HomeMy WebLinkAbout03272012-Chapter-5-Zoning-Use-RegulationsGeorgetown, Texas 5-1
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Chapter 5 Zoning Use Regulations
Section 5.01 Zoning Uses
5.01.010 General
A. Authority
The provisions of this Chapter are adopted pursuant to Texas Local Government Code
Chapter 211 and the City Charter.
B. Compliance with Code of Ordinances
There are various sections of the City of Georgetown Code of Ordinances and other City
regulations that may also apply or be relevant to a proposed use. Following are references
to particular sections of the City Code of Ordinances that may be related to a particular use:
• Title 6 Business License and Regulations: Chapters 6.04 Carnivals, Circuses, and other
Exhibitions; 6.16 Peddlers and Solicitors; 6.20 Taxicabs, Buses, and Other Vehicles for Hire;
6.30 Sexually Oriented Business; 6.40 Alcoholic Beverages; 6.50 Itinerant Merchants
• Title 7 Animals
• Title 8 Health and Safety: Chapters 8.12 Food Sanitation; 8.16 Noise Control; 8.20
Nuisances
• Title 10 Vehicles and Traffi c: Chapter 10.16 Parking
• Title 12 Streets, Sidewalks, and Public Places: Chapters 12.05 Valet Parking; 12.12
Advertising Signs and Banners; 12.24 Events and Celebrations; 12.36 Georgetown Airport
Zoning.
5.01.020 Zoning Use Classifi cations
A. Use Categories
A primary use is assigned to the Use Category that most closely corresponds to its
nature as described in the characteristics of each Use Category. Use Categories classify
land uses and activities based on similar functional, product or physical characteristics.
Characteristics include the type and amount of activity, the type of customers or residents,
how goods or services are sold or delivered, likely impact on surrounding properties, and
site conditions.
B. Use Tables
A Use Table is contained within each of the Use Categories detailed in this Chapter, which
depict the specifi c zoning uses allowed by zoning district. Each section represents a Use
Category, for example “Residential Uses,” that contains specifi c listed uses and their
corresponding zoning districts. All of the uses listed in the Use Tables found in this
Chapter are defi ned in Chapter 16. Below is a key to each of the Use Tables and indicate
how each use is treated by district.
1. Uses PermiĴ ed By Right
A “P” indicates that a use is allowed by right. Such uses are subject to all other
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applicable regulations of this Code and the City Code of Ordinances.
2. Uses with Limitations
An “L” indicates that a use is permiĴ ed, provided that it meets additional standards
referenced in the far right “Note” column of each Use Table. These standards can be
found in the limitations section following each Use Table. Such uses are subject to all
other applicable regulations of this Code and the City Code of Ordinances.
3. Uses with Special Use Permit
An “S” indicates that a use is allowed only if granted a Special Use Permit by the City
Council in accordance with the procedures in Section 3.07. Uses that require a Special
Use Permit are required to meet all other applicable regulations of this Code and the
City Code of Ordinances, including the additional standards contained in the limitation
section of each Use Category.
4. Uses Not Allowed
A cell with the symbol “--” or left blank indicates that a use is not allowed.
C. Multiple Primary Uses
Multiple primary uses on one lot shall be allowed only if each individual use is allowed in
the underlying District. Limitations or Special Use Permits required of any of the primary
uses shall be met. In the event of a confl ict between such limitations, the stricter provision
shall apply.
D. Specifi c Use Names
The names of the specifi c uses listed in each Use Table are defi ned in Chapter 16 of this
Code and have no other meaning than that given by the defi nition. A specifi c use or
classifi cation of such a use is not determined based on how a user or prospective user
may refer to the use, but rather what the defi nitions determine the use to be. For example,
someone may refer to the dwelling that he or she owns as a “townhouse” when in fact it
may be defi ned by this Code as an “aĴ ached Single-family” dwelling.
E. Accessory Uses
1. Accessory uses are those activities that are incidental and subordinate to a primary use,
but are customarily associated with the particular primary use. The following are two
examples of primary uses and some of their possible accessory uses:
a. A high school may typically include, but may not be limited to, accessory uses
such as a cafeteria, library, maintenance facility, meeting rooms, auditorium,
laboratories, indoor recreation courts, outdoor recreational fi elds, and concession
stands.
b. A large offi ce building may include, but may not be limited to, a restaurant, copy
shop, helicopter landing facility, kitchen or food preparation area, meeting facilities,
technical libraries or amenities for employees like a day care center, heath facility,
cafeteria or a small retail operation.
2. An accessory use may be determined to be an allowed accessory use to a primary use if:
a. It is listed as an accessory use to the primary use in the defi nition of such primary
use in Chapter 16 of this Code; or
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b. It is determined to be customarily associated with the primary use. The Director
shall have the authority to determine if an accessory use is customarily associated
with a primary use following the criteria in Section 5.01.030.B.
3. An allowed accessory use shall be consistent with the following:
a. The accessory use shall be subordinate to and serve a primary use;
b. The accessory use shall be subordinate in area, extent, and purpose to the primary
use;
c. The accessory use shall be subject to the same regulations as the primary use;
d. The accessory use shall have to be a permiĴ ed use within the same zoning district
as the primary use. In addition, if an accessory use is subject to limitations as a
primary use then those same limitations shall apply to the accessory use; and
e. The accessory use shall not be a commercial venture, except as allowed as a Home
Occupation, per Section 5.02.020.E.
5.01.030 Determination of Unlisted Uses
A. Determination of the appropriate District for a use not listed in the Use Tables shall be
made by the Director in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (B) below. When
considering appropriate Districts for a use not listed in the Use Tables, the District
Purpose Statements in Section 4.04, the descriptive characteristics of each Use Category,
and defi nitions of similar uses shall be taken into consideration. The Director may make
a determination, based on these considerations, that such a use be allowed by right; be
required to meet specifi c limitations and additional standards; be required to receive
a Special Use Permit from the City Council; or not be allowed in a particular District,
therefore requiring approval of a text amendment to this Code for any allowance.
B. The following criteria shall be used to determine 1) the appropriate use for an activity
not specifi cally listed in the Use Tables and 2) whether a use is considered primary or
accessory.
1. The defi nitions of similar primary uses;
2. The defi nitions of the use categories that include similar uses;
3. The actual or projected characteristics of the activity in relationship to the stated
characteristics;
4. The relative amount of site area or fl oor space and equipment devoted to the activity;
5. Relative amounts of sales from each activity;
6. The type of customer for each activity;
7. The relative number of employees in each activity;
8. Hours of operation;
9. Building and site arrangement;
10. Vehicles used and their parking requirements;
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11. The relative number of vehicle trips generated;
12. Typical number of daily deliveries;
13. Noise levels generated;
14. Lighting required for the activity;
15. The likely impact on surrounding properties; and
16. Whether the activity is likely to be found independent of the other activities on the site.
C. The Director’s determination shall be made public on the City’s website for 30 days
following the decision and shall be considered fi nal if no appeal is fi led during that
timeframe.
D. Appeal of Unlisted Use Determination
The Zoning Board of Adjustment may hear and decide an appeal that alleges error in a
determination made by the Director in the enforcement of Section 5.01.030.A of this Code.
In exercising its authority under this subsection, the Board may reverse or affi rm, in whole
or in part or modify the Director’s determination and make the correct determination, and
for that purpose the Board has the same authority as the Director. The appeal will be
pursuant to Section 3.14 of this Code.
Section 5.02 Residential Uses
The Residential Use Section contains uses for residential dwellings and related accessory uses.
These uses include Single-family and Multi-family residential structures and also accommodate
groups of people that may exceed the defi nition of household.
5.02.010 Residential Uses Allowed by District
The following Use Table presents the residential uses that are allowed in each zoning district,
in accordance with the standards and regulations of this Code. Certain uses are allowed with
limitations detailed in Section 5.02.020. The ‘Notes’ column of the table contains direction on the
specifi c limitation of the particular use.
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Table 5.02.010 Residential Uses
Specifi c Use
Household Living
Single-family, Detached P P P P P --------------------P
Single-family, Attached ------L P P --------------------A
Two-family --------P P --------------------
Townhouse ----------P P ----P P --------S
Apartment -----------P ----P P --S ----S
Manufactured Housing --------------P ----------------
Manufactured Housing Park --------------P ----------------
Accessory Dwelling Unit S S S S ----------------------S B
Second Dwelling Unit L ------------------------------C
Upper-story Residential ----------------L L L L L ----L D
Home-Based Business L L L L L L L L L L L L L ----L E
Group Living
Group Home (6 residents or
less)P P P P P P ------------------P
Group Home (7 to 15
residents)------------P --P P ----------S
Group Home (16 residents
or more)------------S --P P --------S --
Assisted Living ------------P --P P P --------S
Nursing or Convalescent
Home ------------P --P P P ----------
Hospice Facility S S S S S S P --P P P --------S
Orphanage P ----------P --------------S --
Student Housing ------------S ----S ------------
Rooming or Boarding House ------S ----P ----P ----------S
Halfway House S S S S S S S S ----------------
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5.02.020 Residential Use Limitations
All residential uses shall meet any applicable provisions of the City of Georgetown Code of
Ordinances, in addition to the following limitations.
A. Single-family, Attached
An AĴ ached Single-family dwelling is permiĴ ed in accordance with Table 5.02.010 and
subject to the following standards and limitations:
1. Both dwelling units shall be situated on separate legally plaĴ ed lots.
2. AĴ ached Single-family dwellings are not allowed in the Old Town Overlay District
(established in Section 4.08).
B. Accessory Dwelling Unit
An accessory dwelling unit is permiĴ ed in accordance with Table 5.02.010 and subject to the
following standards and limitations:
1. An accessory dwelling unit is permiĴ ed as a subordinate use, provided that it is limited
to twenty-fi ve percent (25%) of the primary dwelling unit.
2. An accessory dwelling unit is permiĴ ed in the AG, Agriculture, RE, Residential Estate,
RL, Residential Low Density, RS, Residential Single-family, and MU-DT, Mixed-Use
Downtown Districts with the approval of a Special Use Permit pursuant to Section 3.07.
The Special Use Permit shall include a condition that the unit may not be used for rental
purposes.
3. An accessory dwelling unit may be permiĴ ed by right as part of a Housing Diversity
Development, as detailed in Section 6.08.020. Unlike the dwelling units in paragraph
(B.1) above, accessory dwelling units within a Housing Diversity Development may be
used for rental purposes, with approval of a Special Use Permit.
4. Accessory structures that do not contain a kitchen, such as guest houses or pool houses,
are permiĴ ed without a Special Use Permit.
C. Second Dwelling Unit
Within the AG, Agriculture District, in accordance with Table 5.02.010, one additional
primary dwelling unit may be constructed upon a lot or parcel for every 30 acres or portion
thereof (i.e., one dwelling unit allowed for 30 acres or less, two dwelling units allowed for
31 acres or more, three dwelling units allowed for 61 acres or more, etc.). The additional
dwelling unit(s) is limited to use by an agricultural employee, a caretaker, family members,
or guests of the property owner and must comply with all setback and design standards of
the AG District.
D. Upper-Story Residential
Upper-story residential dwellings are permiĴ ed in accordance with Table 5.02.010 and
subject to the following standards and limitations:
1. The fi rst fl oor shall not include the living space of any residential dwelling.
2. Separate designated parking spaces for the residential dwellings are required pursuant
to Section 9.02.
