Chapter 1 - City of Heath, TX

Transcription

City of Heath
2008 Comprehensive Plan
City planning is the
systematic and continuing
application of organized
knowledge and foresight in
pursuit of clearly defined and
properly related urban
development objectives.
Physical form and function,
the most obvious
manifestations of city
planning, are not the only
elements of planning concern;
the physical city is both a
cause and effect of the social
and economic city. The kind
of planning discussed here is
applied through local
government to guide public
and private actions for the
common good.
Source: Frederick H. Bair, Jr. – Planning Cities, City
planning: what it is and what it should do, page 18
Chapter 1
Snapshot of the City
City of Heath
Table of Contents
Introduction ........................................................................ 1-1
Demographic & Socio-Economic Characteristics ..................... 1-3
Table 1-1: Heath Population, 1970-2007.............................................................................................1-3
City Population Growth ......................................................................................................................... 1-3
Figure 1-1: Heath Population, 1970-2007 ...........................................................................................1-3
Figure 1-2: Heath 2007 Population Estimate – Dunkin, Sefko & Associates Calculation .....................1-3
County Population Growth .................................................................................................................... 1-4
Table 1-2: Rockwall County Population, 1970-2007............................................................................1-4
Figure 1-3: Rockwall County Population, 1970-2007 ..........................................................................1-4
Figure 1-4: Percentage of Rockwall County Population in Heath, 1970-2007 .....................................1-4
Population Growth in Surrounding Cities .............................................................................................. 1-5
Table 1-3: Heath and Surrounding Cities – Population Growth, 1980-2007 .........................................1-5
Figure 1-5: Heath and Surrounding Cities – Population Growth, 1980-2007........................................1-5
Plate 1-1: Heath & Surrounding Cities ..................................................................................... 1-6
Population Diversity – Race, Ethnicity & Age ........................................................................................ 1-7
Race & Ethnicity ................................................................................................................................................1-7
Table 1-4: Heath’s Racial & Ethnic Composition, 1990 & 2000 ...........................................................1-7
Age Distribution .................................................................................................................................................1-8
Figure 1-6: Age Distribution Percentages, 1990 & 2000......................................................................1-8
Citizens’ Educational Attainment .......................................................................................................... 1-9
Table 1-5: Educational Attainment of Heath Citizenry, 1990 & 2000 ...................................................1-9
Figure 1-7: Educational Attainment of Heath Citizenry, Percentage Differences Between 1990 &
2000..................................................................................................................................1-9
Local Income Levels ........................................................................................................................... 1-10
Figure 1-8: Household Income in Heath, 1989 & 1999......................................................................1-10
Figure 1-9: Median Household Income Levels in Heath and Surrounding Cities in 1999 ..................1-11
Types of Households Locally .............................................................................................................. 1-11
Table 1-6: Household Types in Heath, 1990 & 2000 .........................................................................1-12
Citizens’ Commute Time ..................................................................................................................... 1-12
Figure 1-10: Commute Time for Heath Workers 16 Years of Age and Over in 2000 .........................1-13
Table 1-7: Location of Employment for Heath Workers 16 Years and Older, 1990 & 2000 ...............1-13
Local & Regional Housing Market....................................................................................................... 1-14
Housing Type ..................................................................................................................................................1-14
Table 1-8: Local Housing Types, 1999, 2000, 2007 ..........................................................................1-14
Chapter 1: Snapshot of the City
Page 1-i
City of Heath
Table 1-9: Housing Types in Heath and Surrounding Cities in 2000 ................................................ 1-15
Housing Value ................................................................................................................................................ 1-15
Figure 1-11: Housing Values in Heath, 1990 & 2000........................................................................ 1-15
Figure 1-12: Median Housing Values in Heath and Surrounding Cities, 1990 & 2000 ...................... 1-16
2006 Average Home Values ........................................................................................................................... 1-16
Figure 1-13: Average Market Values in Heath and Surrounding Cities in 2006 ................................ 1-17
Summary of Findings .......................................................................................................................... 1-17
Existing Land Use Characteristics........................................1-19
Land Use Types .................................................................................................................................. 1-19
Single-Family .................................................................................................................................................. 1-19
Duplex............................................................................................................................................................. 1-19
Plate 1-2: Existing Land Use.................................................................................................. 1-20
Multiple-Family................................................................................................................................................ 1-21
Public/Semi-Public.......................................................................................................................................... 1-21
Parks and Open Space................................................................................................................................... 1-21
Private Recreation .......................................................................................................................................... 1-21
Office .............................................................................................................................................................. 1-21
Retail .............................................................................................................................................................. 1-22
Commercial..................................................................................................................................................... 1-22
Vacant............................................................................................................................................................. 1-22
Rights-of-Way (ROW) ..................................................................................................................................... 1-22
Land Use Composition ........................................................................................................................ 1-22
Table 1-10: Existing Land Use in Heath – 2001 & 2007 .................................................................... 1-23
Figure 1-14: Percentages of Total Land for Generalized Land Use Types in 2001 and 2007........... 1-24
Land Use Analysis............................................................................................................................... 1-24
Developed Acreage Within Heath ................................................................................................................... 1-24
Vacant Acreage Within Heath ......................................................................................................................... 1-24
Current Land Use Densities ............................................................................................................................ 1-25
Table 1-11: Existing Acres Per 100 Persons – 2001 & 2007 ............................................................. 1-25
Summary of Land Use Characteristics................................................................................................ 1-26
Local Development Patterns ............................................... 1-27
Development Over Time ..................................................................................................................... 1-27
Table 1-12: Lots Developed in Heath By Decade ............................................................................. 1-27
Recent Development – 2001 to 2006................................................................................................... 1-27
Plate 1-3: Development Patterns Over Time ......................................................................... 1-28
Figure 1-15: Number of Residential Building Permits Issued, 2001-2006......................................... 1-29
Residential Development – Variety Analysis ....................................................................................... 1-29
Page 1-ii
City of Heath
Table 1-14: Single-Family Residential Lot Sizes and Acreage in Heath............................................1-29
Plate 1-4: Residential Lot Size Analysis ................................................................................ 1-30
Figure 1-16: Single-Family Residential Lot Size Percentages...........................................................1-31
Summary of the Development Patterns Analysis................................................................................ 1-31
Page 1-iii
City of Heath
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Page 1-iv
City of Heath
Introduction
A city’s comprehensive plan can be defined as a long-range planning tool that is intended to be used by
City staff, decision-makers and citizens to guide the growth and physical development of a community for
10 years, 20 years, or an even longer period of time. The State of Texas has established laws with regard
to the way in which incorporated communities can ensure the health, safety and welfare of their citizens.
