Weatherford council adopts revisions to Title 12 to clarify commercial zoning and plan-unit developments

The Weatherford City Council voted to adopt an amendment to Title 12 of the zoning ordinance that, according to staff, clarifies commercial zoning districts, tightens definitions and removes obsolete uses.

A staff presentation summarized a lengthy package of changes intended to make zoning language clearer and more consistent across districts, including new or revised definitions for "religious institutions," "office," "fueling station" and "truck stop," consolidation of some auto-related uses and updates to planned-unit-development purpose statements. Planning and Zoning reviewed the changes and voted unanimously to recommend approval.

During the public hearing Lonnie Pennington of 110 Candle Ridge Court told the council he supported the changes but wished they "go far enough" and said he would like to see "a little bit less regulation on our businesses, sir." The council acknowledged the public comment and several members praised staff for trimming outdated language.

Councilman Kevin Cleveland moved approval of the ordinance; Jeff Robinson seconded. The council voted to approve Ordinance 02022-17.

Council discussion before the vote included a councilmember thanking planning staff for reviewing and simplifying large portions of the code so that it better supports the community's goals and removes unnecessary provisions.

The ordinance package gives staff and applicants clarified rules to apply when reviewing future planned-unit developments and certain commercial uses; staff said some uses were updated because technology and business models have changed since the older language was written.