Zoning

Zoning Officer

The Zoning Officer enforces the Texas Township Zoning Ordinance. Residents and contractors should contact the Zoning Officer with questions about permitted uses, setbacks, accessory structures, signs, and any project that may require a zoning permit.

Texas Township Zoning Officer

Bill Watson — Zoning Officer

Bill Watson serves as Texas Township's Zoning Officer. He reviews zoning permit applications, interprets the Zoning Ordinance, and works with residents and the Supervisors on land use matters.

Texas Township Building Permit Officer

Bob Bates — Building Permit & UCC Enforcement Officer

Bob Bates serves as Building Permit Officer and Uniform Construction Code (UCC) Enforcement Officer for the Township. He handles building permit applications and UCC inspections.

Zoning Hearing Board

The Zoning Hearing Board hears variance applications, special exception requests, and appeals of decisions made by the Zoning Officer. Hearings are open to the public and scheduled as needed; see Public Notices for upcoming dates.

Download Conditional Use / Variance Application (PDF) icon

When You Need a Zoning Permit

A zoning permit is generally required before:

  • New construction, additions, or accessory structures
  • Decks, porches, and detached buildings above the size threshold
  • Sheds and detached garages over the size threshold in the ordinance
  • Change of use of a property or structure
  • Signs and fences as required by the ordinance

See permits & applications icon

Zoning Districts in Texas Township

The township is divided into zoning districts, each with its own permitted uses and standards:

  • RU — Rural
  • R-1 — Low-Density Residential
  • R-2 — Multi-Family Residential
  • R-3 — Residential / Mobile Home Parks
  • C-1 — General Commercial
  • C-2 — Highway Commercial
  • ID — Industrial

Full descriptions are in the Zoning Ordinance Book. Use the Township Map to look up the zoning district for a specific property.

How the Permit Process Works

The general zoning permit process follows the steps outlined in the Zoning Ordinance:

  • Submit a complete zoning permit application to the Township office
  • The Zoning Officer reviews the application for ordinance compliance
  • If the application meets the ordinance, the permit is issued
  • Construction may begin once any other required permits (such as building permits) are also in hand
  • Final inspection if required by the ordinance

Zoning Documents

Common Questions

Do I need a permit for a shed?

Sheds and accessory structures may require a zoning permit depending on size and location. Contact the Zoning Officer through the Township office to confirm requirements before building.

Use the Township Map or contact the Zoning Officer with your property address. The Zoning Ordinance Book describes the permitted uses and standards for each district.

If a proposed project does not meet the Zoning Ordinance, the applicant may be able to request a variance or special exception through the appropriate township process. Contact the Zoning Officer for guidance.