State law gives communities the power to regulate the use of land, but only if such regulations are based
on a plan. Specifically, the law states:
The governing body of a municipality may adopt a comprehensive plan for the long-range
development of the municipality…A municipality may define the relationship between a
comprehensive plan and development regulations and may provide standards for
determining the consistency required between a plan and development regulations.
Chapter 213 of the Texas Local Government Code
In basic terms, the primary objectives of a comprehensive plan are to accomplish the following:
Efficient delivery of public services,
Coordination of public and private investment,
Minimization of potential conflicts between land uses,
Management of growth in an orderly manner,
Cost-effective public investments, and
A rational and reasonable basis for making decisions about the community.
There are two interrelated purposes of a comprehensive plan; one, it allows the citizens of a community to
create a shared vision of what they want the community to become, and two, it establishes ways in which
a community can effectively realize this vision. This 2008 Comprehensive Plan is, therefore, a vision of
what Heath can become and is a long-range statement of the City’s public policy.
Heath has a tradition of planning; the City’s previous plan was completed in 2001, and City leaders and
staff have effectively followed many of the guidelines and recommendations in the years since its
adoption. By continuing this planning tradition with this latest version of the comprehensive plan, the City
can continue to pattern its growth in a positive manner – through traditional planning elements, as well as
through new and innovative planning-related policies. The product of this latest planning effort will be a
2008 Comprehensive Plan document that the City can use in the years to come.
This Snapshot of the City represents the initial step in developing this Comprehensive Plan. It establishes
a reference point from which decisions that represent the community’s interests can be made. It also
enables all people involved in the planning process to have a clear understanding of the City and its
characteristics by providing a context of facts and documentation of the physical and socioeconomic
Page 1-1
City of Heath
(demographic) characteristics unique to Heath and the surrounding area. These sections reveal the
opportunities for and potential limitations to the growth and development of Heath.
The targeted time-frame for the culmination of this comprehensive planning process is the Spring of 2008.
This 2008 Comprehensive Plan, once adopted, becomes the official planning document of the City.
However, this document does not represent the end of the process—planning is not a single event, it is
continuous. The 2008 Comprehensive Plan is intended to be a dynamic, adaptable guide to help citizens
and officials shape Heath’s future on a continual, proactive basis. The City has recognized this in the
past, and it is anticipated that planning in Heath will continue long after this 2008 Comprehensive Plan is
adopted.
Page 1-2
City of Heath
Demographic & Socio-Economic Characteristics
There are many elements within a city that are important – a government body, roadways, parks, and
neighborhoods are a few such elements. However, the most important aspect of a city is its citizenry.
The people who live in Heath, how they live, and where they make a living are the key factors in what kind
of city Heath is today, and what kind of city it will be in the future. This section provides an overview of
various characteristics of the people who call Heath home.
Table 1-1: Heath Population, 1970-2007
City Population Growth
Year
Heath has experienced marked population growth since
1990, as Table 1-1 to the right shows. Between 1990
and 2007, the City is estimated to have tripled its
population.
The percentage change in the local
population was greatest between 1970 and 1980.
However, the greatest numerical increase is estimated
to have occurred in the years since 2000.
1970
1980
1990
2000
2007(1)
2007(2)
Population
Population
Change
Percent
Change
520
1,459
2,108
4,149
6,896
6,350
---------939
649
2,041
2,747
2,201
---------180.6%
44.5%
96.8%
66.2%
53.0%
Source: U.S. Census
(1)
Dunkin, Sefko & Associates estimate
(2)
NCTCOG estimate
Figure 1-1: Heath Population, 1970-2007
8,000
6,896
It should be noted that there are
two population estimates shown for
4,000
4,149
Heath for 2007 – one has been
2,000
calculated by Dunkin, Sefko &
2,108
520
1,459
Associates, and the other by the
0
North Central Texas Council of
1970
1980
1990
2000
2007
Governments (NCTCOG).
The
methodology used by Dunkin, Sefko & Associates to determine this population estimate was to establish
an accurate housing count through a windshield survey, then apply the occupancy rate and persons per
household figures from the 2000 U.S. Census. These calculations are shown below.
6,000
Figure 1-2: Heath 2007 Population Estimate – Dunkin, Sefko & Associates Calculation
Housing
Count
2,427
Multiplied
By
Occupancy
Rate
94.4%
Multiplied
By
Persons per
Household
3.01
Equals
Population
Estimate
6,896
The NCTCOG’s population estimate is more generalized, and therefore Dunkin, Sefko & Associates’
estimate of 6,896 people will be used within this Snapshot and throughout this Comprehensive Plan for
Heath’s 2007 population estimate.
Page 1-3
City of Heath
County Population Growth
Table 1-2: Rockwall County Population, 1970-2007
In past years, Rockwall County has been
Population
Percent Change
Year
Population
one of the fastest growing counties in
Change
Texas, as well as in the nation. Table 1-2 to
1970
7,046
----------------------------the right shows the population change
1980
14,528
7,482
106.2%
within the County since 1970.
The
263.4%
1990
25,604
11,076
76.2%
population has almost doubled between
2000
43,080
17,476
68.3%
every Census count for the years shown.
187.1%
2007(1)
73,500
30,420
70.6%
The NCTCOG estimates that the population
Source: U.S. Census
growth has not waned since 2000, and has
(1)
NCTCOG estimate
estimated that the County is now home to
approximately 73,500 people. Figure 1-3 below shows this population growth graphically.
Figure 1-3: Rockwall County Population, 1970-2007
Another
interesting
set
of
73,500
information is contained within
70,000
Figure 1-4. This figure shows the
60,000
percentages of population within
Rockwall County that reside in
50,000
43,080
Heath. This figure allows for an
40,000
analysis of which entity is growing
30,000
faster – the City or the County.
25,604
The
NCTCOG
population
20,000
14,528
estimate for Heath for 2007 is
10,000
used in this figure to provide
7,046
0
consistency with the latest
1970
1980
1990
2000
2007
population estimates for Rockwall
County. Figure 1-4 shows that the
percentage of Rockwall County’s population within Heath has decreased slightly since 1980, but that it
has been relatively steady since 2000. This is a positive fact because it means that residential
development is not occurring within the County’s unincorporated areas faster than it is occurring in Heath.
80,000
Figure 1-4: Percentage of Rockwall County Population in Heath, 1970-2007
12%
10.04%
10%
9.63%
8.23%
7.38%
8%
6%
4%
2%
0%
County
1970
1980
1990
2000
2007
7.38%
10.04%
8.23%
9.63%
9.38%
Page 1-4
9.38%
City of Heath
Population Growth in Surrounding Cities
The cities that surround Heath (Plate 1-1) have also experienced high growth rates, as shown in Table 1-3
below. It should be noted that the NCTCOG population estimate for Heath for 2007 is again used in this
comparison to provide consistency with the latest population estimates for the cities that surround Heath.
