Amendments to McKinney's Unified Development Code took center stage at the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting on September 9, 2025, as officials discussed significant changes prompted by recent state legislation. The meeting highlighted the implications of three key bills from the 89th legislative session that directly affect land use and zoning in cities with populations over 150,000, including McKinney.

Senate Bill 840 and Senate Bill 15 were the primary focus, addressing mixed-use and multifamily developments, as well as single-family zoning. These changes will impact approximately 19 cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, including neighboring Plano and Frisco. The bills limit local governments' ability to regulate aspects such as density, building height, and parking requirements in certain zoning districts, which has raised concerns about maintaining community standards.

City officials emphasized the need to adapt to these new regulations while ensuring compliance with state law. The proposed amendments aim to create a balance between accommodating new development and preserving the character of existing neighborhoods. For instance, the city plans to introduce a new category for multifamily housing called "multifamily cottage," which will allow for smaller, more compatible developments in less intense commercial districts.

Additionally, the commission discussed the renaming of the MF 30 multifamily residential zoning district to MF 36, reflecting the increased density now mandated by state law. Other adjustments include reducing residential adjacency setbacks to the maximum allowed by the state and eliminating the flex residential zoning district, which was deemed redundant under the new regulations.

These amendments are part of a broader effort to align McKinney's development strategies with community goals established in the 2018 comprehensive plan, which emphasizes thoughtful land use transitions and design excellence. As the city navigates these legislative changes, officials remain committed to engaging with residents and stakeholders to ensure that future developments meet the needs of the community while adhering to new state requirements.