FAQs • Brownsville, TX • CivicEngage

What is zoning?: Zoning is a regulatory tool that cities use in order to ensure stable property values and an adequate mix of uses, while protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the general public.

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Planning - Zoning

1. What is zoning?: Zoning is a regulatory tool that cities use in order to ensure stable property values and an adequate mix of uses, while protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the general public.

2. What is a use district?: The use district is the zoning category for your property. Each use district permits or prohibits certain uses for the property. View/Download: Use Districts

3. What is an area district?: The area districts are the setbacks for your property and provide the intensity for the property. View/Download: Area Districts

4. What is the process for rezoning a property?: This process is about 60 days with specific application deadlines. If an application is received on time, it is placed on the Planning and Zoning Commission agenda and advertised in the newspaper 15 days prior to the meeting to comply with state law. If approval is recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission then the case is placed on the City Commission agenda for First and Second Reading (final approval).

5. Is there a fee to rezone my property?: Yes, the fee will depend on the proposed zoning category and the size of the property.
View/Download: Fee Information (PDF)

6. How many apartment units can I build on my property?: The amount of apartment units that you are allowed to build depends on the area district classification and the total buildable acreage.

7. What is a Specific Use permit?: A specific use permit allows the City to review and consider uses that are not allowed by right, but that may be allowed under the right set of conditions. To make a determination, applicants have to submit an application to permit certain uses under a zoning district listed as a conditional use. If approved it will have conditions set by the Planning and Zoning Commission and staff. View/Download: Specific Use Application (PDF)

8. Where are the Planning and Zoning Commission meetings held?: The Planning and Zoning Commission meetings are held the first Thursday of the month at the City Commission Chambers on the 2nd floor of the Brownsville City Hall located at 1001 E. Elizabeth Street.

9. What do I need to provide staff to find out the zoning of my property?: Please provide your properties Geographic ID # (00-0000-0000-0000-00), legal description (lot, block, sub.), and your address.

10. How do I request a Zoning Certificate?: A zoning certificate is a zoning verification for your property. You must submit an application to our department. The application can be found under the resources tab. There is a $25 fee. Please allow 2-3 business days to process application. View/Download: Zoning Certificate (PDF)

11. Do you notify the neighbors of a rezone in the area?: Yes, as per city ordinance and state law, the City must notify the surrounding 200 feet from the subject property.

12. What is the fee to Plat?: The fee depends on whether the plat is a minor or major plat, as well as the total acreage. View/Download: Fee Information (PDF)

13. What is a Major Plat?: A major plat is the division of land into 4 or more lots. This plat is approved at the Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting. View/Download: Final Plat Application

14. What is a Minor Plat?: A minor plat is the division of land into 4 lots or less with no public improvement. Minor plats are approved at the administration level on a rolling basis. View/Download: Final Plat Application

15. What is the platting process in Brownsville and how long does it take?: A plat is prepared by a registered engineer or surveyor. Once approved by the city and corresponding entities then the plat is recorded in the county map records. The platting process takes about 60 days.