LaredoBuzz.Com

The Process Has Begun to Update the City’s Rules on How Land and Buildings are Developed

LAREDO, Texas—The City of Laredo Planning Department has initiated the ReCode Laredo project, an effort to review, assess, and ultimately replace the existing land development code—following recommendations from the City’s new comprehensive plan. The project will take approximately 18 months and will include extensive public input from Laredo residents.

Laredo’s existing land development code, which is a sub-section of the City’s code of ordinances, governs how land and buildings are developed and constructed in the City. The current land development code is decades old, and needs to be updated for several reasons—the most important reason being it no longer reflects the will of residents as outlined in the City’s comprehensive plan.

In 2017, the City Council of the City of Laredo adopted a new comprehensive plan titled Viva Laredo.  A comprehensive plan is a “blueprint” for how a city should operate and grow, and should guide city officials as they make decisions. Viva Laredo included the participation of thousands of Laredo residents, and reflects their vision of sustainability, equity, and economic development.

A kick-off meeting for ReCode Laredo was held at noon on June 28^th, 2019 at El Metro’s Conference room in Downtown Laredo, and representatives from the community were invited to attend. The Planning Department will be holding many more public gatherings over the next year to allow for public input, including at least one gathering in each of the eight Council Districts. Meetings will also be held with development professionals including engineers, architects, builders, and developers.

The Planning Department will also be reaching out in several other ways, such as online surveys, in order to solicit as much feedback and input as possible. Once a new land development code has been developed, it will be presented to the Laredo City Council for a vote for adoption.