Development Process

Development Process
The first step in the development process is for the applicant to determine which forms, procedures, schedules, and requirements are necessary for their project.  Each applicant is encouraged to contact the Planning Department for guidance on the development process.  To schedule a pre-application meeting, please click here.

Please refer to the department's Development Review Calendars to view application filing dates and meeting dates.  Application packets can only be submitted on filing dates and are accepted from 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.  Packets will not be accepted unless all required documentation and fees are provided.  

Application Packets:
Property Owner Affidavit

Plat/Replat/Land Use Study Application
Petition for ETJ Release

Zoning Change/Planned Development Application
Zoning Verification Letter Request
SUP/Site Plan Application
SUP for Short Term Rental Application

References:
Zoning Ordinance
Short Term Rental Ordinance
Use Charts
Infill Overlay District
Historic Planned Development Districts
Subdivision Ordinance
Fee Schedule

Impact Fees:
Communities use impact fees to help pay for the increased capacity needed to serve new developments. These could be new roads, larger roads, or increasing the size of both water and sewer lines. This limits the use of taxpayer funds to provide all of the capacity needed to serve the developments. Impact Fees are calculated based on the anticipated burden a development will place upon the current infrastructure.

2023 Impact Fee Update (Effective April 1, 2023)
Ordinance 3356 adopted December 19, 2022

2020 Impact Fees
Ordinance 3239 adopted December 7, 2020
Impact Fee Service Areas Maps
Schedule 1 & 2 Collection Rates
Impact Fees Final Report
Water & Wastewater Impact Fee Update

Plat applicants, please be advised:

For plats to be recorded after September 1, 2024:

  • If the taxes for 2024 have not been calculated, you will need to obtain a 2023 Tax Certificate and also obtain a statement from the Ellis County Tax Office indicating that the taxes have not yet been calculated.
  • If the taxes for 2024 have been calculated, you will need to obtain a 2024 Tax Certificate.  This means taxes for 2024  will have to be paid in full prior to your plat being recorded.
This is a requirement of Chapter 12, Section 12.002 of the Property Code.  Please plan accordingly to avoid any potential delays in the recording of your plat.