Rowlett and Rockwall were the two highest growth cities, respectively, in the area. Heath was third in its
rate of growth, behind Rowlett and Rockwall.
Table 1-3: Heath and Surrounding Cities – Population Growth, 1980-2007
Year
Heath
Forney
McLendonChisholm
Rockwall
Rowlett
Sunnyvale
1980
1990
2000
2007(1)
1,459
2,108
4,149
6,896
2,483
4,070
5,588
11,450
---------646
914
1,550
5,939
10,486
17,976
30,750
7,522
23,260
44,503
53,750
1,404
2,228
2,693
3,950
Percentage Growth
372.7%
361.1%
139.9%
417.8%
614.6%
181.3%
Average Annual
Compounded Growth
5.9%
5.8%
5.3%
6.3%
7.6%
3.9%
Source: U.S. Census
(1)
NCTCOG estimate
Figure 1-5: Heath and Surrounding Cities – Population Growth, 1980-2007
50,000
Heath
40,000
Forney
McLendon-Chisholm
30,000
Rockwall
20,000
Rowlett
Sunnyvale
10,000
0
1980
1990
2000
2007
Figure 1-5 shows the population growth of these various cities graphically. It is interesting to note that
Sunnyvale and Heath – both cities which are well-known for high-quality living – had very similar population
numbers in 1980 and 1990, but Heath has surpassed Sunnyvale in population growth since 1990.
McLendon-Chisholm has experienced the slowest rate of growth of all the cities surrounding Heath.
Page 1-5
City of Heath
Plate 1-1: Heath & Surrounding Cities
Page 1-6
City of Heath
Population Diversity – Race, Ethnicity & Age
The significance of the previous discussion on local and regional population growth to this comprehensive
planning process is relatively evident. Population growth in Heath and the surrounding area affects the
City’s infrastructure planning, land use pattern, quality of life,
etc. It may be less evident, however, as to why the diversity of
Local urban strategies incorporating the
cultural dimension can contribute positively
the local population is important to the planning process. The
to promoting real equality of opportunity in
principle reason is to ensure that the City is aware of its racial,
the city and urban areas, to targeting
ethnic and age composition so that its public decision-making
specific initiatives in specific areas, and to
process is representative, meaning that all groups are
promoting social cohesion and social
adequately included and represented in these processes. The
inclusion of migrants and ethnic minorities.
following information on the composition of Heath’s population
Introduction: Recommendations on integrated
is provided for this purpose. It should be noted that the latest
perspectives on and approaches to cultural diversity
and urban development. The Ministry of Refugee,
information of this kind is the 2000 U.S. Census, and therefore
Immigration and Integration Affairs website.
the composition may now be slightly, but probably not
substantially, different due to the growth the City has
experienced in the last seven years.
Race & Ethnicity
Heath has historically been, and remained in 2000, a relatively homogenous City in terms of race
and ethnicity. As Table 1-4 shows, while the City continued to experience an increase in the
number of citizens that were Caucasian between 1990 and 2000, the percentage of Caucasian
citizens decreased. Similarly, the number of African-American citizens increased, although the
percentage slightly decreased. The largest percentage increase was within the Other Race group,
which grew by 2.7 percent (138 people) during the decade between 1990 and 2000. During the
same time period, there was also a small percentage increase in the people of Hispanic Origin, at
0.4 percent (71 people).
Table 1-4: Heath’s Racial & Ethnic Composition, 1990 & 2000
1990
2000
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Percentage
Difference
Caucasian
2,062
97.8%
3,950
95.2%
-2.6%
African-American
19
0.9%
34
0.8%
-0.1%
Other Race
27
1.3%
165
4.0%
2.7%
Total Population
2,108
100.0%
4,149
100.0%
----------
Hispanic Origin(1)
54
2.6%
125
3.0%
0.4%
Race/Ethnicity
Source: U.S. Census
(1)
Note: Hispanic Origin can be of any race, and is therefore not included in the overall total, but is shown as a percentage of the total.
Page 1-7
City of Heath
Age Distribution
In terms of age distribution between the Census years 1990 and 2000, there have been numerical
increases in all age groups because of Heath’s general population growth. Therefore, shown in
Figure 1-6 below are the percentage differences, which indicate more clearly the fluctuations that
each age group experienced. The largest segments of the local population are comprised of the
Young, Prime Labor Force, and Older Labor Force groups, and these are the segments that
experienced the largest differences between 1990 and 2000. The largest increases occurred within
the Young group and the Older Labor Force group, which increased by approximately three and two
percent, respectively. The Prime Labor Force experienced the largest decrease in the decade
between 1990 and 2000, which was a decrease of approximately 3.6 percent, while the College,
New Family group experienced less of a decrease at just over one percent.
Figure 1-6: Age Distribution Percentages, 1990 & 2000
35.0%
30.0%
25.0%
20.0%
15.0%
10.0%
5.0%
0.0%
Young
(0-14 yrs)
College,
Prime Labor Older Labor
High School
New Family
Force
Force
(15-19 yrs)
(20-24 yrs)
(25-44 yrs) (45-64 yrs)
Elderly
(65+ yrs)
1990
23.0%
7.2%
3.2%
31.5%
26.5%
8.7%
2000
26.0%
7.5%
2.1%
27.8%
28.4%
8.2%
Source: U.S. Census
Other age groups remained relatively stable. Percentages fluctuated by only a few tenths of a
percent in the High School and Elderly age groups. The stability of these age groups is what is
desired – Heath would ideally be a city that provides for and remains attractive to people of all ages,
so that they will stay in Heath for their full life cycle. This ideal and how Heath can actively pursue it
will be discussed further in later chapters of this 2008 Comprehensive Plan.
Page 1-8
City of Heath
Citizens’ Educational Attainment
Trends relative to the educational level of a population generally indicate the skill and abilities of the
residents of the community. The fact that the City of Heath had a high median household income (Figure
1-9) and median housing value (Figure 1-12) suggests a well-educated citizenry. Table 1-5 and Figure 17 below show that this was in fact reality in the years the Census was taken, and that higher education
levels (percentage of people with college degrees) increased between 1990 and 2000.
