Burleson, TX Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Downtown Design Guide (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- All development in the Old Town Overlay District
- Trigger
- New or substantially renovated buildings
- Substantial renovation
- Value exceeds 50 percent of building value
- Front setback
- Two feet minimum, 15 feet maximum
- Development plan approval
- Valid for 12 months
- Waiver authority
- City Council, majority vote after DSRC and P&Z recommendation
Summary
In the City of Burleson, Texas, the Old Town Design Standards in Appendix C, Article IV are binding on all development inside the Old Town Overlay District and apply to every new or substantially renovated building, meaning a renovation worth more than 50 percent of the building's Johnson County Appraisal District value. In a conflict with other development ordinances, the standards control.
A. Except as provided in section 4-4, the Old Town Design Standards shall be binding standards applied to all development occurring within the Old Town Overlay District, and shall apply to all new or substantially renovated buildings. In the event of a conflict between these standards and other development ordinances, these shall apply. B. The term "substantially renovated" means that the value of the proposed renovation exceeds 50 percent of said building's value as set by the Johnson County Appraisal District.
Full Breakdown
Section 4-3 makes the Old Town Design Standards binding standards for all development occurring within the Old Town Overlay District. The overlay itself is § 100 of the zoning ordinance, which also defines a central core area bounded by Dobson Street to the east, Johnson Street to the west, S.E. Tarrant Avenue to the southwest, Renfro Street to the north, and Bufford Street to the south.
Section 4-4 sorts buildings into three classifications: Residential Development (Division "R"), Commercial, Retail, Office, and Multi-Family Development (Division "C"), and Civic, Institutional and Light Industrial (Division "I"). The Bungalow style under Division "R", for example, prints a two story height maximum and a covered porch of a minimum of sixty square feet (60 SF).
Process, § 4-45: a pre-development conference at a Development Assistance Committee meeting comes first. Plans and an application and review fee go to the city planning department, and the director of development services forwards them to the DAC within three working days. The Old Town Development Standards Review Committee (DSRC) then reviews and comments, and a Statement of Architectural and Contextual Compatibility is required for every site plan and building design. DSRC comment does not constitute approval or permission to begin construction. City council approval of a development plan is valid for 12 months, with a six-month administrative extension by the DAC on petition.
Dimensions, §§ 4-61 and 4-62: lane widths are a minimum of 12 feet, the parkway and sidewalk together must be at least ten feet wide, sidewalks are never less than five feet, and streetlights are not more than 86 feet apart. The front setback is minimum two feet and maximum 15 feet.
Waivers, § 4-46: the City Council, after recommendation by the DRSC and Planning and Zoning Commission, can grant a waiver by majority vote. A denied request cannot be re-requested for six months, and the zoning board of adjustment has no jurisdiction.
Violations & Fines
Section 1-14(b) of the Burleson Code sets a fine of up to $2,000.00 for violating provisions that govern zoning, which includes the Old Town Overlay District, and under § 1-14(c) each day a violation continues is a separate offense unless otherwise provided. Development plan approval under § 4-45(L) is not site plan or building plan approval, so building plans still go to the building official and fire marshal. An approval that lapses after 12 months needs a new submittal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Burleson's Old Town Design Standards apply to my renovation?
Who reviews Old Town building designs in Burleson?
Can Burleson waive an Old Town design standard?
How long does Old Town development plan approval last in Burleson?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Burleson
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Burleson to another location·View the Texas zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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