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3. Upper-story residential dwellings in the CN, OF, and BP Districts shall meet the
following provisions in addition to (1) and (2), above:
a. The residential dwelling shall be secondary to the primary use.
b. The gross fl oor area of the entire building shall not include more than 50%
residential uses.
E. Home-Based Business
Home-Based Businesses are permiĴ ed in accordance with Table 5.02.010 and subject to the
standards and limitations:
1. General
a. A Home-Based Business is that accessory use of a premise that shall constitute all
or some portion of the livelihood of a person or persons living in the dwelling.
b. The Home-Based Business shall be clearly incidental to the residential use of the
dwelling and shall not change the essential residential character of the dwelling or
neighborhood or adversely aff ect the uses permiĴ ed in the District of which it is a
part.
c. Land uses that are addressed individually in the Use Chart of this Chapter are not
considered a home-based business for purposes of this Section. Examples of those
uses are: Group Homes, Family Day Cares, Bed and Breakfast, and Garage Sales.
2. Home-Based Business Types
Home-Based Businesses are permiĴ ed subject to the business meeting the following
provisions. These provisions are applicable to on-site activities related to the Home-
Based Business.
a. The home-based business shall be conducted entirely within a dwelling or
accessory structure or integral part thereof, and have no outside storage of any
kind related to the business;
b. The home-based business shall be clearly incidental and secondary to the primary
use of the premise;
c. The home-based business shall be conducted only by persons residing on the
premises (nonresident employees are not permiĴ ed);
d. The home-based business shall not aff ect the residential character of the dwelling
or accesory structure nor cause the dwelling or accesory structure to be extended;
e. No signage shall be allowed in connection with the home-based business;
f. Deliveries by commercial vehicle are limited to the hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.;
however, deliveris by a regular carrier such as USPS, UPS, and FedEx may be
delivered during their typical hours;
g. The home-based business shall create no disturbing or off ensive noise, vibration,
smoke, dust, odor, heat, glare, unhealthy or unsightly condition, traffi c, or parking
problem;
h. On-street parking utilitized by the business shall only be allowed along the
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property line of the home-based business residence and as allowed by current City
code. Off -street parking is limited to existing paved areas and the business shall
not result in the increase of on-site parking areas;
i. The home-based business shall involve no on-site services. However, if the activity
is kept at a small scale (meaning generally one or two people conducting the
business or meeting with clients) and the business remains compliant with the
limitations of this Chapter, the following shall not be considered services:
i. Individual academic, music, dance, photography, art, hobby, or similar
instruction or studio,
ii. Seamstress or tailor,
iii. Barber or beauty salon (one chair),
iv. Financial/investment counseling, accounting, bookkeeping, real estate offi ce
or similar offi ce,
v. Individual massage, natural therapy, or similar services,
vi. Counseling in an offi ce seĴ ing, and
vii. Other similar low impact uses as determined by the Director.
j. The home-based business shall not have a retail store-front. Retail sales are limited
to:
i. Incidental sales of merchandise related to a service provided by the home-
based business,
ii. Direct sales product distribution (Amway, Tupperware, Avon, etc.)
iii. Sales via phone, internet, or mail, and
iv. Custom products created by the business.
k. The business shall be conducted by appointment or prearrangement only with no
drop-in customers of any kind allowed, and
l. There shall be a clearly visible street address posted or displayed on the premises.
3. Home-Based Business Enforcement
If Code Enforcement receives a complaint regarding a home-based business, it shall be
the responsibility of the operator of the business to demonstrate compliance with the
above stated limitations and this Code.
5.02.030 Accessory Uses
A. Examples of Residential Accessory Uses
1. Uses in this list that are identifi ed with a corresponding number (below) may be subject
to additional standards detailed in 5.02.030.B.
2. Examples of residential accessory uses include gardening, hobbies, raising of pets,
recreational activities, home occupations (1), family home day care (2), garage sales (3),
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and motor vehicle sales (4).
B. Supplementary Standards for Residential Accessory Uses
1. HomeBased Business (standards found in Section 5.02.020.E)
2. Family Home Day Care (standards found in Section 5.03.020.B)
3. Garage Sales
a. The number of garage sales on a property shall not exceed 12 per calendar year.
b. No garage sale shall extend for any period of time exceeding three consecutive
days.
c. The owner or tenant of the property where the garage sale is held must be the legal
owner of the merchandise for sale at the time of such sale or must have the right to
dispose of the property.
d. Items for sale shall be confi ned to the garage, carport, porch, patio, driveway or
yard on the premises of the seller’s dwelling.
e. No merchandise acquired solely for the purpose of resale shall be sold.
4. Sale of Motor Vehicle
On a Single-family residential lot, the parking of a motor vehicle that bears a sign
advertising the vehicle for sale may be permiĴ ed, provided that:
a. The vehicle is owned by or registered to an owner or occupant of the property;
b. The vehicle is parked on an improved parking surface;
c. The vehicle is not being sold in connection with an automobile sales business;
d. No more than one vehicle is parked on the lot for purposes of display and sale at
any one time; and
e. No more than two vehicles are parked on the lot for purposes of display and sale
within a twelve month period.
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Section 5.03 Civic Uses
The Civic Uses Section addresses institutions that provide community services to or for the general
public. Civic uses are typically found in non-residential zoning districts but may be allowed in
residential districts, often with limitations or Special Use Permits. These uses are generally public
or non-profi t but also include for-profi t entities that provide a service to the general public. Civic
uses include, but are not limited to, facilities for education, day care, government, social services,
institutions, places of worship, and parks and open spaces.
5.03.010 Civic Uses Allowed by District
The following Use Table presents the civic uses that are allowed in each zoning district, in
accordance with the standards and regulations of this Code. Certain uses are allowed with
limitations detailed in Section 5.03.020. The ‘Notes’ column of the Use Table contains direction
on the specifi c limitation of the particular use.
Table 5.03.010 Civic Uses
Specifi c Use
Educational and Day Care
Facilities
School, Elementary L L L L L L L --L L L ------L --A
School, Middle L S S S S S S --L L L ------L --A
School, High L ----------------L L ------L --A
School, College or
University L ----------------L L ------L S A
School, Boarding L --------------------------L --A
School, Business or Trade L ----------------L L L L L L S A
Day Care, Family Home L L L L L L L L --------------L B
Day Care, Group S S S S S S L L L L L L L ----L B
Day Care, Commercial ------------L --L L L L L ----S B
Government and
Community Facilities
Activity Center, Youth or
Senior S S S S S S S --L L L ------L S A
Animal Shelter L ------------------------L L --A,C
Community Center ------S --------S L L ------L S A
Correctional Facility S ------------------S ----S S S --
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Specifi c Use
Emergency Services Station S S S S S S S --P P P P P P P P A
Government or Postal Offi ce ----------------P P P P P P P P
Library or Museum ----------------P P P P ----P P
Social Service Facility ------------------P P P ----P S
Transient Service Facility --------------------S ------S S
Medical and Institutional
Facilities
Hospital ------------------P P ------P S
Hospital, Psychiatric --------------------S ------S S
Substance Abuse Treatment
Facility --------------------S ------S --
Blood or Plasma Center ------------------P P --------S
Places of Worship
Religious Assembly
Facilities L L L L L L L --L L L L L --L L A
Religious Assembly
Facilities w/Columbaria L L L L L L L --L L L L L --L L A,D
Parks and Open Spaces
Nature Preserve or
Community Garden P L L L L L L --P P P P P P P P A
Neighborhood Amenity,
Activity or Recreation
Center
L L L L L L L L --L L ----------A
Public Park, Neighborhood L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L A
Public Park, Regional L ----------------L L ------L --A
Golf Course L L L L L L L --------------L --A
Cemetary, Columbaria,
Mausoleum, or Memorial
Park
S ----S ------------S ----S S --A
5.03.020 Civic Use Limitations
All civic uses shall meet any applicable provisions of the City Code of Ordinances, in addition to
the following limitations. Outdoor display and storage requirements, if applicable, shall be met
in accordance with Section 5.09.
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A. All Civic Uses
All Civic Uses, except Day Care, shall meet the following provisions, where applicable per
Table 5.03.010. Uses that require a Special Use Permit, in accordance with Table 5.03.010,
shall meet the following criteria in addition to securing said permit.
1. Any outdoor recreational playing fi eld shall be set back 50 feet from any property line.
2. The principal vehicular entrance and exit shall be located on a collector-level street or
higher.
B. Day Care
Day Care facilities are permiĴ ed in accordance with Table 5.03.010 and subject to the
following standards and limitations:
1. All day care facilities shall be licensed by the State and meet the minimum requirements
for such facilities.
2. Outdoor play or instruction areas, playground equipment, and pools shall be located in
the side or rear yards and screened from adjacent property by an opaque fence no less
than six feet in height.
3. Day care facilities in Residential Zoning Districts may only operate between the hours
of 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. Day care facilities in CN and OF Zoning Districts may only operate
between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Hours of operation are not limited for day care
facilities in other Non-Residential Zoning Districts.
4. A family home day care shall employ only residents of the premises, including all paid
and unpaid care providers.
5. A family home day care is allowed only one non-illuminated identifi cation sign,
provided the sign is mounted on the exterior wall of the dwelling and has an area no
greater than two square feet.
C. Animal Shelter
An animal shelter is permiĴ ed in accordance with Table 5.03.010 and limited to a required
separation of at least 300 feet from the shelter to a residential structure that is located on
any property in separate ownership.
D. Religious Assembly Facilities with Columbaria
A columbaria, consistent with the defi nition of the Texas Health and Safety Code 711.008(b)
(2), is permiĴ ed in accordance with Use Table in 5.03.010 as an accessory use, subordinate
and incidental to, a Religious Assembly Facility, subject to the following standards and
limitations.
1. A columbaria located within a separate structure that provides adequate screening from
adjacent properties shall be subject to the development standards of the zoning district.
2. A columbaria located outdoors shall be subject to the following standards:
a. The columbaria shall be set back a minimum of 25 feet from the property line.
b. The columbaria shall not exceed eight feet in height.
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c. Landscaping shall be provided at a ratio of two square feet of landscaping for
each square foot of columbaria area, in addition to the minimum requirements
of Chapter 8 of this Code. Said landscaping shall be incorporated into the overall
design and placement of the columbaria.
3. The establishment of a columbaria shall be subject to Site Plan review pursuant to
Section 3.09 of this Code.
4. The name, address, and telephone number of the individual, owner, board of trustees,
or designated caretaker responsible for the maintenance of the columbaria shall be kept
on record in the offi ce of the Religious Assembly Facility.
5. Upon discontinuance of the Religious Assembly Facility, the columbaria shall be
relocated in compliance with all applicable State laws.
Section 5.04 Commercial Uses
The Commercial Uses Section outlines commercial and retail businesses that facilitate the buying
and selling of manufactured goods or provide consumer and professional sales and services. These
uses include, but are not limited to, overnight accommodations, establishments for food and
beverage preparation and consumption, entertainment or recreation-oriented activities, out-patient
or home-care health and medical services, and professional and business offi ces. The category
also encompasses retail sales and service uses for personal improvement; self-storage; heavy
commercial and wholesale sales and services; and automobile sales, repair, and service.
