Developing in Westlake

Zoning Applications

Any development related application shall be submitted through a pre-scheduled appointment with a pertinent member of Town development review staff. The purpose of the appointment requirement is to ensure all required items are included and/or addressed prior to acceptance of application by the Town.

Examples of development related applications and revisions include: 

• Zoning changes
• Site plan, concept plan, development plans,
• Specific use permits, 
• Plat, subdivision and/or public infrastructure construction plans, 
• Variances

Please see below for more detailed process information.

Applicability

Town of Westlake is a master-planned community. All development in the town must adhere to the requirements documented in the Westlake Code of Ordinances, Planned Development Districts, the Comprehensive Plan, and other such ordinance & policies as adopted by the Town Council.

Development Process

Development Submittal Guidelines (PDF)

Pre-Application/Development Meetings

The Town of Westlake requires all applicants to have a meeting with DRC members to discuss proposals and become familiar with staff, procedures, regulations, and history of Westlake before formal submittal. The meeting gives a chance to review applicable regulations and challenges with a specific property in question. An applicant must request a meeting by contacting the Planning & Development Department via email at planning@westlake-tx.org.

Formal Submittal

Upon completion of a pre-application conference with Town staff, applications are due no later than 12:00pm on the application submittal deadline. All required fees, forms and supporting documents are due at the time of application submittal. Incomplete applications and/or applications submitted without a prior pre-application conference will not be accepted. All applicants must submit their applications through a pre-scheduled appointment with a member of the development staff to ensure all items are included and/or addressed prior to acceptance of an application by the Town for DRC review. An applicant must request a meeting by contacting the Planning & Development Department via email at planning@westlake-tx.org before the final submittal date. 

Development Review Committee (DRC)

The DRC is a committee made up of several representatives from various departments of the town who review the application for compliance with adopted town standards and regulations. The DRC meets once a month to review applications. Upon review, the Coordinator compiles comments from DRC members and forwards them to the applicant for necessary corrections. 

The DRC discusses the following as it relates to development, including, but not limited to: Building Codes, Comprehensive Planning, Drainage, Fire Code, Parks and Open Space, Platting, Site Plans, Thoroughfares, Tree Preservation, Water and Sewer, and Zoning.

Re-submissions/Revisions

Applications/submittals may require revisions to the original plans based on comments provided by the DRC. Revisions will only be accepted through a pre-scheduled appointment with a pertinent member of Town development review staff. Upon a second submittal the DRC re-reviews the plans and checks that comments have been addressed or if any new comments may need to be provided to the applicant based on most recent revisions.

Filing of an Application

All applications shall not be considered filed, and administratively complete, until town staff, including the Development Review Committee (DRC), determines that the application meets all requirements of applicable town regulations and/or all DRC comments have been addressed. Therefore, the meeting consideration dates shown in the Development Review Calendar are merely shown as guidelines and are subject to change for any given application pending the filing date and determination of administrative completeness by town staff for said application.

Planning & Zoning Commission (P&Z)

If all comments have been addressed by the DRC, and the application requires recommendation or approval by the P&Z, the case will be placed on an agenda for their consideration. Staff prepares a report on the request and places it in the agenda packet along with plans and any other supporting documents related to the case. The P&Z typically meets once a month. The P&Z considers the application, holds a public hearing, and makes a recommendation to the Town Council.

Town Council

Upon a recommendation by the P&Z a case will proceed for consideration by the Town Council. If the P&Z recommended any changes to the project/proposal the applicant submits revised plans and documents. Staff will prepare a report on the request and places it in the agenda packet along with plans and any other supporting documents related to the case. The Town Council typically meets once a month. The Town Council considers the application, holds a public hearing, and takes final action -- approval, approval with conditions, or denial.