Form Updated: 07/2020
CITY OF DECATUR, TEXAS
Development Services 1601 S. State St P.O. Box 1299 Decatur, TX 76234 www.decaturtx.org
D e s i g n S t a n d a r d s V a r i a n c e R e q u e s t
S u b d i v i s i o n V a r i a n c e R e q u e s t
C h e c k l i s t
General Requirements:
Universal application form and the appropriate fees.
Letter of explanation/justification. See section below.
Site plan (if applicable) for the property.
Location map clearly indicating the site in relation to adjacent streets, distance to nearest intersection and
other landmarks.
Proof of ownership (recorded property deed or current year tax statements).
Documentation on any and all liens and lien holders of property.
Electronic .pdf or an email containing the general required documents in Adobe PDF format.
I have reviewed the checklist and all submittals for completeness and accuracy. If application
submittal is determined to be incomplete, additional fees may be assessed.
Variance Requested:
I, , being the owner of the property located at
which is/is not currently under consideration for final platting, request a variance
from:
Design Standards
Chapter 1
o Section 106 Sidewalks
Construction (Section 106.1)
Minimum Width (Section 106.7)
o Section 107 Landscape Design
Single-Family Landscaping Requirements
Multi-Family Landscaping Requirements
Office/Retail/Commercial Landscaping Requirements
Industrial Landscaping Requirements
o Section 108 Buffering
Type A Buffering—4’ Fence with one (1) linear landscaping band
Type B Buffering—6’ Decorative fence architecturally compatible with general area with
one (1) linear landscaping band
Type C Buffering—6’ Decorative fence architecturally compatible with general area with
two (2) linear landscaping bands
Specify nature of request checked above
Chapter 2
o Section 201 Street Improvements
Curb and Gutter (Section 201.2.3)
Other
Specify Chapter
o Specify Section
Specify Sub-Section
Specify nature of any item checked above
Subdivision Regulations
Specify nature of request
Form Updated: 07/2020
Content of the Letter of explanation/justification for a Variance:
I understand that I am applying for a variance from the Design Standards/Subdivision Regulations of the City of
Decatur and that this variance can only be granted if I prove hardship by meeting all four of the conditions
below. I also understand that financial or self-induced hardship cannot be considered for granting a variance.
Below I explain exactly how I meet these four conditions:
1. There are special circumstances or conditions affecting the land involved such that the strict application
of the provisions of this Ordinance would deprive the applicant of the reasonable use of the land.
(Specify how):
2. The variance is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of a substantial property right of the
applicant. (Specify):
3. Granting of the variance will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare or injurious to
other property in the area. (Specify):
4. The granting of the variance will not have the effect of preventing the orderly subdivision of other land
in the area in accordance with the provisions of the Design Standards or Subdivision Regulations and that
the interpretation of the provisions in this ordinance would deprive the applicant of rights commonly
enjoyed by other properties in the same zoning district that comply with the same provisions. (Specify):
Signature Date
City of Decatur Development Services Universal Application
Check box to indicate application type Incomplete applications will be rejected
Annexation Petition
Gas Well Development Plat
Specific Use Permit
Amending Plat
Plat Extension-Final or Preliminary
Subdivision Variance
Comprehensive Plan Amendment
Preliminary Plat
Zoning Change
Conveyance Instrument
Replat
Zoning Variance (ZBA)
Design Standards Variance
ROW Use Agreement
Vacation Plat
Final Plat
ROW Abandonment/ Closing
Other ________________
APPLICANT INFORMATION: Please circle your preferred method of contact.
Applicant / Company Email
Address Phone Fax
City State Zip
Property Owner Email
Address Phone Fax
City State Zip
Please state the identity of any individual(s), or other entities that presently hold a lien upon the real estate which is the subject of this request:
Lien Holder (if applicable) Email
Address Phone Fax
City State Zip
Key Contact/Company Email
Address Phone Fax
City State Zip
(MUST BE SIGNED FOR ALL APPLICATIONS) - Letter of authorization required if signature is other than property
owner and a letter of authorization is required from lienholder/mortgagee, if applicable.
I hereby certify that I am the owner of the property identified in this application; or, that I am the
authorized agent of the owner of said property; and that I am authorized to act in their behalf, and that this
application, to the best of my knowledge and belief, is true and correct.
PROPERTY OWNERS INFORMATION
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________
PRINT NAME SIGNATURE OF PROPERTY OWNER
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________
PRINT NAME SIGNATURE OF PROPERTY OWNER
LIEN HOLDER (MUST BE SIGNED FOR ALL PRELIMINARY, FINAL & REPLATS)
If applicable, Lien holder/mortgagee must also sign plat for filing of record.
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________
PRINT NAME SIGNATURE OF LIEN HOLDER
For Departmental Use
Only
Case#: ______________
Project Mgr : ___________
Total Fee(s): ___________
Payment Method: _______
Accepted By: ___________
Application Yes No To Be Completed by Staff Accepting Application
Fee Paid Yes No Key Dates
Survey Provided Yes No On P&Z Agenda:
# of Copies On Council Agenda:
Newspaper Publication Dates:
Plans Provided Yes No P&Z:
# of Copies CC:
Property Owner Notification Date
Application Yes No
Accepted
Recommendations and Decisions
Staff:
P&Z:
CC:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When will my application be considered?
Your application will be reviewed by the Planning & Zoning Commission (P & Z) and then the City Council. P & Z
usually meets the first Tuesday of each month, while Council meets on the 2
nd
and 4
th
Mondays of each month.
When should I apply?
By law, your application may require a minimum of two public hearings. These hearings must be advertised in the
local newspaper 15 days prior to the meetings. In order to be heard at the next P & Z meeting, you will need to apply a
minimum of 40-45 days prior to the meeting to allow the City time to place the ads in the paper.
What happens at the meetings?
The person chairing the meeting will open the public hearing and invite people to speak about your item. After
gathering all public comments, the chair will close the public hearing and the commission will make a decision about
your application.
So others may talk about my application?
Yes, if your application requires a public hearing, your case will be advertised in the local newspaper. In addition, for
most public hearing items, everyone within 200 feet of the property will be mailed a notification letter.
How do they decide?
The P & Z looks at local, state and federal laws as well as the City’s long-range plan and makes a recommendation to
the City Council. Council considers P & Z’s recommendation and may approve, deny or approve with conditions.
How much does it cost?
The application fee is based on the City’s current Fee Schedule Ordinance. Check the City’s Web Site
or the Planning Department for the most current Fee Schedule. Please make checks payable to the
“City of Decatur”.
What type of Property Drawings do I need?
The applicant must provide a legible and reasonable drawing, to scale, illustrating that which is requested. At a
minimum, the drawing must show property in question along with all adjacent properties, streets, street names, north
arrow and scale of drawing. Identify lots with lot and block numbers and subdivision name or, if not subdivided, a
complete metes and bounds description when addressed. For assistance, contact a surveyor. For additional
requirements, please refer to Decatur’s Design Standards, Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Ordinance.
Last updated 08/2019