Code Diagnostic / Uniform Development Code Sub-Committee

[Shane Saum]

Dear Council Members,

Following our recent City Council meeting on February 5, 2026, I am pleased to announce the formation of the Unified Development Code (UDC) Subcommittee. This group will play a critical role in overseeing the reorganization and modernization of our city’s development code to improve clarity, consistency, and usability without altering existing policy.

Subcommittee Members:

• Councilor Amanda Chavarria, City Council Place 3
• Council Paul Prince, City Council Place 6
• Mayor Shane R. Saum
• Chair, Planning and Zoning Commission: Lynda Aird
• Chair, Building and Standards Commission: Frank Robbins
• Citizen Representative: Paul Roberts
• Citizen Representative: Rachael Gonzales

Key Discussion Points and Agreements from 2/5 council meeting:

1. Purpose and Scope:
   
   • The UDC project aims to reorganize and unify the city’s development regulations into a logical, integrated framework that follows the development process.
   • This effort addresses current code fragmentation, conflicting ordinances, and enforcement challenges.
   • The reorganization will focus on functional and legal compliance first, with policy changes considered separately and only after the foundational work is complete.
2. Project Plan and Prioritization:
   
   • The subcommittee will prioritize “easy wins” and chapters with minimal changes first, followed by more complex sections requiring detailed review.
   • The target for completing the functional reorganization is September 2026.
3. Role of the Subcommittee:
   
   • Serve as a liaison between staff, consultants, commissions, and the full council.
   • Review draft chapters and provide feedback to ensure accuracy and completeness.
   • Help maintain transparency and community engagement throughout the process.
4. Transparency and Communication:
   
   • Staff will provide regular updates and utilize the discussion board to track progress.
   • The subcommittee will facilitate communication and help ensure that stakeholders’ concerns are addressed.
5. Next Steps:
   
   • Finalize the subcommittee charter and scope of work. Councilor Van Ness has had some ideas on this already that she will share.
   • Begin detailed review of the proposed table of contents and chapter order.
   • Schedule regular subcommittee meetings to review materials and provide input.

We look forward to working collaboratively to create a more user-friendly and effective development code that supports Lago Vista’s growth and character.

Please feel free to share any questions or suggestions on the discussion board.

Best regards,

Mayor Shane R. Saum

 

[Karen Van Ness]

Please see the attached draft of the Unified Development Code (UDC) Project Charter. I tried to make this complete yet concise. Please provide feedback, edits, or anything that may be missing. I am happy to edit and re-upload, as well as bring hard copies to the City Council meeting this Thursday.

 

[Norma Owen]

Thank you Councilor Van Ness. The only addition I would add to the end of the Scope of Work is the following:

In addition, the following guardrails should apply:
(1) Conflicts with state or federal law/regulations: Recommendations should be resolved with the most restrictive language permitted that preserves the intent of the existing ordinance.. (2) Conflicts within the City’s ordinances should be resolved in favor of the most recently adopted language, unless doing so would create noncompliance with state or federal law, in which case compliance controls.

 

[Norma Owen]

Hit enter permaturely..... full post is here: Thank you Councilor Van Ness.

The only addition I would add to the end of the Scope of Work is the following:

In addition, the following guardrails should apply:

(1) Conflicts with state or federal law/regulations: Recommendations should be resolved with the most restrictive language permitted that preserves the intent of the existing ordinance.

(2) Conflicts within the City’s ordinances: Recommendations should be resolved in favor of the most recently adopted language, unless doing so would create noncompliance with state or federal law, in which case compliance controls.

 

[Paul Prince]

This looks good, thank you Councilor Van Ness. I also support the proposed language by Mayor Pro-tem Owen.
I have one suggestion for addition to the last sentence of "Scope of Work"... italicized and underlined below...

Should this project require consideration of potential policy changes to achieve deconfliction or compliance with state / federal law or regulations, such policy proposals will be clearly identified as such and follow the normal policy consideration process; i.e., referred through the Planning and Zoning or Building and Standards Commission as appropriate, then to City Council for discussion, public input, and formal adoption.

 

[Amanda Chavarria]

Please see the attached draft of the Unified Development Code (UDC) Project Charter. I tried to make this complete yet concise. Please provide feedback, edits, or anything that may be missing. I am happy to edit and re-upload, as well as bring hard copies to the City Council meeting this Thursday.

Thank you Councilor Van Ness, I too agree with the proposed language by Mayor Pro-Tem Owen as well as the addition to the "scope of work" as suggested by Councilor Prince.