5.04.010 Commercial Uses Allowed by District
The following Use Table presents the commercial uses that are allowed in each zoning district,
in accordance with all standards and regulations of this Code. Certain uses are allowed with
limitations detailed in Section 5.04.020. The ‘Notes’ column of the Use Table contains direction
on the specifi c limitation of the particular use.
Table 5.04.010 Commercial Uses
Specifi c Use
Overnight
Accommodations
Bed and Breakfast S S S S S S S --L L ----------L B
Bed and Breakfast with
Events S S S S S S S --L L ----------L B,C
Inn S --------------S P P --------P
Hotel, Boutique ------------------P P S S ----S
Hotel, Full Service ------------------P P --L ----S D
Hotel, Limited Service ------------------P P --L ------D
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Specifi c Use
Hotel, Extended Stay --------------------P --L ------D
Motel --------------------P ----------
Campground or RV Park S ------------------------------
Food and Beverage
Establishments
Restaurant, General ----------------L L P L L --L P E,A
Restaurant, Drive-through ----------------S L P --L ----S E,A
Bar, Tavern or Pub ----------------S L L --------S F,A
Dance Hall or Nightclub ------------------L L --------S F,A
Micro Brewery or Micro
Winery ----------------L L L --------L G,A
Food Catering Services ----------------L L P --P P --P
Entertainment and
Recreation
Live Music or Entertainment ------------------L L --------L H
Theater, Movie or Live ------------------L P --------S I
Membership Club or Lodge ------------------L P --------S A
Sexually Oriented Business --------------------------S ----
Major Event Entertainment S ------------------S ----S S --
Athletic Facility, Indoor or
Outdoor --------------------L ----P L --J
Commercial Recreation ------------------L L --------S J,A
Driving Range L ------------------L ----P ----J
Firing Range, Indoor S ------------------S ----S ----
Firing Range, Outdoor S ------------------------------
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Specifi c Use
Health Services
Home Health Care Services ----------------L L P P P ----P K,A
Medical or Dental Offi ce ----------------L L P P ------P K,A
Medical or Dental Clinic ------------------L P P ------S K,A
Urgent Care Facility ------------------L P --------S K,A
Professional and
Business Offi ces
General Offi ce ------S --------L L P P P P --L K,A
Integrated Offi ce Center ------------------L P S P P --L K,A
Data Center --------------------L L P P ----L
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Specifi c Use
Consumer Retail Sales
and Services
General Retail ----------------L L P --L ----L M,A
Agricultural Sales P ----------------L P ----------A
Landscape Supply Sales/
Garden Center P ----------------L P ----------A
Farmer’s Market P --------------L L P --------P A
Flea Market S ------------------S ----------
Artisan Studio and Gallery P ----------------L P ----P --P A
Personal Services ----------------L L P P L ----P N,A
Personal Services,
Restricted ------------------S P --------S
Dry Cleaning Service, Drop-
off Only ----------------L L P P L ----P N,A
Laundromat ----------------L L P --------P N,A
Printing, Mailing and
Reproduction Services ----------------L L P P L ----P N,A
Fitness Center ----------------L L P --L ----S O,A
Banking and Financial
Services ------------------L P P ------P A
Consumer Repair ----------------L L P --------P A
Small Engine Repair --------------------P --P P ----
Consumer Retail Sales
and Services
Funeral Home ------------------L P ----------A
Kennel L ------------------L ----L ----P
Veterinary Clinic, Indoor
Pens Only P ----------------L P --------P A
Veterinary Clinic, Indoor and
Outdoor Pens P ------------------------------
Self Storage, Indoor --------------------L ----P ----Q
Self Storage, Outdoor --------------------L ----L ----Q
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Specifi c Use
Professional and
Business Offi ces
Commercial Document
Storage ----------------------P P P ----
Event Catering and
Equipment Rental
Services
--------------------P --P P ----
Furniture Repair and
Upholstery ------------------------P P ----
Heavy Equipment Sales
and Repair --------------------------P ----
Pest Control or Janitorial
Services ------------------L L ----P ----R,A
Offi ce/Showroom ------------------------P P ----
Wholesale Showrooms ------------------------P P ----
Greenhouse, Wholesale P ------------------------------
Stone, Mulch or Dirt Sales
Yards P ------------------------P ----
Manufactured Housing
Sales --------------------S ----P ----
Automotive Sales and
Services
Automotive Sales, Rental or
Leasing Facility --------------------S ----P ----S
Automotive Parts and
Accessories Sales, Indoor ------------------L P ----------A
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Specifi c Use
Automotive Parts and
Accessories Sales,
Outdoor
--------------------S ----P ----
Automobile Repair and
Service, Limited --------------------P ----P ----
Automobile Repair and
Service, General --------------------------P ----
Fuel Sales ------------------L P --S P ----T
Car Wash ------------------L P --S P ----U
Recreational Vehicle Sales,
Rental or Service --------------------S ----P ----
Towing Services and
Impound Lots --------------------------P ----
5.04.020 Commercial Use Limitations
All commercial uses shall meet any applicable provisions of the City Code of Ordinances, in
addition to the following limitations. Outdoor display and storage requirements, if applicable,
shall be met in accordance with Section 5.09.
A. Building Size Limitation
Commercial, retail, service, and offi ce buildings are limited to the following maximum
building size:
1. In the CN District, the maximum building size shall be 5,000 square feet.
2. In the C-1 District, the maximum building size shall be 25,000 square feet.
B. Bed and Breakfast
A Bed and Breakfast establishment is permiĴ ed in accordance with Table 5.04.010 and
subject to the following standards and limitations:
1. All Districts
a. No more than eight guestrooms per property shall be allowed, and if more
than one building is located on a Bed and Breakfast property, no more than six
guestrooms shall be allowed in any one building.
b. No food preparation, except beverages, is allowed within individual guestrooms.
No stove, range, hot plate, toaster oven, or microwave shall be allowed in any
guestrooms; however, a small microwave is permiĴ ed in outbuilding guest rooms.
c. Preparation and service of food shall conform to all applicable regulations of the
State of Texas and Williamson County.
d. The owner shall keep a current guest register including names, contact information,
and dates of occupancy for all guests.
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e. On-site parking (except driveways) shall not be located in the front yard and shall
be screened from the view of adjacent residences to a height of six feet by a solid
screening fence or dense shrubs and vegetation. Temporary fences shall not be
permiĴ ed.
f. Guestroom rentals shall not be allowed for more than 15 consecutive days.
2. Residential Districts
Bed and Breakfast establishments in any Residential District shall be subject to all of the
standards and limitations of (B.1) above. In addition, a Special Use Permit, pursuant
to Section 3.07, is required for a Bed and Breakfast establishment in any designated
Residential District and is subject to the following conditions:
a. The operator of the Bed and Breakfast must be a full-time resident of the main
dwelling on the property in which the Bed and Breakfast establishment is located.
b. Signage shall be restricted to one sign aĴ ached to the wall of the main dwelling
that is a maximum of 12 square feet and one monument sign no larger than six
square feet. However, the total signage on the site shall not exceed 15 square feet.
No additional advertising of any kind is allowed on site.
c. Carriage houses, garage apartments, secondary free-standing houses, or similar
dwellings that contain a full service kitchen and are proposed to be used for Bed
and Breakfast operations shall remove the food preparation facilities prior to
commencement of operation as a Bed and Breakfast.
C. Bed and Breakfast with Events
A Bed and Breakfast with Events is permiĴ ed in accordance with the Use Table in 5.04.010
and subject to the standards and limitations noted below. A Bed and Breakfast with Events
applies only to properties on which a Bed and Breakfast is located and events (such as
parties, receptions, fund raisers, and other similar functions) are held. The Event shall be
a subordinate use to a Bed and Breakfast and shall not include an event center, meeting
facility, or other form of entertainment operation.
1. All Districts
a. All provisions of (B), above, shall also apply to Bed and Breakfasts with Events.
b. The following additional conditions and limitations shall apply to Bed and
Breakfasts with Events in all permiĴ ed Districts:
i. The Bed and Breakfast owner shall aĴ end all events held on the property.
ii. The event hours, including set up and take down, shall be limited to the
following:
• Sunday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday (and Sunday if it is a holiday weekend), 9:00 a.m. to
11:00 p.m.
iii. Outdoor event areas shall not be located in the front yard and shall be
screened from the view of adjacent properties to a height of six feet by a
solid screening fence or dense shrubs and vegetation. Temporary fencing is
not permiĴ ed.
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2. Residential Districts
Special Use Permit for Bed and Breakfast with Events shall be required in all Residential
Districts pursuant to Section 3.07, subject to (B) and (C.1), above, in addition to the
following standards and limitations:
a. The Special Use Permit application for a Bed and Breakfast with Events shall
include a description of the proposed operation; the maximum number of events
per year, month, and week; the approximate number of aĴ endees per event; hours
of events and duration; location of the events (indoor or outdoor); parking plans;
security measures; traffi c control plans; and sanitation provisions.
b. The City Council may add other conditions or limitations to the permit as it deems
necessary in order to manage the scale and scope of the proposed events, minimize
the negative impacts of the event(s) on the neighboring property owners, and
protect the public health, safety, and welfare.
D. Hotel, Full Service, Limited Service and Extended Stay
Full Service and Extended Stay Hotel establishments are permiĴ ed in accordance with
Table 5.04.010, provided that the hotels are located in a Business Park that is 50 acres or
greater.
E. Restaurant
A restaurant is permiĴ ed in accordance with Table 5.04.010 and subject to the following
standards and limitations:
1. Restaurants in the CN District are subject to the following:
a. The gross fl oor area shall not exceed 2,500 square feet.
b. A drive-thru restaurant shall require approval of a Special Use Permit.
2. Restaurants permiĴ ed in the OF and BP Districts are subject to the following:
a. The gross fl oor area shall not exceed 2,500 square feet.
b. The eating establishment shall clearly be secondary and supportive to the primary
use.
c. The eating establishment shall not be located in a building which contains no
other uses; however, in the BP District, a Special Use Permit may be considered if
it is determined that a free standing restaurant would be benefi cial to a planned
business park development.
d. A drive-thru restaurant is permiĴ ed in the BP District, subject to the limitations in
“a” through “c” above.
F. Bar, Tavern or Pub, Dance Hall or Nightclub
A bar, tavern, pub, dancehall, or nightclub is permiĴ ed in accordance with Table 5.04.010
and subject to the following standards and limitations:
1. The establishment shall be located no less than 300 feet from a church, public or private
school or public hospital, subject to the measurements of the City Code of Ordinances.
2. The establishment shall be located no less than 750 feet from an existing bar, tavern, pub,
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dancehall, or nightclub, subject to the measurements of the City Code of Ordinances.
3. The establishment is subject to the provisions of Chapter 6.40 “Alcoholic Beverages” of
the City Code of Ordinances.
G. Micro Brewery or Micro Winery
A micro brewery or micro winery is permiĴ ed in accordance with Table 5.04.010 and
subject to the following standards and limitations:
1. A micro brewery or micro winery shall be located no less than 300 feet from a church,
public or private school or public hospital subject to the measurements of the City Code
of Ordinances.
2. A micro brewery or micro winery is subject to the provisions of Chapter 6.40 “Alcoholic
Beverages” of the City Code of Ordinances.
