The Denton Planning and Zoning Commission convened on July 23, 2025, to discuss significant legislative updates and their implications for local land use and development. The meeting began with a brief overview of the upcoming adoption process for the 2024 International Code Council standards, highlighting potential barriers that could be addressed to enhance local development.

Following a short recess, the commission reconvened to delve into the outcomes of the recent 89th legislative session. The city manager's office, in collaboration with a legislative consultant, tracked over 8,000 bills, with 1,200 reaching the governor's desk. Notably, 711 bills were identified as potentially impacting the city, with 32 receiving formal positions from the city—24 in opposition and 8 in support.

Key legislative topics included property tax relief, water supply infrastructure, and education funding. Specific bills of interest to the commission included amendments to the Texas Open Meetings Act, which will now require a three-business-day notice for agenda postings, and changes to public notification standards for zoning and public hearings.

The commission discussed several bills that will directly affect Denton, including SB 1567, which preempts cities from regulating the number of unrelated individuals living in a dwelling, and HB 2844, which limits local authority over food trucks and small food businesses. Additionally, SB 1783 restricts municipalities from adjusting impact fees more frequently than every three years.

The meeting concluded with a focus on housing legislation, particularly SB 785, which mandates that cities allow HUD code manufactured housing by right in at least one residential district. This bill, effective September 1, will require the city to amend its development code accordingly.

Commissioners expressed the need for proactive discussions regarding future legislative changes, particularly as Denton approaches a population threshold that could trigger additional regulations. The commission plans to address necessary code amendments in upcoming meetings, ensuring compliance with new state laws while considering the city's unique needs.