SRC-JRN S.B. 1227 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1227 By: Shapiro Intergovernmental Relations 3-31-97 As Filed DIGEST Currently, Texas cities have the ability to implement comprehensive municipal plans, but it is unclear how development regulations should relate to the plans. Consistency between a city's regulations and a city's comprehensive plan is ambiguous under current law. This bill eliminates the requirement for comprehensive plans to be developed after land use assumptions are adopted by a city. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 1227 eliminates the requirement for comprehensive plans to be developed after land use assumptions are adopted by a city. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is granted to a municipality in SECTION 1 (Sections 219.002 and 219.003, Local Government Code) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Title 7A, Local Government Code, by adding Chapter 219, as follows: CHAPTER 219. MUNICIPAL COMPREHENSIVE PLANS Sec. 219.001. PURPOSE. Provides that the powers granted under this chapter are for the purpose of promoting sound development of municipalities and promoting public health, safety, and welfare. Sec. 219.002. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. Authorizes the governing body of a municipality to adopt a comprehensive plan for the long-range development of the municipality. Authorizes a municipality to define the content and design of a comprehensive plan. Sets forth provisions which a comprehensive plan may include. Authorizes a municipality to define, in its charter or by ordinance, the relationship between a comprehensive plan and development regulations and to provide standards for determining the consistency required between a plan and development regulations. Authorizes a comprehensive plan adopted under this chapter, complying with Chapter 395C, to be used in place of a separate ordinance, order, or resolution approving land use assumptions under Section 395.045. Sec. 219.003. ADOPTION OR AMENDMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. Authorizes a comprehensive plan to be adopted or amended by ordinance following a hearing at which the public is given the opportunity to give testimony and present written evidence and, if one exists, review by the municipality's planning commission or department. Authorizes a municipality to establish, in its charter or by ordinance, procedures for adopting and amending a comprehensive plan. Sec. 219.004. EFFECT ON OTHER MUNICIPAL PLANS. Prohibits this chapter from limiting the ability of a municipality to prepare other plans, policies, or strategies as required. SECTION 2. Repealer: Section 211.004(b), Local Government Code (Compliance with Comprehensive Plan). SECTION 3. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.