Victoria adopts first-reading changes to Unified Development Ordinance

Victoria City Council approved on first reading an ordinance Thursday that cleans up and clarifies numerous provisions of the city’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), City planning staff said.

Miss Fulgham, the city planner presenting the changes, said the package is largely technical cleanup prompted by adoption of newer model construction codes and by recurring administrative questions. Among the changes she highlighted were a limit on the frequency of site modification permits (a 30% threshold and a proposed limit of once every two years), aligning variance thresholds in the nonconforming section to 10%, and a new five‑year rule for nonconforming billboards that requires removal if cumulative alterations exceed 50% of the billboard’s value.

“Phases should be wholly independent of each other,” Miss Fulgham said, explaining the amendment aimed to prevent applicants from using successive 30% adjustments to effectively overhaul a site. She also noted the city will adopt the 2024 editions of the International Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fuel Gas and Energy Conservation codes, while delaying adoption of the 2024 International Residential Code and certain existing‑building provisions for later review.

Other provisions clarified by staff include limits on non‑live landscaping materials in street yards (capped at 25%); a requirement that new dumpsters be placed within enclosures; standards to direct bright LED lighting away from residential uses; and explicit rules making outdoor music venues fit within the city’s commercial‑amusement definition. The presentation also addressed food‑truck site requirements, specifying paving standards for drive aisles between the right of way and vending areas.

Councilmembers asked for minor grammar edits and sought clarification about how long existing businesses have to comply when the rules change. Miss Fulgham said legally nonconforming uses remain until a future permit or alteration triggers compliance, and reiterated staff will bring remaining residential and existing‑building code items back at a later date.

Mayor Crocker closed the public hearing after no members of the public spoke, and the council moved to adopt the ordinance on first reading by voice vote. The item will return for second reading and final adoption at a later meeting.