H. Live Music or Entertainment
Live music or entertainment is permiĴ ed in accordance with the Use Table in 5.04.010 and
subject to the following standards and limitations:
1. The entertainment use must be secondary to the primary use in the C-1 and MU-DT
Districts.
2. Any outdoor entertainment area shall be clearly shown on a Site Plan and shall be set
back a minimum of 50 feet from the property line of residentially-zoned property.
3. Live music or entertainment uses are subject to the provisions of Chapter 8.16 “Noise”
of the Georgetown Municipal Code.
I. Theater, Movie or Live
A movie theater or live theater is permiĴ ed in accordance with Table 5.04.010 provided that
the theater may not have more than eight screens.
J. Athletic Facilities, Commercial Recreation and Driving Ranges
Athletic facilities, commercial recreation facilities, and driving ranges are permiĴ ed in
accordance with Table 5.04.010 provided that any outdoor playing fi elds or associated
structures shall be set back 50 feet from the property line of a residentially-zoned property.
K. General Offi ce, Integrated Offi ce Center, and Health Services
1. General Offi ce, Integrated Offi ce Center, and Health Services in the MU-DT District
A general offi ce, integrated offi ce center, or any health service use is permiĴ ed in the
MU-DT District in accordance with Table 5.04.010, subject to the following standards
and limitations:
a. Each building is limited to a maximum of 40,000 square feet.
b. Parking for a building over 20,000 square feet in Area 1 of the Downtown Overlay
District shall meet a parking ratio of 1 to 1,500 square feet of gross fl oor area (GFA).
2. General Offi ce in the RS District
A general offi ce use is permiĴ ed in the RS District in accordance with Table 5.04.010
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and is subject to the following standards and limitations, which allow for an orderly
transition of land use from residential to small scale offi ce while maintaining residential
appearance and building scale:
a. Only a house meeting the following criteria is eligible to apply for a Special Use
Permit, pursuant to Section 3.07, for an offi ce use in the RS District:
i. The house is located in the RS District,
ii. The house existed on or before February 26, 2008 (the date adopting the
ordinance), and
iii. The house has a side lot line immediately adjacent to property zoned as
C-1, C-3 or IN District that is used for commercial or industrial uses and
developed without a buff eryard.
iv. A residential side lot line
of less than 30 percent
shall not qualify as a
side lot line for the above
adjacency requirement.
v. Any question of
applicability of this
Section shall be
determined by the
Director.
b. In addition to the requirements
for Special Use Permits set forth
in Section 3.07, an applicant
for a Special Use Permit under
this Section shall also submit
a Site Plan pursuant to the
requirements of Section 3.09.
Further, an interior layout of
the building shall be submiĴ ed
with the Special Use Permit
application.
c. Off -street parking shall be provided at 1.5 spaces per habitable room. For the
purposes of this Section, a habitable room includes foyers and lofts if used
for reception areas, work stations, offi ces, conference rooms, etc, but excludes
restrooms, kitchens, porches (enclosed or open), and utility rooms. This parking
requirement is in place of the parking requirement in Table 9.02.030. All parking
shall be paved and approaches shall be concrete.
d. Parking shall not be permiĴ ed in the front yard. An exception to this provision
may be considered with the Special Use Permit related to preserving Protected and
Heritage Trees or to recognize existing garages or parking areas. Parking shall be
screened from view of the right-of-way in accordance with the requirements set
forth in Chapter 8.
e. A solid screening wall or fence or dense shrubs and vegetation at least six feet in
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height shall be required along the side and rear property lines adjacent to property
zoned RS, Residential. However, the wall or fence may be reduced in height if
buildings on site reduce the impact of the offi ce use, including parking, and as the
fence approaches the right-of-way.
f. A Building Permit may be required prior to issuance of a Certifi cate of Occupancy.
g. The use of the property for medical offi ces providing consultation, diagnosis,
therapeutic, preventative or corrective personal treatment services by doctors or
similar practitioners of medical and healing arts for humans, licensed for such
practice by the state shall be considered on a case-by-case basis with the Special
Use Permit. Dental offi ces, out-patient clinics, and outpatient emergency centers
are not permiĴ ed uses.
h. The use of the property for counseling in an offi ce seĴ ing by a psychologist or
psychiatrist is a permiĴ ed offi ce use.
i. The City Council may consider approval of a lesser offi ce use that would occupy
only a portion of a house. If only a portion of the structure is used, reduced
standards may be applied, especially for a “live/work” use of a house.
j. A Special Use Permit issued under this Section shall contain the following special
conditions, at a minimum. The City Council may include other special conditions
of the permit on a case-by-case basis.
i. The offi ce use shall be conducted entirely within the main structure or
integral part thereof and have no outdoor storage of any kind.
ii. Offi ce uses are not permiĴ ed in any accessory building.
iii. Uses accessory to offi ce uses are prohibited, except a conference room may
be established for an on-site offi ce.
iv. On-site sales are prohibited.
v. Outdoor storage is prohibited; however, the interior of any accessory
structures may be used for storage related to the Offi ce uses.
vi. The number of workers shall be limited to the number of habitable rooms
(excluding restrooms, kitchens, porches (enclosed or open), and utility
rooms) within the house. Foyers and lofts shall be counted as habitable
rooms if used for reception areas, work stations, conference rooms, etc.
vii. No exterior evidence of the offi ce use shall be allowed, except for one
non-internally illuminated sign aĴ ached to the principal structure that is
no larger than two square feet. No additional advertising of any kind is
allowed on site.
viii. Business hours and regular deliveries by commercial vehicle (excluding 18
wheeled vehicles, which are prohibited) shall be limited to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
ix. A Temporary Use Permit in accordance with Section 3.11 is required for any
party, reception, event, or similar function that is anticipated to draw more
than 15 total guests to the Offi ce (including tenants). Parties, receptions,
events or similar functions, subject to the Temporary Use Permit provision,
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shall be limited to a total of six such functions per calendar year. Such
events shall be limited to the interior of the structure.
x. The Special Use Permit shall be null and void if the structure is damaged by
natural or accidental causes to the extent of more than 50% of the value of
the structure on the date of the damage and if it is not rebuilt in kind within
14 months or the use of the structure for Offi ce uses has been discontinued
for a period of 12 months or more. The 14 month period does not include
the period of time necessary to conclude any litigation related to such
calamity.
xi. Increased run-off resulting from conversion to offi ce use shall be detained
on-site or shall be diverted from adjacent property in conformance with the
stormwater drainage requirements of this Code.
xii. The total impervious cover shall not exceed the requirements of the RS
District.
L. Data Center
A data center is permiĴ ed in accordance with Table 5.04.010 provided that the building size
does not exceed 5,000 square feet.
M. General Retail
General Retail is permiĴ ed in accordance with table 5.04.010 and subject to the following
standards and limitations:
1. In the BP District
a. The gross fl oor area shall not exceed 2,500 square feet.
b. The retail use shall clearly be secondary and supportive to the primary use.
c. The retail use shall not be located in a building which contains no other uses;
however, a Special Use Permit may be considered if it is determined that a
free standing retail operation would be benefi cial to a planned business park
development.
2. In the MU-DT District
a. A Special Use Permit is required for any retail building exceeding 40,000 square
feet.
b. Parking for a building over 20,000 square feet in Area 1 of the Downtown shall
meet a parking ratio of 1 to 1,500 square feet of gross fl oor area (GFA).
N. Personal Services in the BP District
Personal Services, including all uses noted as limited in Table 5.04.010, are permiĴ ed
subject to the following standards and limitations:
1. The gross fl oor area shall not exceed 2,500 square feet.
2. The establishment shall clearly be secondary and supportive to the primary use.
3. The personal service use shall not be located in a building which contains no other uses;
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however, a Special Use Permit may be considered if it is determined that a free standing
personal service operation would be benefi cial to a planned business park development.
O. Fitness Center
A fi tness center is permiĴ ed in accordance with Table 5.04.010 and subject to the following
standards and limitations:
1. In the CN District, the hours of operation shall be limited from 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
2. In the BP District, a fi tness center shall meet all of the provisions of 5.04.020.M.1.
P. Kennel
A kennel is permiĴ ed in accordance with Table 5.04.010 and subject to the following
standards and limitations:
1. The kennel operation, including all structures, is required to be at least 100 feet from the
property line of a residentially zoned property.
2. Outdoor Kennels are prohibited in the C-3 District.
Q. Self-Storage, Indoor and Outdoor
An indoor or outdoor self-storage establishment is permiĴ ed in accordance with Table
5.04.010 and the requirements of Section 5.09 and subject to the following standards and
limitations:
1. Self-storage facilities shall be limited to the storage use only, with the exception of an
accessory leasing offi ce or single living quarters for security purposes.
2. Storage bay doors shall not face a public right-of-way unless set back a minimum of 40
feet from the property line.
3. Storage bay doors shall be one solid color of white, brown (or shade thereof) or be
otherwise complimentary to the color of the constructed building materials.
4. Chain-link and/or barbed-wire fencing shall not be located in a front yard or street yard.
5. Each individual storage unit shall be directly accessible from an apron consisting of an
approved paved surface, which extends to the pavement on an adjoining street.
6. Where gated, a minimum of 60 feet of driveway shall be provided between the public
right-of-way and the front gate of the self-storage facility.
7. No outdoor self-storage shall be permiĴ ed within the following areas:
a. A required setback;
b. A front yard; and
c. A street yard.
8. No outdoor self-storage shall be allowed in required off -street parking areas. Areas
intended for outdoor self-storage shall be paved and painted to distinguish them from
required off -street parking areas.
9. Outdoor self-storage shall be screened from any public right-of-way by an 8-foot tall
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wall for general screening made of materials that include, but are not limited to planting
screens, masonry or other materials acceptable to the Director.
R. Pest Control or Janitorial Services
A pest control or janitorial services facility is permiĴ ed in accordance with Table 5.04.010
and subject to the following standards and limitations:
1. No mixing of chemicals or pesticides is allowed on-site.
2. Storage of chemicals or pesticides is limited to 10% of the total square footage of the
primary facility.
3. No overnight vehicle or outdoor storage is allowed.
S. Automobile Sales, Rental or Leasing Facility
An automobile sales, rental or leasing facility is permiĴ ed in accordance with Table 5.04.010
and subject to the following standards and limitations:
1. Lighting
Fixed lighting shall be shielded or have cut-off fi xtures to prevent direct glare of beams
onto any adjacent public or private property or street. Light poles shall be placed no
closer than 45 feet apart.
2. Auto Repair and Service
Automobile Repair and Service, Limited and General, shall be an allowed accessory use
with an Automobile Sales Facility. Automobile Repair and Service, General shall not be
permiĴ ed on the premises of a Rental Vehicle Facility and any allowed limited repairs
shall be performed only within the principal building.
3. Screening from Residential
Screening, meeting the guidelines of a High Level Buff eryard, shall be provided along
all lot lines abuĴ ing or adjacent to a Residential District, to block any view of the use, its
operations and stored or displayed vehicles, materials, and equipment from all points
on such residential property when viewed from ground level.
