Development Code Updates
City staff regularly review the Unified Development Code (UDC) to identify opportunities for improvement and refinement.
In April 2025, the City selected Multistudio to assist staff with a complete review and rewrite of the Unified Development Code (UDC) to implement the 2050 Comprehensive Plan. This process is anticipated to be completed in late summer 2026. Residents, businesses, and property owners are encouraged to participate in the process.
The following documents have been completed by Multistudio to help provide direction on future updates:
Based on the 2050 Comprehensive Plan, the UDC update is centered around 4 themes to help guide future development:
Community participation is important in assisting Multistudio and staff with bringing forward a UDC update that meets the current and future needs of our growing community! What design elements should we incorporate into new development? How do we add a range of new housing choices in Belton that preserves and enhances a "small town feel?" How do we buffer and protect neighboring uses in a manner that increases both employment opportunities and residential property values? How do we tie all of these developments together with a transportation network that makes it easier to walk/bike and an expanded parks and greenspace system for active and passive recreation?
Your responses to Community Discussion Starters(PDF, 1MB) is appreciated! Responses can be emailed to planning@belton.org and will be provided to Multistudio.
Join us at the Belton Fall Festival - Saturday, September 13, 2025, 1:00-3:00 PM, in front of the City Hall Annex, 520 Main St.!
Code Updates In Process and Future Updates
The following code updates are currently in review:
- Accommodations for short-term rentals (any unit rented for less than 31 days is currently prohibited by code other than in an approved hotel/motel) - staff is currently working on a draft that will be available for review in September 2025 with a public hearing tentatively scheduled for the October 7, 2025 Planning Commission. Accommodations are anticipated to be limited to Old Town Belton and single-family/two-family properties over 3 acres in size.
Recent Code Updates
The Unified Development Code can be viewed online.
Recent updates that are not yet codified into the online version are below:
- Ordinance No. 2025-4901 - adopted revised standards for Accessory Structures/Uses, Landscaping/Buffering/Screening, and Conveyance Plats (simplified platting process)
- Ordinance No. 2025-4912(PDF, 57MB) - adopted revised standards for Land Uses, the N. Scott Corridor Overlay District, Preliminary & Final Development Plans, and associated definition updates
- Ordinance No. 2025-4930 - adopted revised standards for Residential Driveways
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.