Updating the UDC

Purpose and Goals

The Unified Development Code (UDC) was created in 2020 to combine the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances into one consistent set of development standards. Definitions and processes are now applicable to both codes.

Imagine Irving Goals

The UDC implements the Imagine Irving Comprehensive Plan. Adopted in 2017, this plan defines a shared vision for the city's future that can only be achieved by taking deliberate action. The plan encourages the City to focus on high quality, functional and desirable design, a range of housing and employment choices especially within mixed-use developments, infill and reinvestment, and promotion of a variety healthy and thriving businesses to serve the residents of the city.

The UDC provides tools to ensure that land use decisions are consistent with the adopted Plan. Several of the existing Zoning and Subdivision regulations need to be evaluated and updated in order to reflect changing standards, technologies and the needs of the city’s current and future residents.

Zoning

The 2020 creation of the Unified Development Code reorganized the existing regulations but included minimal updates. While the standards within the original Zoning Ordinance adopted in 1964 had been amended over the years, many aspects of Irving's land use regulations remain outdated:

1. New and evolving types of land use are not addressed.

2. Several regulations remain difficult for infrequent users to understand.

3. Needs improved usability by adding clear charts, tables and illustrations.

4. Updates are needed to address mixed use development and other new ideas proposed in the Imagine Irving Comprehensive Plan.

Specific Areas of Concern

1. Definitions: Add new definitions that do not appear in the current regulations but may reflect emerging technologies and operations and update other definitions as appropriate

2. Parking: Review parking requirements for nonresidential uses to limit overparking and unnecessary lot paving. This is especially prudent given the increase in work from home, use of rideshare services and options in public transportation.

3. Housing innovation: Consideration of new housing types that could meet needs of the residents but which are not discussed within existing ordinances.

4. Mixed-use and form-based districts: Create standards for the development of walkable communities where people can safely and comfortably live, work and play. Standards should include public gathering spaces and new opportunities for business and community growth.

5. Consistency and predictability: Review existing regulations and identify any needed amendments to address inconsistencies or inappropriate development requirements. Create flexible districts and remove variance requests for unusual lots from the political process.

Scope of Work

1. Review the trends and best practices of other cities that are meeting the changing market demands and development needs of their communities.

2. Ensure compliance with existing state law.

3. Evaluate the numerous commercial and industrial districts and consider merging related districts and clarifying the intent of each

4. Define specific zoning districts that will provide greater predictability for property owners and neighbors.

5. Add illustrations and exhibits that help demonstrate the intent of regulations and make the rules easier for ordinary property owners to understand

Subdivision Regulations

The previous Subdivision Ordinance was a more stable regulation than the Zoning Ordinance. It was adopted in 1963 and saw few subsequent updates. Future amendments to subdivision regulations within the Unified Development Code (UDC) should:

1. Update processes to reflect current state law.

2. Revise some sections in conflict with the Zoning regulations.

3. Consider new residential development patterns such as cottage homes and garden homes.

Specific Areas of Concern

1. Add a “Lot of Record” provision that better defines what is considered a legally recognized parcel of land.

2. Add the options and standards for a “Conveyance Plat,” which will allow land to be subdivided and sold without requiring the level of detail necessary when platting for immediate development.

Scope of Work

1. Review of trends and best practices of other cities that are meeting the changing regulatory requirements.

2. Update the process to comply with changing state laws and review time constraints as necessary

3. Add illustrations and exhibits that help demonstrate the intent of regulations and make the rules easier for ordinary property owners to understand

Participate

Irving's Planning Department is responsible for administering and updating the Unified Development Code. Residents and business owners are invited to participate in the work, helping build a new ordinance that is easy to understand and serves the community’s needs.

The City of Irving invites the community to participate by:

1. Reviewing the proposed changes to the Unified Development Code.

2. Ensuring these changes will help implement the Imagine Irving Comprehensive Plan.

3. Taking the Zoning and Subdivision Process Survey.

4. Joining the New Zoning Ordinance email notification list. Sign in with your email address and select "New Zoning Ordinance Updates".