4. Outdoor Display and Storage
a. Display and storage areas shall be clearly shown on the Site Plan and identifi ed on
the site.
b. Outdoor display of vehicles shall be set back a minimum of 25 feet from all lot lines
abuĴ ing residentially zoned or developed property.
c. Temporary overfl ow vehicle storage is allowed on paved surfaces only. This
temporary storage shall not impede the traffi c fl ow of the site or eliminate required
parking spaces.
d. Permanent and temporary tent canopies may be erected over areas used for
automobile sales display and shall not be considered buildings, but may not
encroach into building setbacks, required parking spaces or drive aisles. All
necessary building permits shall be required, but a revision to an existing Site Plan
shall not be required if the tent canopy is located over an existing display area. All
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safety issues regarding fi re and building codes shall be addressed.
5. Signage for Automobile Sales Facilities
The following additional signage applies only to automobile sales facilities along the I.H.
35 northbound frontage road, from the southernmost boundary of the City up to, and
including, the one lot north of Fox Drive.
a. High profi le monument signs are encouraged for sites with multiple corporate
tenants consistent with Section 10.06.030.G. Auto dealerships may have an
increased height for a high profi le monument sign located along the I.H. 35
frontage road of up to 35 feet. No more than one sign shall be permiĴ ed at the 35-
foot height. No additional height shall be permiĴ ed. The structure of high profi le
monument signs shall be constructed of stone or brick materials and be colors
compatible with those utilized on the primary building’s facade.
b. Additional high profi le monument signage shall be allowed for those sites with
multiple corporate tenants. The maximum amount of additional signage shall
be limited to an increase of 10% of the total pole sign square footage permiĴ ed in
Chapter 10. The maximum high profi le monument sign height that utilizes the
increased size shall be limited to 28 feet. The minimum road frontage of 600 feet
for a high profi le monument sign is reduced to 250 feet for this section and the
spacing of 600 feet between high profi le monument signs shall be reduced to 250
feet for this Section.
c. A maximum of two high profi le monument or pole signs per site are permiĴ ed for
sites with multiple corporate tenants with the maximum sign height of 25 feet and
a maximum of 100 square feet per sign.
d. For those sites with multiple corporate tenants the allowed wall signage may be
increased 10% to accommodate the additional tenant.
e. For the purposes of this Section, entrance and interior directional signs shall not be
counted toward the total allowed signage for the site; however, all other provisions
of Chapter 10 shall apply to these signs. The business name shall be allowed to aid
in direction in accordance with Section 10.03.020.C.
f. No signs, balloons, banners, etc. shall be located within the public right-of-way.
g. Balloons
i. For the purposes of this Section, balloons shall not be deemed as fl uĴ ering/
undulating/moving signs pursuant to Section 10.04.
ii. Balloons shall be tethered, aĴ ached, or anchored so as not to create any
safety hazards by blowing into signs, utility lines, lights, etc.
iii. Balloons and their tethering mechanism shall not exceed 35 feet in height.
iv. Balloons for vehicle sales facilities shall not exceed a total of 50 balloons per
100 feet of I.H. 35 road frontage.
h. Banners shall be permiĴ ed pursuant to Section 10.07.020.
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T. Fuel Sales
A fuel sales establishment is permiĴ ed in accordance with Table 5.04.010 and subject to the
following standards and limitations:
1. No more than eight fuel pumps shall be permiĴ ed.
2. When designed for eight pumps, the canopy and arrangement of such pumps must be
designed in a relatively square paĴ ern as opposed to a linear distribution of the fuel
pumps, as depicted below (where X = two fuel pumps):
Acceptable C-1 Pump Arrangement: Unacceptable C-1 Pump Arrangement:
X X X X X X
X X
3. An eight foot masonry wall shall be required at the property line of residentially-zoned
property, in addition to the required buff eryards in Chapter 8.
4. Fuel pumps, vacuum, air, and water stations as well as other similar equipment are
prohibited between the principal structure and the property line of a residentially-zoned
property and shall comply with the building setbacks in all other circumstances.
5. The boĴ om of the canopy shall be a minimum of 13 feet in height. The maximum height
of the overall canopy shall not exceed 17 feet.
6. In addition to the requirements in Section 7.05, any freestanding light fixtures shall be
reduced in height to 15 feet if the use is adjacent to a Residential District.
7. No full-service or self-service car wash is allowed with the fuel sales use. Only an
accessory one-bay automatic car wash is allowed.
U. Car Wash
A car wash is permiĴ ed in accordance with Table 5.04.010 and subject to the following
standards and limitations:
1. A self-service car wash facility may contain a maximum of four self-service bays.
2. A fuel sales use is not allowed with either a full-service or self-service car wash.
Section 5.05 Transportation and Utility Uses
Transportation and Utility Uses include uses for public or private utilities, transportation, parking,
and large-scale communication transmission facilities. These uses may serve small or large-scale
areas with various intensity and nuisance. Transportation Uses include, but are not limited to,
terminals, storage and dispatch facilities for public and private transportation. Utility uses typically
contain light traffi c and minimal personnel although some larger uses which serve the general
community, may not be compatible in residential areas.
5.05.010 Transportation and Utility Uses Allowed by District
The following Use Table presents the transportation and utility uses that are allowed in each
Zoning District, in accordance with all standards and regulations of this Code. Certain uses
are allowed with limitations detailed in Section 5.05.020. The ‘Notes’ column of the Use Table
contains direction on the specifi c limitation of the particular use.
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Table 5.05.010 Transportation and Utility Uses
Specifi c Use
Transportation and Utility
Services
Airport S ------------------------S S --
Heliport --------------------L L L L L L A
Bus Barn --------------------S ----P P --
Parking Lot, Off-site ------------------P P P P P P P
Parking Lot, Commercial ------------------P P P P P --P
Park-n-Ride Facility ----------------P P P P P P P P
Private Transport Service
Dispatch Facility ------------------S P ----P --S
Rail or Transit Yard --------------------------P ----
Transit Passenger Terminal --------------------P ----P P P
Utlity Services, Minor P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P
Utility Services,
Intermediate L L L L L L L L L P P P P P P L B
Utility Services, Major ------------------P P P P P P --
Wireless Transmission
Facility, 40’ or less L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L 5.10
Wireless Transmission
Facility, over 40’--------------------S ----S S --5.10
5.05.020 Transportation and Utility Use Limitations
All transportation and utility uses shall meet any applicable provisions of the City Code of
Ordinances, in addition to the following limitations. Outdoor display and storage requirements,
if applicable, shall be met in accordance with Section 5.09.
A. Heliports
Heliports are permiĴ ed in accordance with Use Table in 5.05.010 and subject to the
following standards and limitations.
1. A heliport may be utilized without a Special Use Permit only as an accessory use to a
hospital or government facility.
2. A heliport may be utilized with a Special Use Permit in the following situations:
a. An accessory use to a full-service hotel, offi ce building, or convention center if the
structure is over 100 feet in height and the heliport landing pad is located on the
rooftop of such a structure; or
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b. An accessory use to a business park that is a minimum of 40 total acres.
B. Utilities Services, Intermediate
Intermediate Utility Services are permiĴ ed in accordance with Table 5.05.010 and subject to
the following standards and limitations:
1. Any structure associated with the use shall be set back 25 feet from the property line of a
residentially-zoned property.
2. An enclosed fence or wall at least six feet in height shall be constructed at the boundaries
of any structure or apparatus associated with the use, consisting of:
a. Brick, stone, reinforced concrete or other similar masonry materials; or
b. Redwood, cedar, preservative pressure treated wood or other similar materials; or
c. An alternate material approved by the Director.
3. All fence posts shall be rust-protected metal, concrete based masonry, or concrete pillars.
4. The intermediate utility use shall be screened with large evergreen shrubs planted 4 feet
on center and staggered 30 to 36 inches, located exterior to any required fencing.
5. The facility shall be secured.
Section 5.06 Industrial Uses
The Industrial Uses Section describes industrial uses, ranging from light manufacturing and
assembly, equipment servicing, storage/freight management to waste related services. Public traffi c
and onsite sales are very limited. Industrial uses and facilities are typically incompatible near
residential districts.
5.06.010 Industrial Uses Allowed by District
The following Use Table presents the industrial uses that are allowed in each Zoning District, in
accordance with all standards and regulations of this Code.
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Table 5.06.010 Industrial Uses
Specifi c Use
Industrial Uses
Contractor Services, Limited ------------------------P P ----
Contractor Services,
General --------------------------P ----
Movie Production ------------------------P P ----
Printing and Publishing ------------------------P P ----
Offi ce/Warehouse ------------------------P P ----
Research, Testing and
Development Lab ------------------------P P ----
Manufacturing, Processing
and Assembly, Limited ------------------------P P ----
Manufacturing, Processing
and Assembly, General --------------------------P ----
Warehousing and
Distribution, Limited ------------------------S P ----
Warehousing and
Distribution, General --------------------------P ----
Truck Terminal --------------------------P ----
Lumber Yard --------------------S ----P ----
Dry Cleaning and Laundry
Plant --------------------------P ----
Asphalt or Concrete Batch
Plant --------------------------P ----
Resource Extraction S ------------------------S ----
Oil Refi nery and Distribution --------------------------S ----
Recycling Collection Center --------------------------P ----
Waste Related Uses --------------------------S ----
Wrecking, Scrap and
Salvage yard --------------------------S ----
5.06.020 Industrial Use Limitations
All industrial uses shall meet any applicable provisions of the City Code of Ordinances. Outdoor
display and storage requirements, if applicable, shall be met in accordance with Section 5.09.
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Unified Development Code
Section 5.07 Agricultural Uses
Agricultural Uses are intended primarily for the raising of animals and crops and secondary
industries associated with agricultural production. Such uses are often found in large, open areas
that are separated from, and incompatible with, urban development.
5.07.010 Agricultural Uses Allowed by District
The following Use Table presents the agricultural uses that are allowed in each Zoning District, in
accordance with all standards and regulations of this Code.
Table 5.07.010 Agricultural Uses
Specifi c Use
Agricultural Uses
Farm Stand P ------------------------------
Petting Zoo P ------------------------------
Animal Husbandry P ------------------------------
Dairy S ------------------------------
Commercial Feed Lot S ------------------------------
Meat Market P ----------------S S ----P ----
Aquaculture P ------------------------------
Horticulture P ------------------------------
Vineyard P ------------------------------
Taxidermist P ------------------------P ----
Public Stable, Riding
Academy P ------------------------------
5.07.020 Agricultural Use Limitations
All agricultural uses shall meet any applicable provisions of the City Code of Ordinances.
Outdoor display and storage requirements, if applicable, shall be met in accordance with Section
5.09.
Section 5.08 Temporary Uses
Temporary uses have characteristics that require certain restrictions in order to insure compatibility
with other uses in the zoning district in which they are proposed. All temporary uses are required
to obtain a Temporary Use Permit pursuant to the procedures of Section 3.11. Temporary uses
are subject to the corresponding standards and limitations of this Section. If the operation of the
temporary use violates any other City Ordinances, the Permit shall be revoked unless satisfactory
compliance is achieved. Renewal of a temporary use permit, as allowed within this section, is
Georgetown, Texas 5-33
Unified Development Code
subject to approval by the Building Offi cial. It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to
demonstrate that the conditions of the original approval still exist.
5.08.010 Temporary Uses by District
The following Use Table presents the temporary uses that are allowed in each Zoning District,
in accordance with all standards and regulations of this Code. Certain uses are allowed with
limitations detailed in Section 5.08.020. The ‘Notes’ column of the Use Table contains direction
on the specifi c limitation of the particular use.