Table 1-5: Educational Attainment of Heath Citizenry, 1990 & 2000
1990
2000
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Percentage
Difference
1990-2000
Less Than 9th Grade
37
2.6%
22
0.9%
-1.8%
9th to 12th Grade, No Diploma
93
6.6%
96
3.8%
-2.8%
High School Graduate (Includes Equivalency)
342
24.3%
506
20.2%
-4.2%
Some College, No Degree
363
25.8%
578
23.0%
-2.8%
Associate Degree
89
6.3%
139
5.5%
-0.8%
Bachelor's Degree
306
21.8%
708
28.2%
6.4%
Graduate or Professional Degree
175
12.5%
462
18.4%
5.9%
Total (Persons 25 Years & Over)
1,405
100.0%
2,511
100.0%
n/a
Education Level
Percent high school graduate or higher
90.7%
95.3%
4.6%
Percent bachelor's degree or higher
34.2%
46.6%
12.4%
Source: U.S. Census
Figure 1-7: Educational Attainment of Heath Citizenry, Percentage Differences Between 1990 & 2000
8.0%
6.0%
4.0%
2.0%
0.0%
-2.0%
-4.0%
-6.0%
Less Than
9th Grade
Associate
Degree
9th to 12th,
No Diploma
High School
Grad
Bachelor’s
Degree
Graduate or
Professional
Degree
Some College,
No Degree
Source: U.S. Census
Page 1-9
City of Heath
Local Income Levels
Income levels are interesting to note for two primary reasons. First, if there is a great fluctuation in
household income levels from one Census year to another, it may indicate that employment opportunities
(regionally or locally) are increasing or decreasing. Second,
Median Income in 1989: $55,447
income is an indicator for the retail market—higher income
levels generally mean more disposable income and more
Median Income in 1999: $98,975
retail possibilities, which in turn mean a higher tax base for a
A difference of: $43,528
community.
Figure 1-8 contains income information for Heath for 1989
With an adjustment for inflation, a
difference of: $24,480
Inflation Calculator from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
and 1999, which correspond to the Census years 1990 and
2000, respectively. The years 1989 and 1999 are used here
due to the fact that when the U.S. Census collects information on household income, the question
pertains to income earned in the previous year, which for the Census years would be 1989 and 1999.
Figure 1-8: Household Income in Heath, 1989 & 1999
450
400
1989
1999
350
300
1989: 68 Households had an income of $150,000 or more (this
was the highest category available).
1999: 184 Households had an income of $150,000 to $199,999.
245 had an income of $200,000 or more.
250
200
150
100
50
0
Less than
$9,999
$10,000 to
$14,999
$15,000 to
$24,999
$25,000 to
$34,999
$35,000 to
$49,999
$50,000 to
$74,999
$75,000 to
$99,999
$100,000 to
$149,999
$150,000 or
more
Source: U.S. Census
All lower income categories experienced percentage decreases, while all higher income categories
($50,000 and above) experienced percentage increases. The largest percentage increase occurred
within the $150,000 or more category. The median income level also significantly rose between 1989 and
1999, specifically by over $24,480 after the 1989 median income is corrected for inflation (to 1999
dollars).
Also interesting to examine is how income levels in Heath compare with those of surrounding cities.
Figure 1-9 (following page) shows this information graphically by comparing median income levels in each
city according to the 2000 Census. Heath had the highest median income of all of the cities. Sunnyvale
had the second-highest, with McLendon-Chisholm a close third. Forney had the lowest median income of
the cities listed.
Page 1-10
City of Heath
Figure 1-9: Median Household Income Levels in Heath and Surrounding Cities in 1999
$98,975
$100,000
$86,952
$90,000
$81,079
$80,000
$70,947
$65,411
$70,000
$52,014
$60,000
$50,000
$40,000
$30,000
$20,000
$10,000
$0
Heath
Forney
McLendonChisholm
Rockwall
Rowlett
Sunnyvale
Source: U.S. Census
Types of Households Locally
The phrase “type of household” refers to how people who live within a household, if they do not live alone,
are related. This section examines what types of households are found within Heath, and whether these
types have changed significantly between the 1990 and 2000 Census. Households have changed over
past decades, from most households being occupied by the traditional nuclear family to many, if not most,
households being a combination of two families, single-parent families, or couples without children. One
study that has analyzed the 2000 Census determined that “suburbs now contain more non-family
households—largely young singles and elderly people living alone—than married couples with children.” 1-1
Does this hold true for Heath? Table 1-6 (following page) contains household type information for the City
for 1990 and 2000.
The above-referenced study does not, in fact, hold true for Heath according to the 2000 Census figures.
While non-family households and people living alone did contribute significant percentages of the overall
population of the City at 12 percent and 9.1 percent, respectively, each were still much less than the
family household percentage of 88 percent. Also significant is the percentage of households with
individuals under 18 years of age, which accounted for almost 49 percent of all households in Heath.
1-1
Frey, William H. and Alan Berube. City Families and Suburban Singles: An Emerging Household Story from Census 2000. (Census 2000 Series)
Center on Urban & Metropolitan Policy, The Brookings Institution. Washington, D.C. February 2002.
Page 1-11
City of Heath
Table 1-6: Household Types in Heath, 1990 & 2000
Household Type
Family Households
With Own Children Under 18 Years
Married Couple Family
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Percentage
Difference
1990-2000
642
307
584
1,215
644
1,130
165
88.0%
46.7%
81.9%
43.0%
3.9%
2.4%
12.0%
-0.3%
4.4%
1.6%
2.8%
-1.9%
1.0%
0.3%
1990
2000
Non-Family Households
85
88.3%
42.2%
80.3%
40.2%
5.8%
1.4%
11.7%
Householder Living Alone
Householder 65 Years and Over
71
44
9.8%
6.1%
125
37
9.1%
2.7%
-0.7%
-3.4%
Households with Individuals Under 18 Years
Households with Individuals Over 65 Years
338
107
46.5%
14.7%
672
230
48.7%
16.7%
2.2%
1.9%
Female Householder, No Husband Present
292
42
10
593
54
33
Total Households
727
1,380
Average Household Size
2.90
3.01
Source: U.S. Census
The changes in percentages between 1990 and 2000 are also interesting to note. The percentage of
family households with their own children under 18 years old increased by over four percent (a numerical
growth of 337 families); this was the population segment with the largest percentage increase. The total
percentage of family households decreased slightly, as did households with people living alone. The
percentages of households with people 65 years of age and over remained stable, which is consistent
with the discussion related to this age group previously within the Snapshot (see Figure 1-5 and the
related discussion). Discussion on the relationship between household types, development patterns, and
providing living options for people’s full-life cycle will be contained within the Livability Strategy chapter of
this 2008 Comprehensive Plan.
Citizens’ Commute Time
Often in today’s society, an important consideration related to where people want to live is the amount of
time it takes to travel between work and home everyday. As Heath and the surrounding area continues to
grow in population, traffic and time on the roadways will likely increase, especially to and from the DallasFort Worth Metroplex. Many citizens have likely already begun to notice this increase given Heath’s
population increases over the past few years (Figure 1-1). Figure 1-10 on the following page graphically
depicts information related to commute time for employed Heath citizens from the 2000 Census.
