A PD-Planned development district (a "PD district") is intended to allow the phased development of tracts of land in a manner that will permit flexibility, that will encourage a more creative, efficient and aesthetically desirable design and placement of buildings, open spaces, circulation patterns, that will best utilize special site features such as topography, useable open space, landscape features, and that will maintain the integrity and value of surrounding areas. To the extent reasonably possible, PD districts should provide for the integrity, maintenance, and improvement of drainage ways, wetlands, and other natural features. PD districts allow flexibility with respect to the placement of buildings and structures on the land, permissible uses of the land, and development regulations for the land, as well as flexibility with respect to the review and approval process. This authority extends to discretionary approval by the city council over concept and development plans for each PD district as required by this division, including consideration by the city council of such items as proximity to major transportation arteries (such as freeways, expressways or mass transit routes), parking, setbacks, square footage of buildings and structures, sign placement, screening, landscaping, buffer zones, residential and nonresidential density, and the ratio of mixed commercial or retail and residential uses and structures. To the extent reasonably possible, PD districts should be separated or well buffered from adjacent properties. While flexibility is given to allow special conditions or restrictions, the following procedures are established herein to ensure against inappropriate exercise of this flexibility. It is intended that, prior to the approval of a PD district, it should be demonstrated that adequate public services and infrastructure capacity exist or are planned that will support development within the PD district throughout the estimated "build out" period based on the size and nature of the proposed development within the PD district.

After City Council approves the “PD” application a Development Plan will be required to go before the Planning & Zoning Commission before any building permit may be issued. The Development Plan shall be in accordance with your “PD” Ordinance as stated.

It is recommended that the applicant discuss the proposed application with staff of the Planning & Zoning Department prior to submission of an application to review plans, ordinances, and other land use issues that may be involved. Submittal of the application occurs at the Planning & Zoning Department's office listed below:

City of Balch Springs

Planning & Zoning Department

City Hall

13503 Alexander Road

Balch Springs, TX 75181

Phone 972-286-4477 ext. 123 or 212, Fax 972-286-4279

The amount of time necessary to complete the staff review is variable depending on the complexity of the Development Plan application and the accuracy of the submitted material. Once staff has reviewed submitted materials, the case is scheduled for consideration and action at the Planning & Zoning Commission. However, the Planning & Zoning Department may determine that additional information or review is necessary prior to being scheduled for the Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting. Incomplete submissions or major changes to the plans during the review process may cause delays in this schedule.

A Development Plan application consists of six parts: