Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to require any change to the plans, plats, lots or buildings previously approved prior to the effective date of this chapter unless allowed by law.

(Ord. No. 1089, § 1, 6-28-2017)

The provisions of this chapter shall be administered and enforced by the mayor or his/her designee. The mayor or his/her designee and such staff members or committees as may be assigned to or appointed shall have all necessary authority on behalf of the city to administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter, including the remedying of any condition found in violation of this chapter, the bringing of legal action to ensure compliance with this chapter or other appropriate action or proceeding.

(Ord. No. 1089, § 1, 6-28-2017)

Charter reference— Article III, the Council, section 3.03.a.(3) and article IV, Administrative Services, section 4.04.a.

(a)

The city is hereby divided into zones, or districts, and the boundaries of zoning districts set out herein are delineated upon the zoning district map of the city, which may also be cited as the "zoning map," said map being adopted as a part of this chapter as fully as if the same were set forth herein in detail.

(b)

One original zoning district map shall be filed in the office of the city secretary and labeled as "Official Zoning Map of the City of Stafford, Texas—Ordinance No. 1089." This copy shall be kept as a record of history.

(Ord. No. 1089, § 1, 6-28-2017)

(a)

The zoning district boundary lines shown on the zoning district map are usually along streets, alleys, property lines, or extensions thereof. Where uncertainty exists as to the boundaries of districts as shown on the zoning district map, the following rules shall apply:

(1)

Boundaries shown as approximately following the centerlines of streets, highways or alleys shall be construed to follow such centerlines.

(2)

Boundaries shown as approximately following platted lot lines shall be construed as following such lot lines.

(3)

Boundaries shown as approximately following city limits shall be construed as following such city limits.

(4)

Boundaries shown as following railroad lines shall be construed to be located along the centerline of the railroad right-of-way lines.

(5)

Boundaries shown as parallel to, or extensions of, features described in subsections (1) through (5) above shall be so construed. Distances not specifically indicated on the zoning district map shall be determined by the scale of the map.

(6)

Whenever any street, alley or other public way is vacated by official action of the city council, or whenever such area is used for building purposes, the zoning district line adjoining each side of such street, alley or other public way shall be automatically extended to the centerline of such vacated street, alley or public way and all areas so involved shall then and henceforth be subject to all regulations of the extended districts.

(7)

The zoning classification applied to a tract of land adjacent to a street shall extend to the centerline of the street unless, as a condition of zoning approval, it is stated that the zoning classification shall not apply to the street.

(8)

Where physical features on the ground are different with information shown on the zoning district map, or if there arises a question as to how or whether a parcel of property is zoned and such question cannot be resolved by the application of subsections (1) through (8) above, then the planning and zoning commission shall interpret and recommend to the city council the appropriate zoning district boundaries.

(Ord. No. 1089, § 1, 6-28-2017)

It is recognized that new types of land use will arise in the future, and forms of land use not presently anticipated may seek to locate in the City of Stafford. In order to provide for such changes and contingencies, a determination as to the appropriate classification of any new or unlisted form of land use in the principal permitted uses table shall be made as follows:

(1)

Standards for new and unlisted uses may be interpreted by the mayor or his/her designee as those of a similar use. When a determination of the appropriate zoning district cannot be readily ascertained, the mayor or his/her designee shall refer the question concerning any new or unlisted use to the planning and zoning commission requesting a recommendation as to the zoning classification into which such use should be placed.

a.

The planning and zoning commission shall consider the nature and described performance of the proposed use and its compatibility with the uses permitted in the various districts and determine the zoning district or districts within which such use is most similar and should be permitted, by right or by SUP.

b.

The planning and zoning commission shall transmit its findings and recommendations to the city council as to the classification proposed for any new or unlisted use. The city council shall approve or disapprove the recommendation of the planning and zoning commission or make such determination concerning the classification of such use as is determined appropriate based upon its findings. If approved, the new or unlisted use shall be amended in the use charts of the ordinance according to section 102-83 of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 1089, § 1, 6-28-2017)

(a)

Zoning annexed areas. Within 60 days following the annexation of territory into the city, the city council shall initiate proceedings to establish permanent zoning classifications for all such newly annexed territory. Pending completion of such proceedings, such territory shall be classified as District "MU," Mixed Use. Such temporary zoning classification shall remain in effect only until such time as the City Council establishes the permanent zoning classification, following procedures required by V.T.C.A., Local Government Code Ch. 211 and Article V of this Chapter.

(b)

Permits in temporarily zoned areas. In newly annexed areas temporarily classified as District "MU," Mixed Use, no permit for the construction of a building, or certificate for the use of land, other than for a building or use allowed in said district shall be issued by the zoning administrator.

(c)

Unplatted property. Unplatted property shall be approved in accordance with the permanent zoning classification after consideration by the planning and zoning commission and the city council.

(Ord. No. 1089, § 1, 6-28-2017)