City planning, permitting key to continued area growth

As Boerne continues to grow, its ability to provide quality service and responsible development continues as well. By streamlining its planning and permitting processes, engaging the community and prioritizing sustainability, the city seeks to ensure that growth is well-managed and aligned with the long-term vision of a resilient and thriving Boerne.

Improvements made through the city’s Planning and Permitting and Code Compliance departments demonstrate continued efficiency, community engagement and sustainability over the past year.

The strides made in 2024 show the city’s ability to adapt, innovate and build a future that balances progress with preservation, city official said.

These efforts exemplify the city’s dedication to providing high-quality services, fostering a connected community, and preserving the unique character that makes Boerne a special place to live, work, and visit.

Recent highlights from the Planning Department and its staff include: — The department received the 2024 Richard R. Lillie, FAICP Planning Excellence Award for responsible planning and community stewardship.

— The subdivision review process was streamlined, allowing for faster and more effective project approvals. The times for plat reviews, including major and minor subdivisions and amending plats, was reduced between 53% and 90%.

These changes have meant less waiting, smoother approvals, and responsible growth for the community.

— The Unified Development Code (UDC) and municipal regulations were updated to ensure responsible development while maintaining the city’s character, including: multi-family housing regulations, to balance growth and aesthetics; revised sign ordinance, to reduce visual clutter and preserve Boerne’s charm; food truck policies, to enhance dining options while ensuring safety; and noise regulations, to protect the community’s quality of life.

The city has prioritized meaningful engagement with residents, businesses and developers to ensure Boerne continues to thrive in a way that reflects community values.

Staff hosted two roundtable discussions with the development community to improve processes and gather feedback.

Staff held five Boerne Neighborhood Discussion meetings to foster dialogue between nearby residents and developers about future projects.

The city partnered with MuniCode to launch an online Unified Development Code (UDC) portal, making regulations more accessible to the public.

Now customers can obtain a 14-day review time for a new single-family home and 24-hour turnaround time for inspections, despite both metrics increasing 125 percent and 31 percent. Similar successes have been documented with new commercial permits.