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Planning staff previews citywide zoning map cleanup; commission raises notice and process concerns
Summary
Staff and consultant Safe Built presented a draft zoning map analysis showing 16 study areas and recommended downzoning and cleanup of nonconforming parcels; commissioners flagged notification, timing and owner-rights issues ahead of a Sept. 23 council work session.
Planning staff presented a draft, citywide zoning-map analysis prepared with consultant Safe Built that identifies 16 areas across Lubbock where existing zoning does not match current uses or the comprehensive plan.
S9 (Planning staff) walked commissioners through maps showing pockets of industrial zoning inside residential neighborhoods, nonconforming commercial uses, and corridors such as Marsha Sharp Freeway, Slide Road and Loop 289 where commercial zoning should be corrected. Staff said the work is a cleanup effort after adoption of the Unified Development Code in 2023 and the comprehensive plan in 2018.
The presentation was framed as a work session; no votes were taken. Staff said the consultant will brief City Council at a Sept. 23 work session and requested commission feedback on whether to bring rezoning recommendations to council as a single package or in smaller map-by-map groupings. Commissioners and staff discussed notification methods, owner rights and the legal mechanics for city-initiated downzones. Staff noted state law and alternative notice procedures could apply for very large mailings, but that property owners will have opportunity to comment and that owner opposition may trigger higher voting thresholds.
Commissioners urged caution, recommending phased or map-by-map approaches to ensure property owners are notified and educated about changes, and discussed potential effects on nonconforming uses and potential timelines for bringing individual rezoning cases back to the commission. Staff said their expectation is to allow time for study over the fall and possibly bring cases in early 2026 depending on Council direction.
No formal action was taken; staff asked commissioners to review the posted maps and the online survey and to provide feedback before the council work session.
