public right-of-way. The term "sign" includes a structure used to support or display a sign.

The vertical distance measured from the highest point of a sign to the ground or lowest grade beneath the sign.

A permit authorizing the erection or maintenance of a sign pursuant to this UDC.

Any combination of materials to form a construction for the purpose of attaching, fixing, or otherwise supporting a sign, whether installed on, above, or below the surface of the lot, a building, or any other solid surface.

A detailed, scaled drawing of all surface improvements, structures, uses, and utilities proposed for development associated with this UDC.

A sign that is placed above the windows of the highest floor of a building that is at least multiple stories and taller than 35 feet in height.

A facility where non-hazardous wastes are taken from collection vehicles, temporarily stored, and ultimately relocated to a permanent disposal site. This includes any facility, incinerator, landfill, materials recovery facility, municipal solid waste landfill, private or public solid waste management facility, recovered materials processing facility, sanitary landfill, or solid waste management facility.

A facility and/or premises at which solid waste is temporarily deposited prior to ultimate removal to a permanent solid waste storage site.

A professionally constructed and installed sign made of a durable, weather-resistant product such as metal or high-density plastic and may include a two-way speaker system for ordering from a vehicle in a drive-thru lane provided the volume of the speaker does not exceed ambient noise conditions as measured at the property line.

An adjustment in application of the specific regulations of the UDC to a particular applicant of the property that has been pre-defined by this UDC and does not require a hardship.

A business establishment, private club, or association that operates an area for the discharge or other use of firearms for silhouette, skeet, trap, black powder, target, self-defense, or similar recreational shooting.

A 9-foot wide lane containing multiple stacking spaces.

An area on a site measuring nine (9) feet by twenty (20) feet with direct forward access to a service window or station of a drive thru facility which does not constitute space for any other circulation driveway, parking space, or maneuvering area.

The committee responsible for providing commentary and insight at pre-application meetings. This committee typically reviews formal submittals of new development applications.

That portion of a building included between the surface of a floor and the surface of a floor next above it, or if there is no floor above it, then the portion of the building between the surface of a floor and the ceiling or roof above it. A basement shall be counted as a story for the purposes of height regulations, if the vertical distance from grade to the ceiling is more than seven feet.

The area within street right-of-way that contains sidewalks and pedestrian facilities, street furniture, landscaping, or trees.

The act of land being split into separate parcels or lots for recordation.

The division or redivision of any tract of land situated within the city's city limits or its ETJ into two or more parts, lots, units, or sites, for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of sale, division of ownership, or building development. The term includes resubdivisions of land, lots, or units which are part of a previously recorded subdivision. A condominium development can be a subdivision. In other jurisdictions, the term may be referred to as an "addition."

A specific monument sign located at the entry of a platted subdivision from a local, collector, or arterial street.

A swimming pool with accessory facilities, not part of the municipal or public recreational system and not a private swim club, but where the facilities are available to the general public for a fee.

The acronym for Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission, as compiled by the Texas Secretary of State.

The acronym for Texas Administrative Code, as compiled by the Texas Secretary of State.

A facility engaged in the preserving of an animal's body via mounting or stuffing for the purpose of display or study.

The acronym for Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

A nonacademic establishment such as a trade school, where instruction is offered in secretarial, computer and data processing, drafting, electronic repair including radio/TV repair, commercial art, allied health care, real estate, banking, restaurant operation, or similar trades, or vocational training such as automobile body and engine repair, construction equipment operation, building trades, truck driving, and mechanical and electrical equipment/appliance repair.

A switching or transmitting station owned by a public utility but not including business offices, storage, or repair shops or yards.

A use granted on a discretionary, conditional, and temporary basis which authorizes a land use in a zoning district in which that use is not normally permitted. All requirements of a Temporary Use are in addition to and supplement UDC requirements.

A distinct user that occupies a portion of a multi-tenant building, lot, or development, regardless of the legal arrangement allowing occupancy between the owner of the building, lot, or development and the user.

A structure that is open to the public and is used for dramatic, operatic, musical, motion picture, or other performance or entertainment-related activities, where admission is charged per performance or event, and where there is no audience participation other than as spectators. Such establishments may include incidental services such as food and beverage sales and other concessions.

