The Reason for Platting
The platting process ensures that all lots comply with the City of Waco's standards for development that are intended to protect the public health, safety, and welfare. Plats are reviewed for compliance with regulations regarding minimum lot size, width and depth; street access and width; utility provisions; parks and open space provisions; and drainage and flood plain protection.
Authority to Regulate Platting
The City of Waco regulates subdivision platting within its city limits through an adopted subdivision ordinance. A subdivision plat is required to be submitted for processing if there is an anticipated division of a tract of land into two or more parts, and for the purpose of obtaining a building permit. A property owner may sell or convey a tract of land that is currently not platted in the City of Waco to a prospective buyer. It is recommended, however, that the seller advise the buyer of the need for platting if the buyer intends to obtain a building permit. Please contact Planning Services to discuss your property situation before you sell or purchase property, or begin construction on your new home or business.
Variance Procedures Available During the Platting Process
The City of Waco Subdivision Ordinance allows for a variance procedure to property owners. A property owner who submits a subdivision plat for processing, after receiving the listing of requirements for that application from City staff, may request a variance to any of those requirements or to all platting requirements if they do not desire to submit a plat. If you are interested in this process, please contact Planning Services for further details.
Information Required to Submit a Plat and The Process for Platting in Waco
The platting process begins with a meeting between the property owner and city staff to discuss the type of plat and items needed for processing the subdivision plat. These items include the following: Survey with fieldnotes by a Registered Professional Land Surveyor Subdivision plat 18 x 24 in size, Floodplain certifications, Proof of ownership (deed) of the property, and Certifications for the surveyor, owner, health district, county court. A completed application form and fee should accompany the submission of a plat. The plat application requires the name of the subdivision, the number of acres and lots, the name and address of the property owner and surveyor. The submittal of these items on the monthly deadline date will then initiate the process of review by the various city, county, and utility departments. A letter of requirements will follow the review of the subdivision plat and will be sent to the property owner and the surveyor prior to the City Plan Commission and Waco City Council Meetings. The City Plan Commission will conduct a public hearing on the subdivision plat and make a recommendation to the Waco City Council. The Waco City Council will then make the final determination on the subdivision plat.
Minor Plats
A minor plat is approved administratively through the city. A minor plat must: Include 4 or fewer lots, involve no extension of municipal facilities, Front on an existing street, and involve no creation of new streets. Minor plats are presented under the public hearing section of the City Plan Commission meeting and are approved by staff. The minor plats are not referred to the Waco City Council. Plats that qualify as minor plats and are approved by staff may be processed within 21-30 days. These plats are normally recorded several days after completion of the process.
Timeline for the Platting Process
The standard processing time for subdivision plats in the City of Waco is 45 days. This includes public hearings before the City Plan Commission and Waco City Council. The time frame for recording the plat after these actions are taken is dependent on the owner of the property and the surveyor completing the pending requirements.
Public Hearing Requirement
All preliminary, final, amended, vacated plats, and requests for variances are required to have a public hearing, which means that they must be reviewed by the City Plan Commission and the Waco City Council.
Other Requirements For a Public Hearing to Act on Plats
Public notice is required for the public hearing before the City
Plan Commission and Waco City Council. The notification process
includes a public notice in the Waco-Tribune Herald newspaper. Letters
are mailed 15 days prior to the meeting to surrounding property
owners within 200 feet of a subdivision plat zoned single-family
residential.
Need More Information?
Contact the Planning Services to discuss your particular property situation prior to construction or before you sell or purchase your property. If you have any questions concerning these regulations, please contact the following:
Planning Services
P.O. Box 2570
Waco, Texas 76702-2570
(254) 750-5650
(254) 750-1605 (fax)
E-mail: planning@ci.waco.tx.us
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