The City of Baytown adopted zoning July 27, 1995 to protect the character of our residential neighborhoods. The ordinance took affect on August 7, 1995. Zoning is a tool whereby all or part of land area within a governmental unit is divided into districts and regulate, in a manner, as to the type of use and density of use permitted. Within these districts, certain uses (such as single-family dwellings, agricultural, commercial etc.) are permitted, while other uses are deemed to be incompatible with the character of the district are not allowed. Additional, the zoning ordinance sets forth restrictions regarding minimum lot sizes, dimensions and space requirements for each district and/or use.
The Zoning Ordinance of the City of Baytown is referred to as the “Neighborhood Protection Ordinance”. Baytown approach takes zoning back to its historical roots, to a time when the term “zoning” didn’t necessarily conjure up images of over-regulation.
The Neighborhood Protection Ordinance includes uncomplicated and reasonable standards that are easy to use and administer, while protecting the citizens of Baytown single most important investment their homes. The City of Baytown is divided into three zoning classifications, Neighborhood Conservation (NC), Urban Neighborhood (UN) and Mixed Use (MU).
The NC district preserves and reinforces existing low-density residential land use. This district permits by right; single-family; and duplex dwelling units.
The UN district preserves and enhances the viability of older, once predominately residential neighborhoods while allowing an appropriate mix of land uses. Single-family; duplex dwelling units; manufactured homes; multi-family dwelling units; libraries; safety serves and utilities are permitted by right in the UN district.
The MU district permits by right all land uses. It allows new commercial development to play by the same rules that applied before Baytown had zoning. Only when nonresidential development occurs next to single-family dwelling units will additional restrictions apply.
For additional information about Baytown’s Zoning Ordinance visit www.municode.com to review Chapter 130 “Zoning” of the City of Baytown Code of Ordinances or contact the Planning and Development Services Department at (281) 420-5394.