JH H.B. 1279 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


URBAN AFFAIRS
H.B. 1279
By: Oliveira
4-2-97
Committee Report (Amended)



BACKGROUND 

In 1989, state law was amended so that cities could allow minor
subdivision plats to be approved by one city employee instead of by the
planning commission and\or governing body. Thus far, Brownsville has
chosen not to take advantage of that option. The city would like its
Planning Commission to be able to appoint three or more persons to a
committee having authority to approve minor or amending plats. The staff
committee would help subdivision plat applicants by processing their
applications faster than the Planning Commission, which only meets once
every two weeks. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, this measure would allow one or more persons of the
municipality or a municipal utility the ability to approve minor plats and
plat amendments in order to save time and offer superior service to those
doing business with the city. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency or
institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Section 212.0065, Local Government Code, is amended to allow
the city to   delegate to one or more persons, rather than a single city
employee as provided for   by current law, the authority to approve
amending or minor subdivision plats.  

SECTION 2.  Emergency Clause.

EXPLANATION OF AMENDMENTS

Committe Amendment #1 replaced "employees" with "persons" as to whom plat
authority may be delegated.