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Steps in the Development Process
The City of Allen is committed to creating a safe, beautiful and economically-stable community through our development process. This process helps private property owners rightfully develop their land in a way that considers the health, safety and aesthetics of our entire community.
For detailed information about our development process, including submittal and review calendars, points of contact and applications, please refer to the Zoning and Development Handbook.
Developments that fit within a property's existing zoning are reviewed by staff for compliance with the Allen Land Development Code (ALDC). If the development meets all requirements, it does not require separate approval from Allen City Council. If a zoning change is requested, the development undergoes a more rigorous review process, including but not limited to:
| DEVELOPMENT STEP | TIMEFRAME | WHAT'S INVOLVED? |
|---|---|---|
| Staff review | Weeks or months, depending on scope of the project. Many developers make changes and resubmit plans as staff feedback is given. | Examination of all aspects of the development plan. A technical review committee consisting of representatives from planning, engineering, fire, parks, waste services, building and code, and information technology assess the development's impact on services and constituents. Developments that will generate more than 1,000 trips per day are required to perform a traffic impact analysis by a registered professional engineer with a background in traffic engineering. During this time, developers are expected to meet with neighboring property owners to provide details about the development, solicit feedback and address concerns. |
| Public notification | At least 10 days before public hearings | A zoning sign is installed on the property at least 10 days before the scheduled Planning & Zoning Commission hearing. Property owners within 200 feet of the proposed development are notified by mail, postmarked at least 10 days before the scheduled Planning & Zoning Commission hearing. A legally-required newspaper ad is published in Allen American at least 10 days before the scheduled Allen City Council meeting. |
| Allen Planning & Zoning Commission Public hearing, presentation and recommendation | Allen Planning & Zoning Commission meets the first and third Tuesday of every month. Meeting agendas, which contain details about each project to be discussed, are posted 72 hours before each meeting on the City Meeting Calendar. | Staff present the working draft of the development plan and recommend approval or denial. Members of the public may ask questions, give opinions or express support/opposition by speaking or submitting a comment cart. Commission members may choose to table discussion until further information is provided or additional actions are taken. A vote determines whether the development is recommended to Allen City Council for approval. If approval is not recommended, developers can request that Allen City Council considers their case anyway. |
| Allen City Council Public hearing, presentation and vote | Allen City Council meets the second and fourth Tuesday of every month. Meeting agendas, which contain details about each project to be discussed, are posted 72 hours before each meeting on the City Meeting Calendar. | Staff present the final development plan, noting whether staff and/or the Allen Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval. Members of the public may ask questions, give opinions or express support/opposition by speaking or submitting a comment cart. Council members may choose to table discussion until further information is provided or additional actions are taken. A majority vote representing a quorum is needed for approval. Cases not recommended for approval by Planning & Zoning Commission must receive a super-majority vote (6/7). |
Online
Upcoming meetings may be viewed on our City Meeting Notices Calendar. To view a list of agenda items, click on the relevant meeting and select "More Details." A link to the agenda is provided on each meeting page. Agendas are posted 72 hours before the meeting begins.
In Person
Agendas for upcoming meetings are posted on a message board outside the main doors of Allen City Hall (305 Century Parkway) at least 72 hours before the meeting begins.
By Email
Receive information for all city meeting notices for City Council and related boards and commissions and public hearing notices by signing up for our City Meeting Notices Calendar alerts.
Attend a Public Meeting
Citizens are welcome to attend and observe any public meeting, except for items marked as Executive Session. Citizens may speak at public meetings on agenda and non-agenda items by completing and submitting a public meeting appearance card, available at each meeting.
Although the City Council cannot take specific action during citizens’ comments for items not posted on the regular agenda due to legal requirements, the City Council may refer the item to staff for study or conclusion, refer the item to the full City Council or a subcommittee for further study, or have the item placed on a future agenda for action.
Watch Meetings Online
Allen City Television (ACTV) broadcasts live during Allen City Council and Allen Planning & Zoning meetings. A live feed can be found on Spectrum Channel 16, Frontier Channel 15, Grande Cable Channel 15, AT&T Uverse Channel 99 and on the ACTV website. Archived feeds of each meeting are also available online.