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Staff updates commission on FY planning work plan and Southeast Denton/Downtown projects
Summary
Planning staff reviewed progress on the fiscal‑year planning work plan, including Southeast Denton and Design Downtown Denton implementation, historic‑resource survey grant application, neighborhood engagement plans and regulatory needs such as tree code and downtown design changes.
Planning Department staff presented an update on the department’s fiscal‑year work plan and recent implementation activities for area plans on Feb. 26.
Key updates Keisha Siriano, assistant planning director, told commissioners staff has begun implementing actions from the Southeast Denton and Design Downtown Denton area plans and is tracking progress via the city’s Envisio dashboard. Staff reported outreach activities (surveys, attendance at community events, a planned block party with visual‑preference surveys and door‑hanger outreach) and partnerships with Economic Development and Community Services for small‑business assistance and mentoring. Siriano said the department applied for a federal historic‑resource survey grant ($75,000) and has seen notice indicating an award but was awaiting official notification.
Regulatory and coordination work Staff noted regulatory tasks tied to the area plans, including tree‑preservation code assessment, downtown design district (DDC) updates to allow balcony overhangs and sidewalk dining, and alignment of landscape standards with the city’s water efficiency plan. Siriano said staff is coordinating with CIP to align capital projects with plan recommendations and is monitoring a legal decision referenced in the meeting (the “Acuna decision”) that could affect notices for code updates; staff estimated prior citywide direct‑mail notification rounds for short‑term rentals cost roughly 16,000 pieces per round.
Engagement approach Siriano and commissioners discussed engagement tactics; staff described a range of grassroots methods (visiting businesses, pop‑up events, block parties) and planned to track which outreach methods bring attendees. Commissioner Pedron suggested continued attention to regulatory alignment so that “live/work” building types are usable; commissioners encouraged staff to coordinate code cleanup with the city’s larger branding effort.
Implication and next steps Staff will continue to implement area‑plan actions, refine neighborhood outreach, pursue the historic‑resource survey grant pending official award notification and advance code changes where needed. Commissioners asked to be kept updated on legislative or court developments affecting notice requirements and regulatory procedures.