The largest percentage of people (35.7 percent) had a commute of 20 to 39 minutes, but a large
percentage (28 percent) also had an even longer commute, taking 40 to 59 minutes to get to work.
Together these percentages accounted for almost 64 percent of the employed population in Heath. This
Page 1-12
City of Heath
suggests that most of Heath’s employed population is traveling to jobs in Dallas, rather than traveling to
jobs locally or in the immediate area. However, approximately 19 percent had a commute time of less
than 20 minutes, suggesting that there is employment available in close proximity to Heath. Almost seven
percent of those employed worked from home, which is a percentage that has likely increased in the
years since the Census was taken with the increase in telecommuting.
Figure 1-10: Commute Time for Heath Workers 16 Years of Age and Over in 2000
Worked at Home
35.7%
Less than 20 Minutes
19.1%
20 to 39 Minutes
40 to 59 Minutes
One Hour to 89 Minutes
An Hour-and-a-Half or More
6.7%
28.0%
2.3%
8.2%
Source: 2000 U.S. Census
Table 1-7 below supports the conclusions made from the commute time information as to where citizens
of Heath are working. Almost 73 percent of Heath’s working population worked outside of Rockwall
County in 2000, while only about 27 percent worked within Rockwall County. However, between 1990
and 2000, there was an increase in the number of citizens who worked within the County, and a decrease
in the number of citizens who worked in Dallas, suggesting an increase in the number of jobs available
locally and/or the in the ability to telecommute.
Table 1-7: Location of Employment for Heath Workers 16 Years and Older, 1990 & 2000
Location of Work
Central city (Dallas)
1990
2000
Number
Percent of Total
Number
Percent of Total
466
43.1%
687
28.4%
Worked In Rockwall County
215
19.9%
468
27.1%
Worked Outside Rockwall County
838
77.6%
1,262
72.9%
Total Workers
1,080
2,417
Source: U.S. Census
Page 1-13
City of Heath
Local & Regional Housing Market
Quality of housing and the appreciation of housing values are important planning considerations. The
condition of existing housing and the quality of residential neighborhoods affects the desirability of Heath
as a place to live and the potential for future development of the City. As such, the community has a
strong interest in its ability to provide high quality housing. Heath is currently what can be termed a highly
livable community: the continued presence of quality housing is critical to ensure that the City maintains
and enhances its livability in the years to come. The following sections, therefore, outline various
characteristics of Heath’s housing supply.
Housing Type
A variety of housing types is important to communities because such variety is one of the key ways
to provide living options that appeal to people in all stages of life. Analysis of this factor currently
within Heath will give a basis from which to make recommendations regarding variety of housing
types later within this 2008 Comprehensive Plan. Table 1-8 below contains this information on
Heath’s mix of housing types in 1999, 2000, and 2007.
Table 1-8: Local Housing Types, 1999, 2000, 2007
Specific
Description
General Type
Single-Family
Duplex
Triplex or Quadriplex
1-Unit Detached
1-Unit Attached
2 Units
3 or 4 Units
5 to 9 Units
Multiple-Family
10 or More
Units
Manufactured Home
Mobile Home
Total
1999 Comp Plan(1)
Number Percent
1,282
97.1%
32
2.4%
2000(2)
Number
Percent
1,349
39
7
10
14
94.7%
2.7%
0.5%
0.7%
1.0%
0
0.0%
2007 Comp Plan(3)
Number
Percent
97.5%
2,389
98.4%
2.2%
38
1.6%
6
0.5%
5
0.4%
0
0.0%
1,320
100.0%
1,424
100.0%
2,427
100.0%
Source: (1) 2001 Comprehensive Plan
(2)
2000 U.S. Census
(3)
Windshield Survey conducted by Dunkin, Sefko & Associates in January of 2007
Perhaps the most significant piece of information from the table is the number of detached singlefamily units that were constructed between 2000 and 2007, especially compared to other housing
types. There were virtually no other unit types constructed, making single-family housing account
for over 98 percent of the total units in Heath. Another interesting fact is that there were only a
nominal number of manufactured home units counted in 1999, and by 2007, there were none. This
suggests that land values in Heath are becoming so high that manufactured home units are being
naturally eliminated by market forces.
Surrounding cities and their respective housing type percentages are shown in Table 1-9 (following
page) according to the 2000 Census (used for comparative purposes). The highest percentage
Page 1-14
City of Heath
within each type is shown in bold text. Comparatively, Heath had slightly more variety in housing
than Sunnyvale and McLendon-Chisholm.
Table 1-9: Housing Types in Heath and Surrounding Cities in 2000
Housing Type
Heath
Forney
McLendonChisholm
Rockwall
Rowlett
Sunnyvale
Single-Family
97.5%
83.8%
99.1%
82.0%
97.3%
100.0%
Multiple-Family
2.2%
7.9%
0.0%
17.5%
1.4%
0.0%
Manufactured Home
0.4%
8.4%
0.9%
0.5%
1.3%
0.0%
Source: U.S. Census
Housing Value
Median Housing Value in 1989: $140,899
Median Housing Value in 1999: $263,500
Housing values are important to examine
because they are indicative of what the City
A difference of: $122,601
can expect its future housing stock to
With an adjustment for inflation, a difference of: $74,196
contribute to the local economy and
Inflation Calculator from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
aesthetic quality. Figure 1-11 contains
information on the value of local owneroccupied units for 1990 and 2000. There was a decrease of over 21 percent in the $50,000 to
$99,999 category, which was the largest percentage difference between 1990 and 2000. The
largest increases in housing value were in the higher-range value categories, especially the
category of $300,000 to $499,999. There were also many more houses valued at $500,000 or
more in 2000 than in 1990.
Figure 1-11: Housing Values in Heath, 1990 & 2000
350
1990
300
2000
250
200
0
124
125
92
100
13
286
195
168
150
50
328
1989: 7 Houses were valued at $500,000 or more
(this was the highest category available).
1999: 102 Houses were valued at $500,000 to
$999,999. 23 were valued at $1,000,000 or more.
125
107
80
79
29
7
Less than
$50,000
$50,000 to
$99,999
$100,000 to
$149,999
$150,000 to
$199,999
$200,000 to
$299,999
$300,000 to
$499,999
$500,000 or
more
Difference of:
0.2%
Difference of:
(-)21.2%
Difference of:
(-)5.0%
Difference of:
(-)3.3%
Difference of:
5.8%
Difference of:
14.2%
Difference of:
9.4%
Source: U.S. Census
Page 1-15
City of Heath
The median value of housing in each of the surrounding cities is shown in Figure 1-12 below.
Heath and Sunnyvale experienced the largest increases in their median housing values between
1990 and 2000, and Heath maintained its position in 2000 as the city with the highest median value.
