Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas, amending Chapter 17 "Property Maintenance", Article I "In General", Section 17-2 "Definitions", of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Denton, to revise definitions related to dwelling occupancy; amending Chapter 17, Article XIII “Minimum Building Standards”, Division 2 “Minimum Standards”, Section 17-159 “Occupancy Limitations” of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Denton, to revise Overcrowding Standards; Chapter 2 “Administration”, Article II, “Administrative Organization”, Section 2-29 “City Council Rules of Procedure” of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Denton, to revise written protest procedures; providing a repealer clause; providing a savings clause; providing a severability clause; providing a penalty clause; providing for publication; providing codification; and providing an effective date. (DCA25-0002c, Legislative Updates, Julie Wyatt)

This ordinance amends the City of Denton's Code of Ordinances to align with recent state legislation regarding dwelling occupancy and zoning protest procedures.

Key Changes:

• Dwelling Occupancy (SB 1567): The definition of "overcrowding" is revised to allow occupancy based on bedroom size and floor area (one occupant per 70 sq ft bedroom, plus one per additional 50 sq ft in the same room). This replaces the previous limit based on familial status and a maximum of four unrelated individuals. The definition of "family" is also updated to mean any number of persons living as a single housekeeping unit.
• Zoning Protest Procedures (HB 24): Procedures for written protests against zoning changes are updated. "Comprehensive zoning changes" (city-initiated changes allowing more residential development, new zoning codes, or overlays) are now fully exempted from protest procedures. For other rezoning cases that allow additional housing, written protest from owners of at least 60% of the property within 200 feet is required (previously 20%), and these cases require a majority City Council vote (4 out of 7) if protested. Rezoning cases not adding housing follow the old 20% protest threshold requiring a 3/4 council vote.

These changes are intended to ensure the City's regulations comply with state law, with an effective date 14 days after passage.