Frequently Asked Questions

Question	Answer
Subject: Platting
What is a subdivision plat?	A subdivision plat is a survey, prepared by a licensed registered surveyor, of property describing the dimensions and location of lot lines, streets, and easements. A plat also establishes the lot, block, and subdivision name used in real estate transactions. A plat is a legal document complete with: A drawing of the property boundaries; A written description of those boundaries; All easements and right-of-ways shall be described by distance A dedication statement; An owners certification statement; A title block; and, Approval statements. Plats are reviewed and approved by the City and filed in the Plat Records of Tarrant County.
Does my property survey cover the requirement for a plat?	No. The property survey required by mortgage companies when closing the sale of property is not as detailed as a plat.
Why is platting regulated?	State law requires every owner of any tract of land who divides that tract into two or more parts to first file a plat. The Platting process (sometimes referred to as the subdivision process) also ensures that all lots comply with the City of Hurst development regulations. Plats are reviewed for compliance with regulations regarding minimum lot size and lot width, street access and size, utility provisions; and drainage and flood protection.
When is a plat required?	Platting is required in several situations. Generally, a plat is required: If your property is vacant and has never been platted and you wish to build a new structure on your property. A plat is NOT required if you are adding to or altering an existing home or adding a small storage shed, or other similar accessory use. If you are selling a portion of your property, you must first have a plat showing all your property approved by the City and filed with the County. If you own two adjacent lots and wish to build over the common lot line.
Are there different types of plats?	There are several types of plats and different processes for approving plats. The Department of Planning and Development can assist you in identifying the specific plat type needed. A Preliminary Plat is required if you are dividing your property into more than three lots. This type of plat shows the street layout, lots, drainage and utility easements, and other needed information to ensure that the subdivision design conforms to modern planning practices and to City and State regulations. It is intended to be general in nature showing approximate property location and dimensions. A Final Plat is the next step in the development process after approval of a Preliminary Plat. The Final Plat is a technical drawing showing exact dimensions and bearings and is the instrument which becomes the official permanent record of the division of land. Final Plats may include all or a portion of the property and must comply with the approved preliminary plat. Easements and other public facilities are dedicated when a Final Plat is filed with the County. Short Form Plat may be requested if: the subject property is zoned appropriately for intended uses, the lot proposed is generally compatible with adjacent lots, the plat does not require vacation of any public right-of-way or easements, the extension of public utilities is not required, and the proposed development will not create nor contain major drainage problems. A Replat is required when you are revising existing platted lots, or combining platted and unplatted. An Amended Plat is required if you are relocating a lot line, combining lots, correcting an error, or need minor changes to the lot dimensions, but City services, drainage, or adjacent property are not affected.
How long will the platting process take?	The platting process can take from 6- 12 weeks. This approval is contingent on the approval of all Civil engineering plans. All engineering plans must be approved by the Public Works department prior to filling a plat at the County courthouse, or receiving a building permit.
Where do I get a platting application?	Platting applications, development schedules, fee schedules, and requirement checklist, may be obtained from the Development Department. Some forms may be obtained from our online forms page.
Subject: Zoning
What is Zoning?	Zoning establishes the types of land uses permitted on a specific tract of land. Zoning also regulates the size, intensity, and height of development, as well as signage, screening, and parking related to development. The City of Hurst has 20 zoning districts, which are broadly grouped into residential, commercial, industrial, and special districts. Specific information regarding each district can be obtained in the City of Hurst Zoning Ordinance on the Development Documents page.
How does Zoning change?	The zoning on a specific piece of property can change only through a public hearing process. This process allows public participation from the applicant, interested citizens, and decision makers. The process requires public notification, public hearings, and final approval by the City Council. An applicant may seek a change to establish a use not permitted in the current zoning district. The applicant may use the zoning process to request rezoning to a district that will permit the use outright, with conditions, or by a Specific Use Permit. A Conditional Use for a property may be allowed in a district subject to meeting certain requirements set for this zoning chapter. Special Exceptions Permits are permitted exclusively by specific permit approval by the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Who may apply for a Zoning change?	Anyone may apply for a zoning change; however, permission of the property owner is required unless the City is asking for a zoning change. A place is provided on the zoning application for the owner’s signature, whether a single owner or a corporation. In all cases, the owner must provide a notarized letter of permission.
Where do I get a Zoning change application?	Zoning applications, development schedules, fee schedules, and requirement checklist, may be obtained from the Development Department. Some forms may be obtained from our online forms page.
How long will the Zoning process take?	The zoning process will take approximately six to eight weeks to complete.
What is the application submittal deadline?	The application submittal deadline is a designated day for submitting a zoning application. At the beginning of each year, the Planning and Zoning Commission adopts a calendar establishing two meetings per month, and the deadline date corresponds to this calendar, found the Development Documents page.
What is the latest Zoning information?	For zoning information, please visit the Planning and Zoning page.