Code Updates

• Ordinance No. 2022-4738 - adopted 2018 International Building Codes and 2017 International Electrical Code
• Ordinance No. 2022-4739 - adopted 2018 International Fire Code
• Ordinance No. 2022-4740 - adopted 2018 International Property Maintenance Code 
• Ordinance No. 2022-4741 - adopted new and revised regulations related to preliminary and final development plans, alternative development standards, residential driveway standards, signage, and the development review process.
• Ordinance No. 2023-4750 - adopted new and revised regulations related to comprehensive marijuana facilities.
• Ordinance No. 2023-4751 - adopted new and revised regulations related to boards and commissions, home-based businesses/occupations, day care facilities, residential signage, and window signage.
• Ordinance No. 2023-4777 - adopted new and revised regulations related to permitted land uses in commercial and industrial zoning districts, including expanded zoning districts for certain public and civic uses, new arts and crafts manufacturing and production uses, and expanded zoning districts for small retail sales and limited production uses.
• Ordinance No. 2023-4789 - adopted new and revised regulations related to public noticing requirements and alternative development standards for platting.
• Ordinance No. 2023-4800 - adopted new and revised regulations related to the Old Town Belton Overlay District and schedule of fees.
• Ordinance No. 2023-4810 - adopted new regulations to implement the Rental Registration and Inspection Program, effective July 1, 2024.
• Ordinance No. 2024-4828 - adopted revised regulations related to the Old Town Belton Overlay District and the Sign Code.
• Ordinance No. 2024-4836 - adopted new and revised regulations related to group living facilities, equipment screening, and marijuana facility buffers.

• Land Use updates - currently on hold and will be reviewed with a comprehensive update of the Unified Development Code (UDC) in 2025.

City staff is proposing to bring forward Unified Development Code (UDC) text amendments that would replace the current land use table, land use definitions, special use standards, and standards for conditional uses, most of which have been in effect since 2011. Since 2011, the City has adopted two overlay districts (North Scott and Old Town) and experienced significant commercial and industrial growth. There have also been changes in technology and the economy that has led to the creation or evolution of numerous land uses that need to be reevaluated to ensure that Belton has a competitive advantage in the region.

The following are documents that have been shared with the Planning Commission and City Council that provides additional details on the intent, rationale, and proposed code language for the land use code amendments:

March 7, 2023 - (PDF, 246KB)Planning Commission work session memo(PDF, 246KB)

March 28, 2023 - City Council work session presentation(PDF, 361KB)

April 4, 2023 - Planning Commission text amendments(PDF, 1MB)  (included in agenda packet) - public hearing cancelled and review and consideration of amendments postponed 

April 18, 2023 - Planning Commission work session presentation(PDF, 400KB)

May 2, 2023 - the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the 1st round of code amendments to expand certain land uses to be permitted in additional zoning districts and recommended unanimous approval to the City Council. 

• Upon the completion and adoption of the Comprehensive Plan (anticipated by end of 2024), the entire Unified Development Code (including zoning and subdivision regulations) will be updated to implement the vision outlined in the Comprehensive Plan. Consultants will assist city staff with the update beginning in early 2025 with a complete adoption goal in early 2026. 
• Short-Term Rentals (currently not permitted in Belton) - staff is currently researching and reviewing best practices from other communities. This research is anticipated to be shared with the Tourism Council and City Council in early 2025. A community meeting will be held prior to bring forward any code amendments.