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City Master Plans
The City of Cleburne is committed to managing growth through a focused and comprehensive planning process. This ongoing effort has produced several plans with different areas of focus and recommendations targeted to the specific needs of Cleburne.
These documents have been adopted by City Council for the purpose of creating and guiding Council’s growth policies and decision-making. They also form the basis and justification for funding community infrastructure, such as roads and parks.
The comprehensive planning process is a compilation of community plans that reflect the vision and character of Cleburne. By working together with residents, business owners and local officials, we can ensure that our city continues to thrive for generations to come. Take a look at the various plans below.
Cleburne Zoning Ordinance
The Zoning Ordinance is a section of the City’s Code of Ordinances that establishes permitted land uses and distinguishes between different land use types. It is also regulatory and determines how high a building can be or how far away from the street it should be.
The Zoning Ordinance, updated in 2022, reflects both current and projected market and neighborhood conditions, as well as incorporates best practices for development regulation. These regulations will serve as a tool to maintain and enhance the character of our community; promote and protect the public health, safety, and welfare of Cleburne; conserve property values; promote orderly growth; and encourage appropriate investment of land and structures throughout the city.
Future Land Use Plan
The right of a municipality to coordinate growth is rooted in its need to protect local citizens' health, safety and welfare. An essential part of establishing the guidelines for such responsibility is the Future Land Use Plan, which sets an overall framework for Cleburne's preferred development pattern.
In general, the Future Land Use Plan determines appropriate locations for future uses, establishing the community's vision for the placement of housing, employment, social activities, and protection of natural areas. The Future Land Use Plan is not a zoning map, which would address specific development requirements on individual parcels. However, the zoning map and changes in zoning should be based on the Future Land Use Plan.
International Property Maintenance Code (IMPC)
The IPMC outlines property maintenance regulations addressing rubbish and garbage, excessive grass/weed height and minimum standards for fire safety, plumbing, electrical and mechanical components of properties and structures within the City. Municipalities all over the world have adopted the IPMC and recognize it as the global standard. In April of 2023, the City reviewed and adopted the latest edition of the IPMC along with local amendments necessary to fit the needs of our growing community.
The City also updated other property-related codes to fit the goals for the program. The proposed changes cover a variety of property standards that promote the community’s health, safety and general well-being. Changes include an ordinance regulating garage sales, nuisances, bandit signs, junked vehicles, disabled vehicles, water pollution, residential parking, driveway standards and RV storage.
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is a regional planning tool that helps local governments develop strategies to promote economic growth, job creation and community development. The plan is designed to identify economic strengths and weaknesses, and outline strategies to capitalize on opportunities and overcome challenges.
The plan includes strategies for promoting industry clusters, developing workforce training programs, attracting new businesses and investment, and improving infrastructure and public services. By implementing a CEDS, Cleburne promotes sustainable economic growth, enhances quality of life for their residents and creates opportunities for businesses and individuals to thrive.
Impact Fee Ordinance
Cleburne adopted an ordinance in February 2018 that requires developers to pay water, wastewater and roadway impact fees, in an effort to address the growing capital costs of infrastructure needs associated with new development. In essence, developers pay for the impact of their development.
State law requires a five -year update of the Land Use Assumptions and Capital Improvements Plan be completed, in part to assure the reasonableness of the calculated impact fees. Impact fees are an evaluation of existing infrastructure, expected growth rates and growth areas, and identifying new or needed improvements to existing infrastructure that are directly attributable to new development.
Comprehensive Plan
The Cleburne Comprehensive Plan is a vision for the future and a roadmap for growth. It is a policy tool that guides municipal decision-making in all areas of public administration related to growth, development practices and services. The plan is grounded in community input and adopted by City Council.
Although there are parts of the plan that address current issues, the main objective is to provide a roadmap for the future. This written plan document is the result of a community input-based process. It contains policies strategies, maps, graphics and illustrations.
