Planning commission backs broad updates to Denton Development Code

The Denton Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5-0 on Aug. 12 to recommend that City Council approve a comprehensive update to the city's Development Code known as DCA‑26‑4. Staff presented the package as a multi‑chapter update intended to align the code with recent state law and to add definitions and use standards for emerging land uses.

"Staff is recommending approval of these amendments as it meets our criteria for approval," Angie Manglerus, assistant planning director, told commissioners during the public hearing presentation. Manglerus said the amendments primarily affect subchapters 5, 7 and 9 and were developed with the Development Code Review Committee and work‑shopped with City Council.

The package would codify director determinations for single‑family site design, revise definitions and the table of allowed uses, and introduce new land uses such as contractor services, event venues, drone delivery services and media production facilities. Commissioners praised staff for packaging the changes and said codifying prior memos would provide more consistent guidance for applicants and staff.

Commissioner Dyer moved to recommend approval; Commissioner Garland seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The recommendation now goes to City Council for final consideration.