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The official website of the City of Mansfield, Texas

PLANNING DEPARTMENT

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Zoning?
Zoning is a local government's ability to regulate the use and development of land. It is designed to protect property values by preventing the location of incompatible uses in close proximity to each other. Planning involves the development of programs, plans, and policies for the creation of a better community. Zoning and Planning are closely related. The Planning Department administrates the Zoning Ordinance and it is one of the ways the planning is implemented.
What is a plat?
A map of a subdivision that represents a tract of land, showing the boundaries and location of individual properties, streets, easements and other pertinent information. After a plat is approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission it is filed with the appropriate county clerk and becomes a legal lot of record for which a building permit can be issued.
Can I obtain a building permit for a property that is not platted?
No. A building permit cannot be issued for a property that has not been platted or is not a legal lot of record.
If I own a property that is already platted into one lot can I sell off part of my lot without replatting?
No. The Texas Local Government Code and the City of Mansfield Subdivision Ordinance requires property to be subdivided through the platting process before it can be sold for the purpose of creating two or more parcels. A lot that is sold by a metes and bounds description only and has not been platted into a separate lot is not a legal lot of record.
How can I get a copy of my plat?
You can get a copy of your plat by either contacting our department or the Tarrant or Denton County Plat Records.
How can I voice my concerns about a proposed project in the city?
First, contact the Planning Department to find all the relevant information about the project. Next, the city has several avenues for citizens to express their opinions about the development projects in the city. Some of the options are:
Attend Planning and Zoning Commission public hearings to learn about the project and voice your opinions.
Attend City Council public hearings to learn about the project and vioce your opinions.
Write letters or e-mail the Mayor, City Council, and the Planning & Zoning Commission members.
How can I find zoning on my property?
Visit our interactive mapping site. You can zoom in to any specific area of the city using your cursor.
Call us at the Planning Department at (817) 276-4226 during regular office hours to ask our staff about the information you require.
Visit our offices during regular working hours to review the official zoning map and talk to the planning staff about zoning.
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