Amarillo Zoning & Land Use Guide

Sources checked· 2026-05-24
Last updated: Verified:

Notable local initiatives in Amarillo

Named ordinances, statutes, and reforms specific to Amarillo — each linked to an official source you can verify directly.

  1. Amarillo Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 4-10)

    Amarillo's zoning regulations are codified in Chapter 4-10 of the Code of Ordinances and administered through Municode. The chapter establishes the city's zoning districts (Agricultural, R-1/R-2/R-3, MD, MF-1/MF-2, Office, Neighborhood Service, General Retail, Light Commercial, etc.), permitted uses, and dimensional standards.

    Source · library.municode.com
  2. Amarillo City Plan — Vision 2045(2024)

    Amarillo's current comprehensive plan, 'City Plan — Vision 2045,' was adopted by City Council on June 25, 2024. It received a 2024 American Planning Association Texas Chapter Comprehensive Planning Award.

    Source · amarillo.gov
  3. Amarillo Development Policy Manual

    The Planning Department maintains the Amarillo Development Policy Manual, which coordinates and clarifies the development process for private and public projects. The current edition is dated March 2008; an update to align with the Vision 2045 Complete Neighborhoods framework is on the city's high-priority action list.

    Source · amarillo.gov
  4. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 211 (state zoning enabling authority)

    Amarillo's zoning authority, like that of every Texas municipality, is granted by Texas Local Government Code Chapter 211 (Municipal Zoning Authority), which requires zoning to be 'in accordance with a comprehensive plan' and sets the procedural framework for amendments and board of adjustment relief.

    Source · statutes.capitol.texas.gov

Key Zoning Facts

Local Zoning / Building Office
City of Amarillo Planning Department(806) 378-3047
Building Code Edition
Locally adopted (IBC/IRC based)
ADU / Accessory Apartment
Verify by district
Example District
SF-1 — Single-Family Residential 1
Max Height
35 ft

Regulatory Layers That Apply in Amarillo

Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.

Federal

State — Texas

  • Building Code: No statewide building code (locally adopted)
View Texas zoning overview

County — Potter/Randall County

  • Role: County-level property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning

City / Municipal

The municipality's zoning ordinance, building-code enforcement, and local permits form the primary local layer of land-use regulation for your property.

Overlay Districts

No overlay districts identified.

Private Restrictions

  • Private covenants, deed restrictions, condominium rules, or association rules can impose requirements beyond zoning.
  • Check HOA CC&Rs and deed restrictions for additional requirements.

Primary Zoning Districts

SF-1Single-Family Residential 1
Min Lot
7,000 sq ft
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
25 ft
Side Setback
5 ft
Rear Setback
20 ft
SF-2Single-Family Residential 2
Min Lot
5,000 sq ft
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
20 ft
Side Setback
5 ft
Rear Setback
15 ft
MF-1Multi-Family Residential 1
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
MF-2Multi-Family Residential 2
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
C-1Commercial District 1
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
C-2Commercial District 2
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
I-1Light Industrial
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
I-2Heavy Industrial
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies

Permit Costs & Timelines

Check Current Permit Fees & Timelines

Permit fees and review times can vary by project type, scope, valuation, and required approvals. Check the current schedule with the local permitting authority before filing.

Check current Amarillo permit information →

Official Sources

City-specific