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.