Commercial, Multi-Family, & Major Development Projects

A major development project is a development project that includes commercial, multi-family with 3 or more units, or a mix of uses as in a Planned Development or includes new utility and/or transportation infrastructure (such as a subdivision), or a project that requires more than two City Department reviews. 

All major development projects start at Development Services and require several stages of review with the City’s Development Review Committee. The Development Review Guide and it’s 5 appendices are designed to help you navigate through major development in the City of Horseshoe Bay.

Major Development Project Application Fee
$1,000
Matching Deposit for Consulting Fees
$1,000
Major Development Construction Permit
$0 (Deposit* Only)
Major Development Construction Deposit
$ Variable per Project Size

 *Deposit = 1% of the Engineer's Opinion of Cost for Inspection Fees 

Commercial and multi-family development is much more stringently regulated in Horseshoe Bay, consistent with the requirements of other municipalities in Texas and the balance of the country. In addition to the requirements that can be determined by consulting our local ordinances and the other materials referenced within them, it is also important to know what types of development or buildings for which the State of Texas requires the use of a registered professional architect or what is known as an "excepted engineer" (one that has demonstrated sufficient competence in building design). To assist in that understanding as early as possible, we have provided a flowchart and associated notes prepared by the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners.

This type of development also requires a local site development review and approval from our Development Review Committee (DRC), which typically necessitates the services of a professional engineer. A flowchart like the one referenced above for architects, but provided by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers, is included for your convenience. After or during the site development review, a criteria-based project design review by the Planning and Zoning Commission is also required if it was not incorporated into the zoning approval for the property.

What to Expect

For any project proposed that is either Commercial, three residential units or more, Mixed Use, Planned Development, or any projects listed in the Development Guide you will need to follow the Guide and the steps for Major Project Development. Here are some things to consider.

1. Pre-Concept Meetings can be requested but do require a significant amount of information on the proposed project before one can be scheduled with the DRC (Development Review Committee). Contact Roy Jambor at 830-598-9970 to find out when a Pre-Concept Meeting can be scheduled.

2. All projects must have a Civil Site plan and Drainage Plan stamped by a professional engineer.

3. Vertical construction is only allowed after the completion and acceptance of all horizontal construction on the site.