Irving staff outline rapid plan to implement Senate Bill 840, propose new building-performance and facilities rules

City of Irving planning and public-works staff presented a coordinated response to Senate Bill 840 at the July 10 work session, proposing zoning revisions, new building-performance standards and an adequate public‑facilities process to manage likely increases in multifamily and mixed‑use development.

The proposals come after the Texas Legislature enacted Senate Bill 840; Planning Director Jocelyn Murphy told the council the law "will be effective on September 1" and "requires that cities allow construction of multifamily and mixed use development" in most nonresidential districts. Murphy said the bill preempts some discretionary approvals and many typical zoning controls, so Irving staff are preparing multiple regulatory changes to retain city oversight where the law permits.

Why it matters: Council members and staff said the changes are time‑sensitive because the statute takes effect this fall and because future approvals could create new pressure on water, sewer, drainage and traffic systems. Staff recommended a three-track response: (1) amending zoning and the Unified Development Code to add clear mixed‑use definitions and permit/application checklists; (2) adopting building‑performance standards to raise energy, resilience and livability outcomes for new multifamily and residential mixed‑use projects; and (3) creating an Adequate…