Downtown Master Plan
Cleburne's Downtown Master Plan is a strategic document that outlines the vision, goals and strategies for revitalizing and enhancing the downtown area. The plan was developed through a collaborative effort involving city officials, community stakeholders and urban planning experts.
It includes an analysis of current conditions, identifies opportunities for improvement, and outlines strategies to achieve the community's goals. The plan also includes recommendations for land use and zoning, transportation and mobility improvements, public space enhancements, and economic development initiatives.
Master Thoroughfare Plan
The Cleburne Master Thoroughfare Plan, which was updated in January 2022, evaluates the city’s short- and long-term transportation needs and guides the City’s transportation growth.
The plan’s goals include developing a well-defined and maintained system of thoroughfares, collectors and local roads, which promote circulation and ensure the safety and general welfare of neighborhoods; plan and design future roadways to encourage economic development; and incorporate alternative forms of transportation into future plans and development policies.
View the Master Thoroughfare Plan 2022 | View the Master Thoroughfare Map (amended in 2022)
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
A Capital Improvements Plan is a multi-year rolling plan updated annually that identifies capital projects (projects to construct new facilities/infrastructures or make significant, long-term renewal improvements to existing facilities/infrastructures).
The plan Identifies options for funding and serves as a link between comprehensive and strategic plans and the City’s annual budget.
The City of Cleburne's Capital Improvement Plan serves as a proactive long-term 5-, 10- or 15-year plus planning tool that helps plan out funding at a five-year horizon.
Impact Fee Ordinance
Cleburne adopted an ordinance in February 2018 that requires developers to pay water, wastewater and roadway impact fees, in an effort to address the growing capital costs of infrastructure needs associated with new development. In essence, developers pay for the impact of their development.
State law requires a five -year update of the Land Use Assumptions and Capital Improvements Plan be completed, in part to assure the reasonableness of the calculated impact fees. Impact fees are an evaluation of existing infrastructure, expected growth rates and growth areas, and identifying new or needed improvements to existing infrastructure that are directly attributable to new development.
Water Master Plan
The Cleburne Water Master Plan (update in progress) outlines the City's long-term strategies for managing and providing water resources to the community. The plan is designed to assess current water usage patterns, identify potential areas for safeguarding and provide a framework for implementing future water improvement projects.
It also includes an assessment of current water resources and infrastructure, projections for future demands, and proposed upgrades, expansions and investments needed to meet those demands. In conjunction with the City's Water Modeling Plan, the document helps ensure that Cleburne has a reliable and sustainable water supply, along with the infrastructure needed to deliver that water for the future, that supports economic growth while meeting state and federal regulations. Due to information related to critical infrastructure, please contact the Public Works Department for further information about this plan.
Water Modeling Plan
The City's Water Modeling Plan (update in progress) is a tool used to simulate the behavior of a water distribution system under various conditions. It is an essential component of the design, planning and management of a water supply system. The modeling plan uses advanced software to create a digital representation of the water distribution system, allowing engineers and planners to predict how the system will behave in different scenarios.
This information is used as a guide to develop and refine the City's Water Master Plan. It helps identify potential issues, optimize system performance and make informed decisions about system upgrades or expansions. By using a water modeling plan, the City can better understand the complex interactions within the water distribution systems and develop effective strategies for delivering clean and reliable water to the community. Due to information related to critical infrastructure, please contact the Public Works Department for further information about this plan.
Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan
Cleburne's Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan (update in progress) is a comprehensive document that outlines strategies for reducing water usage and managing water supplies during times of drought. The plan is designed to help the community and water utilities conserve water resources and ensure a sustainable water supply for the future by outlining how to reduce water usage, minimize the impact of drought conditions and ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply for years to come.
It includes an assessment of current water usage patterns, identifies potential areas for conservation and provides a framework for implementing conservation measures. It also includes a plan for responding to drought conditions, such as implementing mandatory water restrictions, utilizing alternative water sources and promoting public awareness about water conservation.
