Council reviews proposed multifamily design and development standards to address safety, landscaping and parking

City planning and public-works staff presented possible amendments to Bay City’s subdivision ordinance intended to create minimum development standards for multifamily apartments, with a focus on safety, maintenance and neighborhood compatibility.

Crystal Mason, assistant director of public works, told council the changes were “forward looking” and tied to the city’s strategic plan and a planned crime-free multifamily housing program. Mason said the checklist targets items such as requiring landscape plans, underground utilities, continuous sidewalks of a minimum width, enclosed dumpster setbacks, guest-parking minimums beyond the required two parking spaces per unit, exterior lighting controls and fencing with controlled access.

Council members raised several issues for staff to refine before a formal ordinance: how to handle multi-level parking given drainage and site constraints; the practicality and definition of a blanket prohibition on “windows, patios, or balconies overlooking residential property” (council asked whether that should be distance- or setback-based rather than absolute); and long-term maintenance requirements for any landscaping plans. Council discussed whether camera requirements or annual registration/inspection of apartment complexes should be considered and suggested consulting model ordinances (for example, those used by other Texas cities) and Scenic City resources for landscaping and sign standards.

Mason said staff will circulate the full draft ordinance behind the checklist so council and developers can review specifics. The item will come back to the council after staff refines the language and routes the draft through the planning commission.