Frequently Asked Questions

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A zoning district is a classification of land in the city limits which divides property into specific types of uses. Zoning regulates the type of development that can occur in an area. Zoning also sets other standards for development in a particular zoning district. City Council determines the zoning designation of a property. For example, in the City there are zones that are reserved for residential, commercial, and industrial development.

Each abbreviation refers to a specific zoning district which is regulated by an individual article or chapter contained in the Zoning Ordinance. The City of Donna is divided into five districts as follows: 

• District R-1: Single-Family Residential District
• District R-2: Multi-Family Residential District
• District B-1: Local Business District
• District B-2: General Business District
• District M-H: Mobile Home District

For the regulations and restrictions for each district, see the Zoning Ordinance.

The Planning Division keeps the official zoning map and can provide you with zoning information. Please call 956-464-6917 with either an address or legal description of the property.

A property owner may request a zone change through the Planning Department. There are a set of criteria that must be met in order for a zone change to occur. Zone change requests are presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission and to the City Council. A non-refundable filing fee of $300.00 must be paid at the time the application for zone change is filed. If you would like more information, please call the Planning Department at 956-464-6917.

Download the Zone Change Application (PDF).

Unfortunately, the City of Donna cannot provide recommendations to homeowners or general contractors regarding contractors or engineers. Please check your phone book.

A landowner may apply to have his or her property subdivided. This requires getting a surveyor and completing all other requirements. Please see application for the requirements. The non-refundable fee for an application for subdivision plat approval is $625, plus $25 per acre. Subdivision plat approvals are presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council. If you are interested in subdividing your property please contact the Planning Department at 956-464-6917 for more information.

Download the Subdivision Application (PDF).

Setbacks are distances from the property line in which a structure may not be located. Setbacks vary by the zoning designation of the property and are defined in the City of Donna Zoning Ordinance. The required setback may be different for a primary use structure versus an accessory use structure such as a shed. Find the Zoning Ordinance (PDF). For additional information, please contact the Planning Department at 956-464-6917.

State law and/or City regulations require property owners that are located within 200 feet from a proposed development to be notified. Please call the Planning Department for more information on the proposal if you have any questions. Everyone is invited to attend all Planning and Zoning Commission Meetings and City Council Public Meetings to offer any relevant public input. More information can be found in the Planning and Zoning Public Notice (PDF).

No, we do check the zone on the proposed address on applications submitted. They are only allowed in Mobile Home District MH or restrictions on the subdivisions.

The County Assessor’s office has the most up-to-date information. Please call the Hidalgo County Appraisal District at 956-381-8466 or visit its website.

Easements are designated areas on your land that are set aside for the use of others for a specific purpose, usually for a type of public utility. This means the easement holder has the right to access the property for a specific purpose such as maintenance of an electrical, water, or sanitary sewer line. Permanent structures of any nature are not allowed in easements. Fences are allowed in most types of easements with an easement encroachment agreement with the owner stating that a portion of fence may be removed if necessary. Fences are not allowed in drainage easements. For more information, please call the Planning Department at 956-464-6917.

The correct address of where light will be connected and ESID/account number.

You would need to contact your electric provider for that number. Be sure to open an account so that when we do the inspection and send to AEP, your provider can contact AEP if inspection has been sent.

No, we will send all approved inspections to either AEP or Magic Valley. Please be sure to provide us the ESID or account number. Once it is sent over you would need to contact your provider.

For a new dwelling, if there has never been a water tap the permit will be obtained at City Hall but all fees are paid at the Water Department.

It is the responsibility of the property owner to determine the location of his or her property lines. The City may have documents such as a plat or plot plan, which will show the dimensions of the property; however, hiring a licensed land surveyor is the only way to accurately locate the property lines. Acquiring a survey of your property is also the best way to resolve a property line dispute with an adjacent property owner.  The City does not recommend any specific surveyor or survey company.  Please check your phone book for a list of surveyors. The City does not have a surveyor on staff that can assist with locating property lines.

At the public hearing, the staff planner will summarize the project and key issues, then the applicant speaks on the matter.  As a project applicant this is your opportunity to present your case to the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council. After the applicant speaks, anyone else in the audience can speak and then the applicant has the opportunity for rebuttal. The hearing is then closed. The decision making body then discusses the issue and makes their decision.

Yes, if you are not sure if you need a permit, you can always contact our office at 956-464-6911 and we can give you more information.

We base our fees by the improvement value and in some cases the total square footage when permit is for new construction only.

There are plans that you need to submit. You can find that information by reading the Building Requirements (PDF).

Yes, you do need a permit to move inside or outside city limits, but the fees are different. You can download the application (PDF). If you are moving it inside city limits, we will need pictures of the house/trailer. If you are moving outside of city limits, we don’t need any pictures, just the application to be submitted.

Depending on when you come in to get permit we will do inspections. If permit is obtained before noon inspection will be done after noon same day, if permit is obtained after noon inspection will be done the following day in the morning. However, inspections are completed in the order that they are received.

No, for new dwelling a licensed electrician needs to obtain permit. We do ask them for their liability insurance and State License.

No, for new dwelling a licensed plumber needs to obtain permit. We do ask them for their liability insurance and State License.

No, a licensed plumber needs to obtain the permit.

Your driver’s license or any form of identification and a utility bill from the house where the garage sale will take place.

One garage sale every three months, and its three consecutive days. You will still need a permit if you are wanting to have one on the weekend.