Land Development Code
Land Development Code
Land Development Code The Town of Howey-in-the-Hills Land Development Code (LDC) The Land Development Code (LDC) is the primary regulatory tool that implements the goals and objectives of the Town's Comprehensive Plan. While the Comprehensive Plan provides the policy framework for growth and development, the LDC establishes the specific rules, procedures, and standards that guide land use, zoning, site design, environmental protection, and infrastructure construction within the Town. Purpose and Function of the Land Development Code The LDC protects the public health, safety, and welfare by ensuring that development occurs in a thoughtful, consistent, and sustainable manner. Key purposes include: - Regulating the use and intensity of land and buildings in all zoning districts. - Ensuring compatibility between new development and existing neighborhoods. - Protecting the Town's natural resources, open spaces, and community character. - Providing clear processes for site plan and subdivision review, permitting, and compliance. - Supporting the implementation of the Town's adopted Comprehensive Plan. As stated in Chapter 1 – General Provisions, the LDC is intended to balance the interests of individual property owners with those of the community at large, while safeguarding environmental resources and promoting a high quality of life for all residents. Structure of the LDC The LDC is organized into 10 chapters, each focused on a specific regulatory area, including: - Zoning districts and land uses - Environmental and resource protection - Development review procedures - Accessory and temporary uses - Landscaping and irrigation - Development standards and concurrency - Boards and committees In addition, the LDC incorporates the Official Zoning Map, which designates the boundaries and classifications of all zoning districts within the Town. Updating the Land Development Code To remain responsive to evolving legal requirements, development trends, and community needs, the LDC is periodically reviewed and amended by the Town Council. Updates are informed by staff recommendations, public input, and advisory reviews from the Planning and Zoning Board. The most recent update to the Zoning Map occurred in June 2023, reflecting zoning adjustments to align with adopted land use policies and anticipated development patterns. Access the Land Development Code The full LDC and the Official Zoning Map are available for public review. These documents are essential resources for property owners, developers, design professionals, and residents who wish to understand the Town's development regulations. Available Documents: - Land Development Code - Cover Pages (PDF) - LDC Table of Contents (PDF) - LDC Chapter 1 - General Provisions (PDF) - LDC Chapter 2 - Zoning Districts (PDF) - LDC Chapter 3 - Environmental and Resource Protection (PDF) - LDC Chapter 4 - Development Review Procedures (PDF) - Amended 09-08-2025 - LDC Chapter 5 - Accessory and Temporary Uses and Structures (PDF) - LDC Chapter 6 - Supplemental Standards (PDF) - LDC Chapter 7 - Landscaping, Irrigation and Hardscape (PDF) - LDC Chapter 8 - Development Standards (PDF) - LDC Chapter 9 - Boards and Committees (PDF) - LDC Chapter 10 - Concurrency (PDF) - Howey - Zoning Large Format Map - June 2023 (PDF) - Howey Zoning Comparison Chart (PDF)