Table 5.08.010 Temporary Uses
Specifi c Use
Temporary Use
Seasonal Product Sales L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L A
Farmer’s Market,
Temporary L ----------L L L L L L L L L L L A
Mobile or Outdoor Food
Vendor --------------------L --L L L L L A
Business Offi ces,
Temporary ------------L L L L L L L L L L L B
Concrete Prodcuts,
Temporary L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L C
Construction Field Offi ce L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L D
Construction Staging,
Off-site L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L --L E
Parking Lot, Temporary L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L F
Portable Classrooms L L L L L L L --L L L ------L --L G
Residential Sales
Offi ces/Model Homes L L L L L L --------------------L H
All Other Uses as
Determined by the
Director
L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L I
5.08.020 Temporary Use Limitations
All temporary uses shall meet all applicable provisions of the City Code of Ordinances, in
addition to the following limitations. Outdoor display and storage requirements, if applicable,
shall be met in accordance with Section 5.09.
A. Seasonal Product Sales/Temporary Farmer’s Market/Mobile or Outdoor Food
Vendor
Seasonal Product Sales, Temporary Farmer’s Markets, and Mobile or Outdoor Food
Vendors shall meet the requirements and follow the procedures of Section 3.11 of this Code.
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B. Business Offi ces, Temporary
A temporary building for use as a business offi ce is permiĴ ed on a 90-day basis. The
applicant may request to renew such approval upon its expiration if the conditions of
approval still exist. All temporary business offi ces shall be shown on the Site Plan for
approval of the permanent facility. Any temporary parking associated with the temporary
business offi ce shall follow the standards and procedures of Section 5.08.020.F.
C. Concrete Products, Temporary
A temporary facility for manufacturing concrete or concrete products may be located where
it is directly associated with construction in the area, provided that such facilities are at
least 1,000 feet from existing residential development. Retail sales of concrete products
shall be prohibited in conjunction with temporary concrete plants. Hours of operation
shall meet adopted Building Code requirements. The production site must be returned
to its pre-construction state following completion of the associated project. All buildings,
driveway access, curb and guĴ er, debris, and product must be removed and the area must
be sodded, seeded, or hydromulched with grass within 45 days of removal.
D. Construction Field Offi ces
A temporary building for use as a construction fi eld offi ce is permiĴ ed on a 12-month
basis unless it is renewed by the respective business. An unlimited number of renewals
may be applied for and considered. When the construction fi eld offi ce is associated
with a residential subdivision, one temporary building is allowed for each builder in the
residential subdivision in which that builder has the authority to construct structures. For
commercial construction, one temporary building per site is allowed. All temporary offi ces
allowed under this provision shall receive Site Plan, Stormwater Permit Construction Plan
approval, as applicable, following the procedures outlined in Chapter 3 of this Code. Any
temporary parking associated with the construction fi eld offi ce shall follow the standards
and procedures of Section 5.08.020.F below.
E. Construction Staging, Off-Site
This Section applies to the temporary use of property outside of the right-of-way for
activities related to the construction of public improvements. Temporary facilities allowed
in conjunction with a staging site may include a construction fi eld offi ce, portable restroom
facilities, vehicle or equipment storage, layout yards, storage of construction materials
or product, and other uses as determined by the Building Offi cial, but the temporary
manufacturing of concrete or concrete products is not included as part of this use and is
subject to the restrictions of Section 5.08.020.C. Off -site construction staging facilities may
be located in all zoning districts where they are directly associated with construction of
public improvements in the area, subject to the following requirements and limitations:
1. Off -site construction staging facilities are permiĴ ed on a 12-month basis. The applicant
may request to renew such approval upon its expiration if the conditions of approval
still exist. An unlimited number of renewals may be applied for and considered.
2. Such facilities shall be located within 1,500 feet of the boundary of the construction
project and shall not be located within 500 feet of existing residential development.
Existing residential development shall be deemed any existing structure that is currently
used as a residence and shall not include undeveloped property.
3. Notifi cation of all property owners within 200 feet of the subject site shall be required 15
days prior to any action by the Building Offi cial.
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4. Stormwater and Driveway Permits must be obtained from the Development Engineer.
It must be shown that steps will be taken to prevent the blowing of dust onto adjacent
properties and the tracking of mud onto public rights-of-way.
5. Total impervious coverage shall be limited to 50% of the site.
6. An undisturbed natural buff er of 15 feet shall remain along lot lines adjacent to other
properties.
7. Hours of operation shall meet adopted Building Code requirements.
8. Any temporary parking or construction fi eld offi ces associated with the construction
staging area shall follow the respective standards of both, as specifi ed in this Section.
9. Following completion of the associated project, the site must be returned to its pre-
construction state. All buildings, driveway access, curb and guĴ er, debris, and product
must be removed and the area must be sodded, seeded, or hydromulched with grass
within 45 days of removal.
F. Parking Lot, Temporary
A temporary parking lot may be approved, for a period not to exceed 12 months, when
parking in excess of what was installed when a facility fi rst opened is necessary to
accommodate business or unanticipated patronage. A temporary parking lot required as
part of another Temporary Use Permit may be approved in accordance with the period
of time established for such temporary use. All temporary parking lots are subject to the
following requirements and limitations:
1. Site Plan approval shall be obtained pursuant to Section 3.09.
2. Stormwater and Driveway Permits shall be obtained from the Development Engineer.
3. The surface material of the parking lot shall be approved by the Development Engineer;
4. Curbs, guĴ ers, or other improvements may be required where necessary to comply with
drainage regulations as approved by the Development Engineer;
5. Entrance to the lot from any public right-of-way shall be pursuant to the driveway
separation requirements of Section 12.03.020;
6. When entrance is allowed to the lot from a public right-of-way, that portion of the
entrance located in the right-of-way shall be paved with an all-weather surface as
approved by the Development Engineer; and
7. It must be shown that steps will be taken to prevent the blowing of dust onto adjacent
properties and the tracking of mud onto public rights-of-way.
8. At the end of the permit approval period, the area shall meet the following:
a. The area shall no longer be used for the parking of vehicles, except as permiĴ ed
below. All paving material, driveway access, and curb and guĴ er must be
removed and the area must be sodded, seeded, or hydromulched with grass within
10 days of removal.
b. A temporary parking lot approved for the purposes of accommodating
unanticipated patronage may be retained if brought up to full compliance with
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all standards of this Code. If no Site Plan is approved within two months of the
expiration of the temporary approval, the temporary parking lot shall be removed
in accordance with the standards above.
G. Portable Classrooms
Portable classrooms are permiĴ ed in accordance with Table 5.08.010, subject to the
following standards and limitations and the requirements of Section 3.11.
1. Portable classrooms are allowed as part of a site-built public school facility.
2. A site-built school building and required site improvements must be in place prior to
any placement of portable classrooms.
3. The square footage of portable classrooms shall not exceed 20% of the total square
footage of the principle, site built school buildings.
4. The portable classrooms shall be shown on an approved Site Plan and may be added to
an existing Site Plan as part of an amendment process.
5. Required parking for the entire school facility shall be maintained per Chapter 9 of this
Code, including any increases needed to accommodate the portable classrooms.
H. Residential Sales Offi ces and Model Homes
A temporary residential sales offi ce or model home must be located within the legal
subdivision for which lots are being sold. In addition, the following standards and
limitations shall be met:
1. A Temporary Use Permit with a conditional Certifi cate of Occupancy to operate the
model home will expire after 12 months unless it is renewed by the builder, upon
which the burden shall fall to demonstrate to the Building Offi cial that the conditions of
approval still exist. An unlimited number of applications to renew the Temporary Use
Permit may be applied for and considered.
2. The builder of a model home that has been constructed to market a phase of a phased
development may request extension of the Temporary Use Permit in order to market
new phases of the same development, but only if there is no increase in the total number
of model homes within all of the phases.
3. A permiĴ ed model home in one legal subdivision where a builder is actively marketing
lots may be used to market lots in another legal subdivision if the builder has no
model home in the second subdivision and when such sales are clearly secondary, as
demonstrated through signs and advertisements, to the marketing of lots within the
subdivision in which the model is located.
4. The builder of a model home constructed to market one legal subdivision may be
granted a Temporary Use Permit to market a new legal subdivision for the period
during which a new model home is being constructed in the new legal subdivision.
Such Permit shall be valid for a period not to exceed 6 months, with no renewal.
5. There is no restriction on the number of model homes permiĴ ed in each subdivision.
6. The design and construction of the model home must be consistent with the character
of the subject neighborhood. A model home or temporary sales offi ce may construct a
monument sign no larger than 16 square feet and no taller than 4 feet in height, subject
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Unified Development Code
to the requirements of Chapter 10 of this Code.
7. The model home shall be constructed in such a manner that it can be converted, without
structural changes, to a single-family or Two-family residence (as allowed by the zoning
district). Such conversion shall occur no later than after the issuance of Certifi cates of
Occupancy to 80% of the associated residential units or when use as a sales offi ce or
model home has ceased.
8. A conditional Construction Permit for the model home may be issued once the streets to
the subdivision have been constructed to sub-grade and water service and a fi re hydrant
are located within 500 feet of the lot on which the model home is located. The Building
Offi cial shall note on the permit that the property owner accepts all responsibility for
commencing construction prior to completion of the public improvements and City
acceptance of the subdivision. The conditional Certifi cate of Occupancy for the model
home will not be issued until the subdivision and all public improvements have been
accepted by the City, a Final Plat has been fi led with the County, and all utilities are
connected to the home.
9. A temporary building for use as a sales offi ce is permiĴ ed on a 6-month basis only if
a model home has not been constructed. The temporary sales offi ce is subject to the
renewal policy outlined for model homes, but shall be removed once the model home
has been constructed.
I. All Other Temporary Uses
Other temporary uses deemed appropriate and compatible with the district and
surrounding land uses may be permiĴ ed at the discretion of the Director.
Section 5.09 Outdoor Display and Storage
5.09.010 General
Outdoor display and storage shall be allowed in Non-Residential Districts in accordance with
this Section. Any merchandise, material, or equipment situated outdoors in Non-Residential
Districts shall be subject to the requirements of this Section. For the purpose of this Section,
outdoor storage and display shall be classifi ed into fi ve categories.
5.09.020 Allowed Outdoor Storage
The three types of storage shall be allowed in the Districts designated in the Table below.
Table 5.09.020 Permitted Outdoor Display & Storage
Category
CN,
C-1,
MU-DT
C-3 PF BP IN Notes
Outdoor Display, Limited X X X X A,B
Outdoor Display, General X X A,C
Outdoor Display, Off-Site Vehicles X X A,D
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Unified Development Code
Category
CN,
C-1,
MU-DT
C-3 PF BP IN Notes
Outdoor Storage, Limited X X X A,E
Outdoor Storage, General X A,F
5.09.030 Outdoor Display and Storage Limitations
A. Requirements for all Outdoor Display and Storage
1. All outdoor display and storage areas shall be clearly shown on the Site Plan for the
property or, where no site plan of record exists, all required information shall be shown
on a scaled drawing or property survey.
2. All outdoor display and storage areas shall not be located in the following:
a. a required setback;
b. a required buff eryard; or
c. required off -street parking spaces or stacking areas.
