DeSoto staff and consultant outline 156 zoning recommendations to modernize code

Ahmed Alkasy, DeSoto's director of development services, introduced a diagnostic report Friday that staff said will guide a multi-phase rewrite of the city's zoning and subdivision regulations.

Wilson Kerr, project manager for Freese and Nichols, summarized the findings, saying, “The code is generally considered outdated,” and flagged several recurring themes: administrative delays, overly strict parking rules that hinder redevelopment, and the need to protect the city's landscaping and green character. The consultant recommended consolidating zoning and subdivision rules into a unified development code (UDC), adding graphics and flowcharts for user clarity, and creating clearer standards for administrative plat approvals.

Staff told the council the diagnostic is phase 1 of a five‑month effort and will feed phase 2, a comprehensive code update. Alkasy said the packet includes “156 recommended revisions to the zoning ordinance and then 30 recommended revisions to the subdivision regulations,” and noted staff will return with a scope, timeline, and a consultant agreement in Q1 of fiscal 2027.

Council members pressed staff about public engagement and the role of boards: the implementation will include joint meetings and workshops with the planning & zoning commission (PNZ) and the zoning board of adjustments (ZBOA). Alkasy said some administrative plat approvals could be moved to staff to meet state 30‑day review clocks, but cautioned that would reduce public visibility unless the city sets very clear code standards.

Next steps included securing a consultant agreement (staff expects to advertise an RFP and finalize an agreement next month), holding public hearings and work sessions, and returning to council with a detailed timeline and community-outreach plan.