McLendon-Chisholm and Rockwall had similar median values in both 1990 and 2000. These facts
about median housing value correlate to the income levels (for 2000) shown for each of these cities
previously within this chapter (Figure 1-9).
Figure 1-12: Median Housing Values in Heath and Surrounding Cities, 1990 & 2000
1990
$263,500
Heath
2000
$140,900
$93,000
Forney
$65,900
$162,200
McLendon-Chisholm
$126,300
$118,600
2000
$116,900
Rowlett
$88,700
$206,600
Sunnyvale
$0
1990
$155,600
Rockwall
$138,900
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
$250,000
$300,000
Source: U.S. Census
2006 Average Home Values
The value of local residential property is an important factor for all cities to consider, including
Heath. Single-family housing valuation within Heath impacts City services, City staffing levels, and
the like. Residential property tax contributes greatly to the overall tax revenue Heath is able to
attain, especially given the fact that the City has very little non-residential uses to contribute to its
tax base. This is one of the primary reasons that housing values, discussed previously within the
Snapshot, are an important municipal consideration. Figure 1-13 (following page) shows the
respective average valuation for Heath and surrounding cities for the year 2006.1-2
The average market value of homes in Heath in 2006 was $354,640, which was the highest in the
area. The city of Sunnyvale was second to Heath at $249,870, but the difference between the two
average values is almost $100,000, which is a significant amount. In fact, none of the averages of
these cities are close to one another, suggesting that there are homes of varying price ranges in the
region, with Heath and Sunnyvale being the most expensive places to live in terms of housing
value, and Rowlett being the least expensive.
1-2
This information for the city of Forney was unavailable and is therefore not included in the figure.
Page 1-16
City of Heath
Figure 1-13: Average Market Values in Heath and Surrounding Cities in 2006
$400,000
$350,000
$300,000
$250,000
$200,000
$150,000
$100,000
$50,000
$0
Series1
Heath
Rockwall
Rowlett
Sunnyvale
$354,640
$180,090
$156,820
$249,870
Source: Heath and Rockwall - Rockwall Central Appraisal District Website, www.rockwallcad.com/statistics.htm
Rowlett and Sunnyvale - Dallas Central Appraisal District Website, www.dcad.org
Summary of Findings
This concludes the discussion of the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of Heath’s
population and related aspects of the surrounding area. Key findings include:
Heath has experienced a relatively high rate of population growth since 1990, with slower,
steady growth before 1990. This is consistent with the population growth of Rockwall County.
Population growth in some surrounding cities has been faster, such as in Rowlett and Rockwall,
while in others growth has been slower, such as in Sunnyvale.
The level of race/ethnic diversity in Heath did not change substantially between the 1990 and 2000
U.S. Census. At the time of the 2000 Census, the City was not a very diverse community.
The following age groups increased between 1990 and 2000 at the highest rates in Heath: people
14 years of age and younger, and people between 45 and 64 years of age. The Prime Labor
Force, people 25 to 44 years of age, experienced the largest decrease in the decade between
1990 and 2000. The variations in these age groups can impact the school system and economic
development opportunities.
The local population is becoming increasingly educated.
The median income level in Heath in 2000 was significantly higher than other area cities.
Sunnyvale’s median income was the closest, but was more than $10,000 below Heath’s.
The percentage of Non-Family Households increased slightly between 1990 and 2000, but Family
Households still represented, by far, the largest percentage of households in the City in 2000 at 88
percent.
Page 1-17
City of Heath
People are willing to commute relatively far distances to work in order to live in Heath. The
majority commuted at least 20 minutes, and many commuted 40 minutes to an hour, to work in
2000. However, the number of people working in Dallas decreased between 1990 and 2000,
while the number of people working in Rockwall County increased, suggesting that employment
opportunities in the immediate area are increasing. Commute times may, therefore, be
decreasing as the area around Heath becomes more balanced with both residential and nonresidential uses. Telecommuting opportunities may also be helping to reduce commute times.
The vast majority of the housing units in Heath are single-family.
Housing values in Heath are high. Values increased between the 1990 and 2000 Census, and
were higher in 2000 than in any of the surrounding cities. This remained the case in 2006, with
average residential market values in Heath being over $100,000 more than Sunnyvale, which was
the city with the second highest market values in the area.
Page 1-18
City of Heath
Existing Land Use Characteristics
In order to more accurately assess the City's future land use needs, as will be accomplished in the Land
Use Strategy (Chapter 5), an analysis of present land use patterns is very important. The pattern of land
use that exists today within the City has evolved to satisfy the requirements of the community as it has
grown, both in geographic size and in population. The discussion within this section of the Snapshot of
the City provides documentation of the way in which all parcels of land are currently used in Heath. This
will allow for later land use recommendations to be tailored to the needs of Heath’s citizens – their needs
for single-family homes, other housing types, retailing, public services, etc. The City’s strong history of
planning is also helpful to this discussion, because land usage was documented as part of those efforts.
This allows for comparative analysis of how land was used in the past, in addition to analysis of how it is
being used today.
Land Use Types
In order to analyze the land use trends within Heath, a parcel-by-parcel land use survey was conducted
during the preparation of this Snapshot of the City. This survey occurred in January of 2007, and each
parcel of land was color-coded according to various land use types. The information obtained from the
survey is used herein to discuss Heath’s current land use pattern. Following are descriptions of the
various types of land use used in the survey along with the color that is used to graphically represent each
use on Plate 1-2 (on the following page).
Single-Family
This use represents any single
dwelling unit that
is detached from other
dwelling units, is built onsite, and is designed to be
occupied by only one
family. Single-family homes
are the most prevalent
housing type and land use
type in Heath.
Single-Family Residential Homes in Heath
Duplex
This use represents any structure with two attached dwelling units that is designed to be
occupied by two families (one in each unit). Duplex units are also commonly referred to
as two-family units. This type of land use is very minimal in the City.
Page 1-19
City of Heath
Plate 1-2: Existing Land Use
Page 1-20
City of Heath
Multiple-Family
This use represents any structure with numerous attached dwelling units that is designed
to be occupied by several families (one in each unit). This term can be used to describe
a single structure or series of structures in a complex. Multiple-family homes are also
commonly referred to as apartments. Like duplexes, this type of land use is also very minimal in the
City.
Public/Semi-Public
This
use
represents
buildings and their related
sites that the general public
has access to, such as schools,
churches, and public buildings. On
Plate 1-2, school and utility sites have
Public/Semi-Public Uses in Heath
been differentiated from other types of
Public/Semi-Public uses with colors other than what is shown above.
Parks and Open Space
This
use
represents
public or HOA-owned
local parks, open space,
and/or recreation areas (such as
trails).
Park and Open Space Uses in Heath
Private Recreation
This use represents local golf courses, such as
Buffalo Creek.
