Frequently Asked Questions

Planning and Zoning

Question
What is the Board of Adjustment?
Answer
The Board of Adjustment is a five-member board appointed by the City Council to hear requests for variances to the city zoning ordinance (i. e, setbacks, height, lot coverage, non conforming structures) or to determine if a city official has made an error regarding a zoning requirement.
Question
When does the Board of Adjustment meet?
Answer
The Board of Adjustment meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 5:15 p.m. as needed, in the Conference Room of city hall, located at 220 Texas Boulevard, Texarkana, Texas.
Question
What is a request for a variance?
Answer
A request for a variance is what a property owner seeks when strict compliance with the zoning ordinance such as application of setback, height, or area regulations would create an unnecessary hardship on the owner of a particular piece of property. To be considered for a variance, the board of adjustment must be assured that the hardship is not self-imposed, is unique to the property (size, shape, topography of the lot or tract), is not financial in nature; and does not simply preclude development for the "highest and best use" of the land.
Question
How do I request a variance?
Answer
Do the following to request a variance:
  1. Submit an Application for variance(.pdf). The application should include a $60.00 application fee (non refundable) and a site plan of the lot showing all property lines as well as a depiction of the requested variance.
  2. Appear at the public hearing before the board of adjustment.
Question
What is the City of Texarkana, Texas' Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ)?
Answer
The land up to two (2) miles beyond the current city limits.
Question
What is the fee for platting and replatting?
Answer
There is currently no fee by the city, however a fee is charged by Bowie County of $25.00 to record the plat. Click on Code of Ordinance in the left hand menu and choose Chapter 25 for more information.
Question
Where may I place a storage building on my lot?
Answer
Storage buildings are permitted in the required back yard of a lot provided that they are detached and separated from the main building by not less than 10 feet and setback from the rear and side yard property lines by not less than 3 feet as long as there is not an easement located in these areas. If the property has an usable alley at the rear yard, contact the Inspection Department 903.798.3908 or the Planning Department 903.798.3949 for setback information. A permit is required and can be obtained at the Inspection Department.
Question
Where do I find information about building setbacks requirements?
Answer
The Inspection Department 903.798.3908 or the Planning Department 903.798.3949. The information is located in the Zoning Ordinance. See Zoning Ordinance or check the subdivision plat.
Question
Do I need a permit to erect a sign?
Answer
Yes. All permits are issued by the Inspection Department 903.798.3912.
Question
Is Texarkana, Texas a Zoned Community?
Answer
Yes, Texarkana, Texas is zoned with the following districts:
1. A Agriculture
2. SF-1 Single Family 1 Residential District
3. SF-2 Single Family 2 Residential District
4. SF-3 Single Family 3 Residential District
5. PUR Planned Unit Residential
6. 2F-1 Two Family-1
7. 2F-2 Two Family-2
8. TH Townhouse
9. MF-1 Multiple Family-1
10. MF-2 Multiple Family-2
11. P Parking
12. OA Office
13. NS Neighborhood Service
14. GR General Retail
15. CB Central Business
16. LC Limited Commercial
17. C Commercial
18. I-1 Industrial-1
19. I-2 Industrial-2
20. PD Planned Development
21. S Specific Use Permit (used with a zoning district 1-20)
Question
Who can tell me how my property is zoned?
Answer
The Planning Department, at 903.798.3949 can help you determine the zoning of your property. You must know the physical location and legal description of your property including lot, block and addition as well as the names of any streets in the vicinity. To help with a legal description visit the Bowie Central Appraisal District link at www.bowieappraisal.com.
Question
Who can apply to rezone a piece of property?
Answer
The City can initiate a rezoning or a property owner or his agent. Someone other than the property owner may apply for a zoning change; however, permission of the property owner is required. See the Application to Amend Zoning Map(.pdf).
Question
What must I do to rezone my property?
Answer
Do the following to rezone your property:
  1. Call or come by the Planning Department at City Hall at 903.798.3949.
  2. Fill out the Application to Amend Zoning Map(.pdf). A $90.00 fee and a survey and /or plat of the property showing boundary dimensions is part of the application if not a lot and block description.
  3. Appear at the public hearing and present the zoning change request to the Planning and Zoning Commission for recommendation to the City Council.
  4. Appear at a public hearing and present the zoning change request to the City Council.
Question
When does the planning and zoning commission meet?
Answer
The Planning and Zoning Commission normally meets at 6:00 p. m. the first Monday of each month. The meeting is held in the council chambers on the 2nd floor of the city hall building located at 220 Texas Boulevard, Texarkana, Texas 75501. See Planning and Zoning Meeting Schedule(.pdf).
Question
Can a Manufactured Home be placed inside the City?
Answer
Each Manufactured Home must receive approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council for placement on a separate lot or tract of land inside the city. The process for this approval is by rezoning the property to a SF-3 zoning district in conjunction with the approval of a Specific Use Permit (SUP). See Zoning Change Application(.pdf) and Manufactured Home information form(.pdf).
Question
Do I need a permit to erect a fence?
Answer
No, as long as the fence has a height of less that 8 feet. If the fence is over 8 feet contact the Inspection Department 903.798.3912.