3. All outdoor storage, notwithstanding No. 2 above, shall be set back at least 15 feet from
the back edge of an adjacent curb or street pavement.
B. Outdoor Display, Limited
1. Limited outdoor display of merchandise, goods or materials actively for sale or samples
thereof are allowed only in association with the primary use of the site on which
displayed.
2. Limited outdoor display is allowed only in a front yard or street yard, in addition to the
following limitations:
a. The display shall not extend a distance greater than 5 feet from the wall of the
principal building;
b. The display shall not extend to a height above 10 feet;
c. The display shall not occupy more than 30% of the linear distance along the wall;
and
d. The display shall not be permiĴ ed to block windows, entrances or exits, nor impair
the ability of pedestrians to use the building.
C. Outdoor Display, General
1. General outdoor display of merchandise, goods or materials actively for sale or samples
thereof are allowed only in association with the primary use of the site on which
displayed.
2. General outdoor display shall not exceed 1,000 square feet or 10% of the total site area
(whichever is greater).
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Unified Development Code
3. General outdoor display that is located adjacent to a wall of the principal building, in a
front yard or street yard, shall comply with the following limitations:
a. The display shall not extend a distance greater than 5 feet from the wall;
b. The display shall not extend to a height above 10 feet;
c. The display shall not occupy more than 30% of the linear distance along the wall;
and
d. The display shall not be permiĴ ed to block windows, entrances or exits, nor impair
the ability of pedestrians to use the building.
D. Outdoor Display, Off-Site Vehicles
1. Off -site outdoor display of vehicles is allowed only if it is associated with an auto
dealership whose principle establishment lies within the corporate limits of the City of
Georgetown.
2. The vehicles displayed at the off -site property shall not be off ered for sale.
3. A maximum of 6 vehicles may be displayed at the same time at an off -site property.
4. The vehicles display area shall be located on an approved paved surface, subject to
approval by the Development Engineer.
5. The vehicle display area shall require the approval of the Director, which shall be noted
on the Site Plan or, where no site plan of record exists, all required information shall be
shown on a scaled drawing or property survey.
6. Vehicle window signage for display vehicles will be allowed in accordance with all other
signage limitations for the District in which it is located.
E. Outdoor Storage, Limited
1. Limited outdoor storage is the storage of merchandise, goods or materials that are
not actively for sale, are in individual packaging, and are not located within storage
containers. Examples of limited outdoor storage include materials organic or otherwise,
stored on pallets or shelves.
2. Limited outdoor storage shall not be allowed in a front yard or street yard.
3. Limited outdoor storage shall not exceed 1,000 square feet or 20% of the total site area
(whichever is greater).
4. Limited outdoor storage shall be completely screened from view by a solid opaque
wall or fence at least 6 feet in height 1 foot above the height of the stored materials,
whichever is greater. The wall or fence shall be constructed of materials that include,
but are not limited to, brick, stone, reinforced concrete or other similar masonry
materials; redwood, cedar or preservative pressure-treated wood; or other materials as
approved by the Director.
5. Limited outdoor storage areas shall be paved and painted to distinguish them from
required off -street parking areas.
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Unified Development Code
F. Outdoor Storage, General
1. General outdoor storage is the storage of merchandise, goods or materials that are not
actively for sale that include all forms of outdoor storage, including limited outdoor
storage. Examples of general outdoor storage include items stacked on pallets and
shelves, stored in shipping containers or conexes, and semi-trailers not aĴ ached to a
truck.
2. General outdoor storage shall not be allowed in a front yard or street yard.
3. General outdoor storage shall be completely screened from view by a solid opaque
wall or fence at least 8 feet in height or 1 foot above the height of the stored materials,
whichever is greater. The wall or fence shall be constructed of materials that include,
but are not limited to, brick, stone, reinforced concrete or other similar masonry
materials; redwood, cedar or preservative pressure-treated wood; or other materials as
approved by the Director.
4. General outdoor storage areas shall be paved and painted to distinguish them from
required off -street parking areas.
Section 5.10 Wireless Transmission Facilities
A Wireless Transmission Facility (WTF) is permiĴ ed in accordance with the Use Table in Section
5.05 and subject to the following standards:
5.10.010 Locational Regulations
A. In order to protect the City’s natural beauty and historic character no WTF tower shall be
located in the following areas:
1. Within a one-half mile or 2,640 foot radius measured from the property line of the
Williamson County Courthouse located at 710 Main Street at the center of Georgetown’s
historic square.
2. Within a 500-foot radius of any District, structure or site designated Historic by any
other lawfully authorized local, state or federal historic preservation agency or entity by
law, including the City.
3. Within 500 feet of the centerline of the San Gabriel River.
4. Within 500 feet of the Interstate Highway 35 right-of-way. The restrictions of this Section
apply to all areas within the City limits except for properties and structures owned by
the City of Georgetown. Location of a WTF on a municipally-owned property or facility
is subject to approval by the City Council.
B. No newly-constructed WTF with or without a tower shall be located on existing structures
designated as historic. Pre-existing wireless transmission facilities shall meet the
requirements set forth in Section 5.10.030.
C. Wireless transmission facilities are allowed, without a Special Use Permit, on existing
towers or tanks, utility, lighting standard, sign support, or other appropriate structures
provided that the antennas or related equipment or structures do not exceed, by 10 feet, the
lesser of the height of the structure or the height limits of the highest permiĴ ed structure in
the District in which it is located.
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Unified Development Code
D. Wireless transmission facilities with towers are allowed within any electric substation,
within any Zoning District, provided that the antennas or related equipment or structures
do not exceed, by 10 feet, the lesser of the height of the structure or the height limits of the
highest permiĴ ed structure in the District in which it is located.
5.10.020 Mounting Standards
A. Wireless transmission facilities may locate, without a Special Use Permit, on the roof of any
Non-Residential and non-historic building, within any Zoning District, provided the WTF
does not exceed, by 10 feet, the lesser of the height of the building or structure or the height
limits of the District in which it is located.
B. Wireless transmission facilities may mount, without a Special Use Permit, on the exterior of
any Non-Residential and non-historic building, within any Zoning District, provided the
antenna or antenna support structure or equipment:
1. Is mounted fl ush with the exterior of the building or that it projects no more than 24
inches from the surface of the building to which it is aĴ ached and does not exceed
height restrictions established in this part of the Code and that said projection is at least
15 feet above grade; and
2. Is textured and colored so as to blend with the surrounding surface of the building.
C. Wireless transmission facilities, with or without towers, are allowed on municipally-owned
properties and structures subject to approval of a lease by the City Council specifying WTF
location, design, and other restrictions.
D. Wireless transmission facilities may locate in the areas set forth in paragraphs A and B
above, provided they comply with all other standards regarding height requirements;
collocation; historic Districts, structures or sites; residential structures; residentially zoned
property; setbacks and site development, and submiĴ al requirements of this Code. To
locate within or on an area related to paragraph C above, the applicant must fi rst receive
approval from the City Council.
5.10.030 Collocation
A. To minimize the number of WTFs to be sited, applicants should cooperate with other
service providers in collocating additional antennas on existing towers and/or structures to
the extent that Collocation is reasonably economical and technically feasible. An applicant
should exercise good faith in collocating with other providers and sharing the permiĴ ed
site. Such good faith shall include sharing technical information to evaluate the feasibility
of collocation.
B. Service providers should, to the maximum extent feasible, promote collocation of antennas
by multiple providers through the use of nonexclusive agreements for antenna sites,
relocation and reconfi guration of antennas to accommodate additional users, utilization of
current technology to maximize antenna separation and minimize antenna/tower height
and obtrusiveness, and ensure building support structures are of suffi cient strength.
C. The City encourages that each WTF Tower be constructed in such a way that the structure
can support additional antenna systems having the same or similar wind and weight
loading characteristics of those that are proposed by applicant. Tower space on existing
WTF towers should be provided on a reasonable, proportioned cost basis to other service
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Unified Development Code
providers who seek use of the structure, unless it would result in the creation of a level of
radio frequency interference which would degrade applicant’s services.
5.10.040 Setback Requirements
No permit for a Tower shall be approved or issued unless the proposed WTF is in compliance
with the applicable provisions governing setback distance requirements, which are as follows:
A. Monopole Towers
The distance between the base of a single monopole, and all Residential Districts or uses
must not be less than:
1. The height of the WTF tower for towers under 60 feet;
2. One and one half times the height of the WTF tower if the height of that tower is over 60
feet, but not over 90 feet;
3. Two times the height of the WTF tower if the height of that tower is over 90 feet, but not
over 105 feet;
4. Two and one half times the Height of the WTF tower if the height of that tower is over
105 feet, but not over 120 feet; or
5. Three times the height of the WTF tower if the height of that WTF tower is over 120 feet.
B. All distance measurements referred to in this Section shall be the distance of a straight
horizontal line from the center of the base of the WTF to the center of the residential lot
minus 50 feet or the closest residential property line, whichever results in the greatest
distance from the WTF and the nearest outer wall of a residential structure or line.
C. Safety issues will be fully addressed by applicants for a WTF siting. Wireless Transmission
Facilities should be located in such a manner that if the structure should fall along its
longest dimension it will remain within the owned or leased property boundaries of the
service provider and will avoid structures, public streets, and utility lines. If a proposed
WTF has a potential for aff ecting a nearby property or structure upon collapse or scaĴ ering
of equipment debris, the situation must be addressed by applicant.
D. Property uses and distances referred to in this Section shall be determined as of the date
and time that the completed WTF permit application is fi led.
E. Equipment enclosures shall be set back from the property line according to the applicable
regulations.
5.10.050 Fencing Requirements
A. The base of a WTF with a tower, including all mechanical equipment and accessory
structures, must be completely enclosed by a fence, wall or barrier which limits climbing
access to such WTF and any supporting systems, lines, wires, buildings or other structures.
The base must be fully screened from view of residential structures, residentially zoned
properties or public roadways by a substantially opaque screening fence designed and
built to provide privacy.
B. The fence shall be a minimum height of 8 feet and consistent in color and character to
surrounding structures and properties.
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Unified Development Code
C. The fencing shall have no openings, holes or gaps larger than 4 inches measured in any
direction.
D. The fencing may contain gates or doors allowing access to the WTF and accessory structures
for maintenance purposes; such gates or doors shall be kept completely closed and locked
except for maintenance purposes and shall be located so that all gates and doors do not
intrude into the public right-of-way.
E. The requirements of this Section do not apply to:
1. Wireless Transmission Facilities located on buildings or structures that are not designed
or built primarily to support WTFs, provided that the general public has no physical
access to the WTFs and adequate safety measures are taken to prevent access by
unauthorized people;
2. Legally existing WTFs having security fences at least 6 feet in height; and
3. WTFs with towers that are suffi ciently camoufl aged or disguised such that the City
determines that a security fence is unnecessary and/or would cause the tower to be
unnecessarily more obtrusive.
5.10.060 Maintenance and Inspection
A. The owner or operator of a WTF shall be responsible for the maintenance of the WTF and
shall maintain all buildings, structures, supporting structures, wires, fences or ground
areas used in connection with a WTF in a safe condition and in good working order, as
required by city building, fi re or any other applicable Codes, regulations or ordinances
or to standards that may be imposed by the City at the time of the granting of a permit.
