Title
Consider adopting Ordinance No. 3746 amending Chapter 56 of the Property Maintenance Code, Section 56-53, "maintenance of crops", to remove paragraph (3) maximum height of crops allowed; and amend paragraph (21) of Section 56-61(b) to remove the maximum time allowed for hay bales; and take appropriate action
Body
BACKGROUND:
The City of Farmers Branch is a rapidly growing suburb in DFW that is quickly approaching buildout with 12 Ag-exempt properties totaling roughly 86 acres within the City that have all moved in and out of Ag-exempt status since 2000. In 2021, a Council-appointed body of over 20 residents and voters provided recommended updates to the Property Maintenance Code and Code Enforcement processes. Council received and adopted the majority of these voter-recommended changes. As a City, the staff enforce the rules as adopted by the City Council fairly and equitably for all concerned. The recommended changes did not include a consideration for Ag-exempt properties.
This proposed amendment seeks to update the Chapter 56 of the Property Maintenance Code to continue to honor the voice of our residents that live next to the ag-exempt properties while respecting the rich tradition and heritage of farming and ranching in Texas. All of this in balance with the home-rule independence provided to cities so that we can chart our destiny based on the desires and dreams of our voting residents.
We appreciate the additional insight provided by the nine members of the Texas Legislature that offered us their perspective and time to help us reach this balance with a win-win outcome for everyone involved.
DISTRICT:
Districts 1 & 3
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approving Ordinance No. 3746 as presented.
POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTION:
1. I move to approve Ordinance No. 3746
2. I move to approve Ordinance No. 3746, with modifications.
3. I move to table the issue for further study or take no action.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Ordinance No. 3746
2. State of Texas Let...
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