Office
This use represents any and all types of
professional
and
administration
offices,
examples of which include doctors, lawyers,
dentists, real estate, architects, accountants, and
secretarial services.
An Office Use in Heath
Page 1-21
City of Heath
Retail
This
use
represents
business establishments that primarily sell commodities or
goods to consumers.
Examples
of
such
establishments include
restaurants,
grocery
stores, beauty salons,
and shopping centers.
Retail Uses in Heath
Commercial
This use represents business establishments
that primarily provide a service to consumers.
Examples of such establishments include
automobile service stations, automobile sales lots, and
self-storage businesses.
Vacant
This use represents land that either has no
readily visible or apparent use, or land that is
used for growing crops or grazing of animals.
Vacant Land in Heath
Rights-of-Way (ROW)
This use represents land that is dedicated to
public use for streets and alleys.
Right-of-Way in Heath
Land Use Composition
Plate 1-2 (on page 1-20) shows a graphic representation of Heath’s existing land use pattern, as of
January 2007. Table 1-10 on the following page shows the calculations of the various types of land use in
terms of acreage and percentages. Also shown are the land use calculations and percentages for the
land use patterns that existed when the City’s 2001 Comprehensive Plan was undertaken.
Page 1-22
City of Heath
Table 1-10: Existing Land Use in Heath – 2001 & 2007
2001(1)
Land Use Category
Single-Family
2007(2)
Acres
Percent
of
Developed
Land
Percent
of
Total
Land
1,156.4
67.4%
25.6%
Acres
Percent
of
Developed
Land
Percent
of
Total
Land
2,333.0
73.9%
37.7%
(3)
Duplex
3.0
0.2%
0.1%
0.1%
0.0%
Multiple-Family
2.1
0.1%
0.0%
4.0
0.1%
0.1%
Manufactured Homes
0.3
0.0%
0.0%
0.0
0.0%
0.0%
1,161.8
67.7%
25.7%
2,338.8
74.1%
37.8%
Public/Semi-Public
33.9
2.0%
0.7%
251.0
7.9%
4.1%
Parks & Open Space
24.0
1.4%
0.5%
71.0
2.2%
1.1%
Private Recreation
208.0
12.1%
4.6%
221.0
6.6%
3.6%
265.9
15.5%
5.9%
360.0
11.4%
5.8%
Office
0.0
0.0%
0.0%
23.0
0.7%
0.4%
Retail
2.4
0.1%
0.1%
8.0
0.3%
0.1%
Commercial
26.2
1.5%
0.6%
34.6
1.1%
0.6%
Non-Residential
28.6
1.7%
0.6%
65.6
2.1%
1.1%
Rights-of-Way
259.8
15.1%
5.7%
394.0
12.5%
6.4%
Total Developed Land
1,716.1
100.0%
38.0%
3,158.4
100.0%
51.0%
Vacant
2,804.5
n/a
62.0%
2,809.0
n/a
45.7%
Total
4,520.6
n/a
100.0%
6,188.4
n/a
100.0%
Residential
Public/Semi-Public
1.8
Sources: (1) City of Heath 2001 Comprehensive Plan, Page III-20 and III-21
(2)
Windshield Survey conducted by Dunkin, Sefko & Associates in January of 2007
(3)
This does not represent a reduction in the amount of Duplex land uses since 2001
Figure 1-15 on the following page shows the percentages of the generalized land use types – residential,
non-residential, etc. – that existed in 2001 and as they exist today in 2007; this information is also outlined
in Table 1-10 above in the Percent of Total Land column. One significant fact that can be seen from Table
1-10 and Figure 1-15 is that the percentage of vacant land has remained stable while most other types of
land use have increased, meaning that an increased percentage of the land area in Heath is developed.
This increased percentage has occurred even with the expansion of the City limits in the years between
2001 and 2007, an expansion that represents approximately 1,660 acres.
Page 1-23
City of Heath
Figure 1-14: Percentages of Total Land for Generalized Land Use Types in 2001 and 2007
2001
2007
62.0%
45.7%
38.0%
25.7%
Residential
Public/Semi-Public
Nonresidential
Rights-of-Way
Vacant
5.9%
5.7%
0.6%
6.4%
1.1%
8.8%
Land Use Analysis
Developed Acreage Within Heath
The percentages of developed land in Table 1-10 (previous page) show that approximately threefourths of the developed land within the City is consumed by residential land uses, the vast majority
of which are single-family uses. Single-Family land use accounts for the highest amount of
developed acreage at over 2,300 acres, or almost 74 percent. Rights-of-Way account for the
second-highest amount of developed acreage in the City, at approximately 394 acres, or 12.5
percent, of the developed acreage in Heath. No other land use type is developed at an amount
close to either of these.
Perhaps most interesting is the small percentage of land that is developed as non-residential.
Although the percentages of Office, Retail, and Commercial uses have increased since 2001, they
are still extremely low, especially compared to the amount of residential development and the
related number of people (approximately 6,896) who live in Heath. This is further discussed in the
description of land use densities later within this section.
Vacant Acreage Within Heath
Approximately 46 percent of the total acreage within Heath is classified as Vacant (or undeveloped)
land. This percentage amounts to over 2,800 acres that have the potential to be developed in the
future. The importance of the calculation of undeveloped land lies in the fact that it is this land,
along with annexed areas, that will allow the City to grow in population in the coming years. It is
also the area where decisions will have to be made regarding service provision and roadway
construction, because although this land is not currently developed, it is likely to be at some time in
the future. This land is also significant because, at almost 50 percent of the City, it can be
Page 1-24
City of Heath
developed in different and perhaps better ways than the current development, with increased
connectivity, open space, use diversity, etc.
Most communities do not develop such that 100 percent of the land is utilized. Generally,
approximately 10 percent remains vacant. However, even given this fact, the existing percentage
of Vacant acreage within Heath provides ample acreage to accommodate future population growth
within the City limits. This will be discussed further in the Land Use Strategy (Chapter 5) of this
2008 Comprehensive Plan as part of Heath’s future population growth and ultimate population
capacity analysis.
Current Land Use Densities
Table 1-11: Existing Acres Per 100 Persons – 2001 & 2007
Another method of analyzing
land use is by examining
current land use densities – that
is, establishing how much land
is being consumed for each
type of land use by the current
population. Table 1-11 contains
this information with ratios of
the Number of Acres per 100
Persons calculated for each
land use type. The calculated
population estimate (refer to
Figure 1-2) for Heath of 6,896
people was used for these
calculations.
The density of single-family
residential land use is 33.8
acres per 100 persons. This
indicates a relatively low density
development pattern for SingleFamily uses. Table 1-11 also
shows
that
single-family
development is actually less
dense today than it was in 2001,
since the acres used for each
100 persons in 2001 was less
than it is now.