Such maintenance shall include, but shall not be limited to, maintenance of the paint,
landscaping, fencing, equipment enclosure, and structural integrity. If the City fi nds that
the WTF is not being properly maintained, the city will notify the owner of the WTF of the
problem. If the applicant fails to correct the problem within 30 days after being notifi ed, the
City may undertake maintenance at the expense of the applicant or revoke the permit, at its
sole option.
B. By applying for a WTF permit under this article, the applicant specifi cally grants
permission to the City, its duly authorized agents, offi cials, and employees, to enter upon
the property for which a permit is sought, after fi rst providing a reasonable aĴ empt to
notify a person designated by the applicant, except in the event of an emergency, for the
purpose of making all inspections required or authorized to be made under this part of the
Development Code. The City may require periodic inspections of WTFs to ensure structural
integrity and other Code compliance. Based upon the result of an inspection, the City may
require repair or removal of a WTF.
5.10.070 Radio Frequency Standards
A. The applicant shall comply with federal standards for radio frequency emissions and must
submit a signed statement that the proposed site fully complies with federal standards for
radio frequency emissions. The City reserves the right to request that the applicant submit
a sealed report from a registered radio frequency engineer which provides the estimated
cumulative fi eld measurements of radio frequency emissions of all Antennas installed at
the subject site and compares the results with established federal standards. Said report
shall be subject to review and approval by the City for consistency with federal standards.
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If on review the City fi nds that the proposed or established WTF does not meet federal
standards, the City may deny or revoke the permit, whichever is applicable at the time.
B. The applicant shall ensure that the WTF will not cause localized interference with the
reception of area television or radio broadcasts or other legally existing WTFs. If on review
the City fi nds that the WTF will interfere with such reception, it may deny the permit. If
such interference occurs after the permit is issued and the problem is not corrected within
60 days, the City may revoke or modify the permit.
5.10.080 Specifi c Development Standards
Wireless transmission facilities shall conform to the following site development standards:
A. All towers must be of monopole construction and be as least obtrusive as possible. At a
minimum, antennas must be fl ush with the tower;
B. To minimize potential safety hazards, WTFs with towers shall be setback from residential
structures or residentially zoned property lines as required in item 5.10.040 of this Section;
C. All lots on which WTFs are located must have access to a public right-of-way accepted by
the appropriate governmental agency.
D. Wireless transmission facilities shall be designed and placed on the site in a manner that
takes maximum advantage of existing trees, mature vegetation, and structures so as to:
1. Use existing site features to screen as much of the total WTF as possible from public
view;
2. Use existing site features as a background so that the total WTF blends into the
background with increased sight distances; and
3. To the degree technically feasible, locate on a portion of the site that is eff ectively
isolated from view of residential areas by structures or terrain features unless the WTFs
are integrated or act as an architectural element of the structure such as a fl ag pole
or parking lot light or are eff ectively screened through installed landscaping or other
acceptable screening.
E. Wireless transmission facilities having towers viewable from a residential structure,
residentially zoned property or public roadway shall be landscaped along the perimeter of
the WTF fencing. Further, the use of existing vegetation shall be preserved to the maximum
extent practical and may be used as a substitute for or in supplement towards meeting
landscaping requirements. The installed landscaping requirements include:
1. A row of shade trees a minimum of 1 inch caliber shall be planted around the perimeter
of the fence with a maximum spacing of 10 feet;
2. A continuous hedge of 1 gallon sized (minimal) evergreens shall be planted along the
perimeter of the WTF; and
3. All landscaping shall be drought-resistant or irrigated and properly maintained to
ensure good health and viability.
F. The City may waive landscaping requirements if the design of the WTF tower is such that
landscaping would cause the tower to be more obtrusive, if the Tower is integrated or acts
as an architectural element of a structure such as a fl ag pole, parking lot light, bell tower or
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Unified Development Code
other similar structure and/or the City determines landscaping to be unnecessary.
G. Wireless transmission facilities with towers shall conform to the fence standards
established in item 5.10.050 of this Section.
H. Equipment enclosures of a WTF that may be seen from a residential structure, residentially
zoned property or public roadway, are encouraged to be located underground, if site
conditions permit. If the equipment enclosure is not put underground, then it must be
within the building in which the antenna is mounted or in a separate equipment enclosure
which matches the existing building or surrounding structures in character and building
materials.
I. All signs, fl ags, lights, and aĴ achments other than those required for communications
operations, structural stability or as required for fl ight visibility by the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) shall be prohibited
on any WTF;
J. Applicant shall identify to the City any structures in the vicinity which the applicant
investigated for possible use that have not been addressed otherwise in the application.
5.10.090 Submittal Requirements
A. All Service Providers wishing to operate a WTF shall ensure and submit documentation
demonstrating:
1. That the tower will be erected and operated in compliance with current FCC and
FAA rules and regulations and other applicable federal, state, and local standards
particularly as apply to the Georgetown Municipal Airport;
2. That all back haul providers are identifi ed and have all the necessary approvals to
operate as such, including holding necessary franchises, permits, and certifi cates;
3. A notarized statement signed by the WTF tower operator, the tower owner and the
landowner that indicates:
a. The extent to which all agree to allow collocation of additional WTF equipment by
other service providers on the applicant’s structure or within the same site location
on a reasonable and non-discriminatory basis;
b. An understanding of item 5.10.060 of this Section relating to Maintenance and
Inspections.
c. An understanding that if the service provider fails to remove the WTF upon
60 days of its discontinued use, the responsibility for removal falls upon the
landowner, and in the event the WTF is not removed within another 60 days, the
City may remove the WTF and recover the costs associated with such removal
from the landowner and place a lien on the property until such costs are paid.
4. Service providers shall submit updated notarized statements as required above
whenever ownership or operators change.
5. A certifi cation and sealed report from a registered professional engineer stating that all
structural components of the WTF comply with all applicable Codes and regulations. In
the case of WTF towers, the report should further note the extent to which the tower is
designed and/or built to accommodate co-location.
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Unified Development Code
B. Service providers wishing to establish a WTF shall:
1. Secure all necessary approvals and permits needed to operate or construct a WTF within
the City;
2. Fully and accurately complete a questionnaire supplied by the City;
3. Comply with all ordinances of the City;
4. Pay all related development and permit application fees;
5. Reimburse the City for actual costs incurred by the City for radio frequency evaluations,
structural engineering reviews and/or any other services that the City may deem
necessary to review and process the application; and
6. Provide the City with:
a. A master antenna plan, including detailed maps:
i. Showing the precise locations and characteristics of the proposed and all
existing WTFs in the City and in its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ);
ii. Indicating coverage areas of the proposed and existing sites within the City
and its ETJ; and
iii. Showing topography of proposed site.
b. Updates of the above documents shall be fi led with the City as they become
available;
c. Photo simulations of the proposed WTF from varying points and distances,
including aff ected residential properties and public rights-of-way. The photo
simulation shall also include a diagram or map indicating points from where the
photo simulations are taken; and
d. Site and landscaping plans indicating:
i. The specifi c placement of the WTF and all related structures on the site;
ii. The location of existing trees, and other signifi cant site features;
iii. The type and location of landscaping proposed for screening;
iv. The color(s) for the WTF; and
v. Architectural and structural drawings for the proposed site.
5.10.0100 Notice Requirements
The notice requirements of this Section apply only to applications for which a Public Hearing is
required and if the proposed WTF Tower is within 200 or a distance equal to twice the height
of the proposed WTF, whichever is greater, of a residential structure or residentially-zoned
property.
A. Notice Sign Placement and Information
1. The applicant for a WTF permit must post and use reasonable eff orts to maintain a sign
on the subject WTF site for a minimum of 30 calendar days beginning no later than the
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Unified Development Code
sixth calendar day following the date of the fi ling of the required completed application
with the City. The sign shall be posted no less than 15 feet from the public right-of-way
that is used as access to the WTF site. The sign shall face and be legible from the public
right-of-way. The sign shall contain at a minimum the following items of information:
a. That this is the proposed site of a WTF;
b. The proposed maximum Height above Grade of the proposed WTF;
c. The WTF permit application number assigned to this project by the City of
Georgetown; and
d. The telephone number of the City of Georgetown where additional information
concerning this proposed WTF may be obtained.
2. The applicant shall remove the sign from the subject WTF site after the permit is
obtained or the appeals process is complete.
3. WriĴ en notice of the fi ling of each application for a WTF permit shall be given to the
owners, as is indicated by the most recently approved tax rolls, of all property within a
distance of 200 feet or a distance that is equal to twice the height of the proposed WTF,
whichever is greater, from the proposed WTF site. The required wriĴ en notice, which
will be mailed out by the City, shall be in a form prescribed by the Director and shall
be mailed by depositing the same in the United States Mail. The required notice shall
be mailed no later than the tenth calendar day following the fi ling of the required fully-
completed application.
4. WriĴ en notice shall be published by the City at least once in a local newspaper of
general circulation within the City not later than the seventh calendar day following the
date of fi ling of the required completed application. Such notice shall be published in
the Section of such newspaper in which other legal notices are commonly published.
5. The “wriĴ en notice” required in paragraph 3 above shall include, at a minimum, the
following:
a. The name, signature, address, and telephone number of the person or entity
representative that will own the proposed WTF structure;
b. The name, address, and telephone number of the applicant if diff erent from the
owner of the proposed WTF;
c. The approximate proposed location of the WTF structure, including the street
address (or nearest street intersection) and the name of the subdivision or survey if
there is no recorded subdivision;
d. The proposed use of the WTF structure and site;
e. The proposed maximum height above grade of the proposed WTF structure; and
f. That additional information may be obtained by writing or telephoning the offi ce
of the Director, including the telephone number.
5.10.0110 Permitted Hours for Construction
Construction, placement, removal or alterations to a WTF shall not be performed except between
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Unified Development Code
the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. of any day, except in a bona fi de emergency.
5.10.0120 Permit Limitations
A. Any City permit, including the Special Use Permit, shall become null, void and non-
renewable if the permiĴ ed WTF is not constructed within 1 year of the date of issuance,
provided that the Special Use Permit may be extended one time for 6 months if
construction has commenced before expiration of the initial year.
B. The applicant/permiĴ ee of a WTF shall expressly indemnify, protect, and hold the City
harmless to the maximum extent allowed by law. No exceptions to this requirement shall
be allowed.
C. Any City permit, including a Special Use Permit, for a WTF shall expire and the applicant
must remove the WTF if it is not put into use within 120 days after construction or if use is
discontinued for a period in excess of 120 days. If the WTF is not so removed, the City may
cause the WTF to be removed and all expenses of removal shall be paid by the owner of the
land where the WTF is located.
D. The applicant shall notify the Director of all changes in ownership or operation of the WTF
Tower within 30 days of actual knowledge of the change.
5.10.0130 Effective Date and Effect on Pre-existing and Permitted WTFs
A. The requirements of this part of the Code apply to all new WTFs after the date of adoption
and the expansion and/or alteration of any existing WTFs; provided that an in-kind or
smaller replacement of transmission equipment will require only a wriĴ en notifi cation to
the City.
B. A WTF which was in existence on the date of fi nal passage of this part of the Development
Code shall not be required to be removed or relocated in order to meet the minimum
distance requirements of this Code due to subsequent plaĴ ing of a residential lot nearer to
the WTF than the distance requirements of this Section. However, any alteration to existing
WTFs shall require compliance with the applicable provisions of this Code.