Code Updates

City staff regularly review the Unified Development Code (UDC) to identify opportunities for improvement and refinement. The City recently selected a consulting team that will be assisting staff with a complete review and rewrite of the UDC to implement the 2050 Comprehensive Plan. This process is anticipated to be completed in summer 2026. Residents, businesses, and property owners are encouraged to participate in the drafting process.

Recent 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.

 

Code Updates In Process and Future Updates

The following code updates are currently in review:

  • UDC Sec. 26-5 (Residential Driveways) - a public hearing is scheduled for the June 17, 2025 Planning Commission (see Upcoming Public Hearings for more information) to review proposed amendments.
  • Accommodations for short-term rentals (currently prohibited by code) - staff is currently working on a draft that will be available for review in summer 2025.
  • Complete UDC update - initial review of current UDC with public engagement opportunities planned in September 2025.

 

 

Residents and businesses are encouraged to email planning@belton.org or call 816-892-1266 if they have any questions or concerns regarding the proposed code amendments.

 

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