The length of the driveway up to the first conflict point.

A lot other than a corner lot with frontage on more than one parallel street other than an alley.

A dwelling that is part of a structure containing three or more dwellings, each designed and constructed for occupancy by one family, with each dwelling unit attached by a common wall to another, in which each dwelling is located on a separate platted lot.

An area or facility where people wait for transportation services.

A curbside place where passengers board or alight transit, that may or may not include a small shelter usually having three walls, a roof, and a bench, designed to provide for the protection and convenience of passengers.

A detached residential structure containing three dwelling units, designed for occupancy by not more than three families living independently of each other.

A building or area in which freight brought by motor truck is assembled and/or stored for shipping by motor truck.

Building(s) and associated open area other than a street or required automobile parking space used for the display or sale of primarily new heavy load vehicles, to be displayed and sold on the premises, and where no repair work is done except minor reconditioning of the vehicles to be displayed and sold on the premises, and no dismantling of vehicles for sale or keeping of used vehicle parts or junk on the premises. This use also includes the rental of new or used panel trucks, vans, trailers, recreational vehicles, or motor-driven buses in operable condition and where no repair work is done.

Any premises where heavy load vehicles are serviced, repaired, and/or where maintenance on such vehicles is undertaken and which includes facilities for dispensing fuels and other petroleum products directly into motor vehicles. Such premises may include the incidental sale of accessories or equipment for heavy load vehicles and similar commercial vehicles, overnight lodging accommodations, and/or restaurant facilities.

The Unified Development Code of the City of McAllen, Texas.

A "U-shaped" bicycle facility affixed to pavement that's stores up to two bicycles which are locked from the outside.

The pole yard, maintenance yard, and/or administrative offices of a municipality or franchised utility.

The process and instrument that returns a subdivision or dedicated lands to an unplatted state.

A deviation from the specific terms of this UDC that shall not be contrary to public interest and is justified because, owing to special conditions, a literal enforcement of this UDC's provisions shall result in practical difficulties and/or hardship.

Any facility maintained by or for the use of a licensed veterinarian in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of animal diseases and injuries. This use includes any necessary overnight care, medical treatment, and monitoring services for any boarded animal.

The failure of a structure or other development to be fully compliant with the UDC, the City's Code of Ordinances, state laws, and federal laws.

The relinquishment from requirements for specific land disturbing activities on a case-by-case basis as provided in Chapter 5 and Chapter 6.

A sign mounted near the sidewalk entrance to a building or affixed to a building wall where the sign is visible to pedestrian traffic.

An area reserved for pedestrian traffic within a development. A walkway differs from a sidewalk in that a walkway is not within the right-of-way or publicly dedicated.

An attached sign painted on or attached to the wall or surface of a building or display surface which is parallel to the supporting surface.

An establishment that primarily consists of sales offices and sample display areas for products and/or services delivered or performed off-premises. Catalog and telephone sales facilities are appropriate. Retail sales of products associated with the primary products and/or services are permitted. Warehousing facilities shall maintain a minimum of 75% of its total floor area devoted to storage and warehousing not accessible to the public.

A wind-driven turbine (whether roof or tower mounted), and associated control or conversion electronics for the purpose of providing electrical power to a privately owned lot or parcel. These systems are considered accessory uses in all zoning districts.

A sign posted, printed, placed, or affixed to a window or glass door. A window sign includes any sign that is located inside a building, that is three feet or less from a window or glass door, and that is clearly visible from outside the building.

Landscaping systems designed to conserve water through use of drought resistant and heat tolerant native or naturalized plants which utilize only irrigation meet plant needs (50% coverage is required).

The area between the property line and the building setback line in which no structure may be located.

The City of McAllen's appointed Zoning Board of Adjustment.

A portion of the territory of the City within which certain uniform regulations and requirements or various combinations thereof apply under the provisions of the City's UDC, as amended.

The official map of McAllen, Texas upon which the boundaries of the various zoning districts are drawn and which is an integral part of the UDC, which may also be cited as the Official Zoning Map.