Long-Term Water Supply Plan
Cleburne's Long-Term Water Supply Plan highlights the City’s proactive measures to secure additional water resources that will be needed in future decades. It is a roadmap for the sustainable management and provision of water resources for the City. The plan is designed to address a wide range of factors, including population growth, economic development growth, climate change and water quality. It outlines strategies for ensuring reliable and affordable water services, while also promoting water conservation and minimizing environmental impacts.
The plan includes a detailed assessment of current water resources and infrastructure, as well as projections for future demands. It also evaluates proposed upgrades, expansions and investments needed to meet those demands. Please contact the Public Works Department for further information about this plan.
Wastewater Master Plan
The Cleburne Wastewater Master Plan is a comprehensive document that outlines the City's long-term strategies for managing and treating wastewater generated by the community. The plan is designed to assess current wastewater treatment infrastructure and operations, identify potential areas for improvement and provide a framework for implementing upgrades and expansions. It also includes a plan for responding to potential emergencies, such as spills or equipment failures.
With the Wastewater Master Plan, the City can implement the effective and environmentally responsible treatment of wastewater and protect public health while meeting state and federal regulations related to wastewater quality. Due to information related to critical infrastructure, please contact the Public Works Department for further information about this plan.
Parks, Recreation, Trails and Open Space Master Plan
The City of Cleburne Parks, Recreation, Trails and Open Space Master Plan outlines the vision for the community’s park and recreation system, as well as its goals and possible projects through 2031. The purpose of the plan is to provide an organizational framework for improving parks and recreation facilities, programs and services to better serve our community.
The guides include detailed strategies and illustrations to easily guide the viewer along throughout the brochure. The plan also includes a vision for the future of Lake Pat Cleburne.
View the Parks and Recreation Illustrated Guide | View the Full Parks and Rec Master Plan
Cleburne Parks Bond Program
The Cleburne Parks Bond Program is a funding strategy that allows the City to invest in its public park system. At a Joint Workshop Session held on Nov. 4, 2021, City Council, 4B Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors, and Parks and Recreation Advisory Board members unanimously directed staff to move forward and develop a plan to issue 4B Bonds.
The funds raised through the bond, which is funded by the 4B Economic Development Corporation Board, which derives its revenue from the 0.5% sales tax allocation, are used to finance park improvements to Bradley Park, Winchester Park, Westhill Park, Kirtley Park (at Lake Pat Cleburne), Hulen Park and Buddy Stewart Park. By investing in park infrastructure, Cleburne can improve the quality of life for their residents, promote community engagement and physical activity, and attract visitors and businesses to the area.
Cemeteries Master Plan
The Cleburne Cemeteries Master Plan (update in progress) is a comprehensive document that outlines strategies for the sustainable management and operation of its public cemeteries. The plan is designed to provide a framework for decision-making and long-term planning related to cemetery operations, including interments, landscaping, infrastructure maintenance and burial plot management.
The plan, which is still in its development phase, will feature a detailed assessment of current cemetery facilities and operations, as well as projections for future needs. It will also outline proposed improvements, expansions and investments needed to meet those needs.
Airport Master Plan
The purpose of the Airport Master Plan is to provide a thorough discovery process to identify both the short-term and long-term needs of the airport as they relate to development, maintenance and administration. The plan evaluates existing airport conditions, assesses the impacts of future aviation demand and provides the City of Cleburne with information and direction in the continued operation of and planning for the Cleburne Regional Airport.
The current Airport Master Plan was completed in 2022. Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) suggest updating the Master Plan every 7-10 years. The City’s eligibility to receive State and Federal Capital Improvement grants is contingent upon maintaining and updating an Airport Master Plan. A Master Plan aids in projecting pavement maintenance, future airport growth, the needs of the tenants and aviation community, and many other critical components related to the operation and development of an airport.