Another type of land use that is
important to note in relation to
population is the amount of land
that is categorized as Parks &
2001(1)
Land Use Category
Single-Family
2007(2)
Acres
Acres Per
100
Persons(3)
Acres
Acres Per
100
Persons(4)
1,156.4
28.3
2,333.0
33.8
Duplex
3.0
0.1
1.8
0.0
Multiple-Family
2.1
0.1
4.0
0.1
Manufactured Homes
0.3
n/a
0.0
0.0
1,161.8
28.5
2,338.8
33.9
Public/Semi-Public
33.9
0.8
251.0
3.6
Parks & Open Space
24.0
0.6
71.0
1.0
Private Recreation
208.0
5.1
221.0
3.2
265.9
6.5
360.0
5.2
Residential
Public/Semi-Public
Office
0.0
0
23.0
0.3
Retail
2.4
0.1
8.0
0.1
Commercial
26.2
0.6
34.6
0.5
Non-residential
28.6
0.7
65.6
1.0
Rights-of-Way
259.8
6.4
394.0
5.7
Total Developed Land
1,716.1
42.1
3,158.4
45.8
Vacant
2,804.5
68.6
2,809.0
40.7
Total
4,520.6
110.6
6,188.4
89.7
Sources: (1) City of Heath 2001 Comprehensive Plan, Page III-20 and III-21
(2)
Land Use Survey conducted in January 2007 by Dunkin, Sefko & Associates, Inc.
(3)
Based on an estimated population of 4,087
(4)
Based on an estimated population of 6,896
Page 1-25
City of Heath
Open Space. There are approximately 3.6 acres of parks and open space for every 100 people in
the City. The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) recommends between 1.5 and 1.7
acres per 100 persons. Heath’s ratio is much higher than that range, suggesting that the City has
done a commendable job in meeting and exceeding the park and recreation needs of its citizenry.
The current ratio is also much higher than it was in 2001, suggesting that the park-related planning
that the City has undertaken has served the community well; these planning efforts include the
Parks and Open Space Plan within the 2001 Comprehensive Plan and the 2004 10-Year Pathways
Implementation Plan.
Also important is the ratio of Retail uses to the population. An average ratio is 0.5 retail acres per
100 persons. Less than 0.4 generally indicates that citizens are going elsewhere for goods and
services, and greater than 0.6 usually indicates that citizens from elsewhere are coming into the
community to buy goods and services (i.e., the community has a regional draw). Heath’s ratio is 0.1
acres per 100 persons. There has been more retail developed between 2001 and 2007, but the
number of acres per 100 persons has remained constant. This is a low ratio and indicates that
people who live in the City are going to other locales, such as Rockwall or Dallas, to meet their retail
needs. A positive balance of residential and non-residential uses will be important to Heath’s future
fiscal health, and therefore the desire and/or need for more retail uses, along with recommended
locations, will be discussed within the Land Use Strategy (Chapter 5).
Summary of Land Use Characteristics
This concludes the discussion of Heath’s existing land use information. Key findings include:
Approximately three-fourths of the developed land within the City is consumed by single-family
land uses or rights-of-way.
The percentages of non-residential land uses – retail, commercial, and industrial – have increased
over the years. However, they are still extremely low, especially compared to the amount of
residential development and number of people who live in Heath.
Much of Heath is currently vacant, even with the increased acres of developed land since 2001.
This allows for much more development within the City, development which could further
contribute to the quality for which Heath is known.
The percentage of Parks & Open Space land use has also increased over the years, and is at a
ratio that is high compared to what the National Recreation & Park Association recommends. This
is a significant quality of life feature that is very positive for Heath.
Heath’s ratio of retail-acres-to-population is 0.1 acres per 100 persons. This is a low ratio and
indicates that citizens are traveling outside of the City to buy goods and services.
Page 1-26
City of Heath
Local Development Patterns
Heath’s rapid population growth experienced during the 1990s and continuing today has been discussed
previously within the Snapshot of the City. Now the discussion turns to the way in which Heath has grown
in terms of development. The development of land uses, which occurs at various points in time, inherently
impacts the configuration and overall character of the City. This section of the Snapshot discusses the
way in which Heath has developed over time to become the community it is today.
Development Over Time
Table 1-12: Lots Developed in Heath By Decade
Plate 1-3 (following page) shows the way in which
Heath has developed over time in terms of
residential lots. The plate shows that the majority of
the City’s development has occurred since 1990.
The development that did take place prior to 1990
generally occurred west of FM 740 and most were
designed to take advantage of the City’s location
along Lake Ray Hubbard, with at least a few
lakefront lots. In the 1990s and later, development
accelerated and was more spread out; residential
development seemed to be attracted not only by the
lake, but by the quality of life in the City of Heath,
since most were not developed along the lakefront.
Decade
Number
of Lots
1960-1969
264
9.9%
1970-1979
457
17.1%
1980-1989
237
8.9%
1990-1999
869
32.6%
2000-2007
557
20.9%
Unknown
284
10.6%
Total
2,668
100.0%
Percentage of Total
27.0%
35.9%
53.4%
Source: City of Heath Master Development File
Another way to analyze the breakdown of when
development occurred is by reviewing the
information in Table 1-12; this information outlines what is graphically shown on Plate 1-3. Based on the
total number of lots that are currently developed, over 53 percent were developed since 1990.
Development that occurred between 1960 and 1979 accounted for only 27 percent, and that which
occurred in the 1980s accounted for only 8.9 percent. This development information is consistent with the
population growth analyses for Heath that is contained within the Demographic & Socio-Economic
Characteristics section of this Snapshot.
Recent Development – 2001 to 2006
The growth that occurred in the 1990s has continued into the new Millennium as evidenced not only by
Table 1-12 above, but also by the number of building permits issued between 2001 and 2007; this building
permit information is shown in Figure 1-15 on page 1-29. Building permit information reflects residential
permits only.
Page 1-27
City of Heath
Plate 1-3: Development Patterns Over Time
Page 1-28
City of Heath
Figure 1-15: Number of Residential Building Permits Issued, 2001-2006
The number of singlefamily
permits
issued
decreased between 2001
and 2003, but have been
increasing
since.
The
number of permits issued
in 2005 and 2006 were the
highest of the years
shown, suggesting a trend
of higher population growth
in recent years.
There
were 80 permits issued in
2007. This building permit
information will be used
within the Land Use
Strategy (Chapter 5) of this
160
140
120
100
119
117
105
83
80
138
95
80
60
40
20
0
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
Source: City of Heath Census Bureau Reports (reported monthly for each year)
2008 Comprehensive Plan to help project what Heath can anticipate in terms of population growth in
future years.
Residential Development – Variety Analysis
Table 1-14: Single-Family Residential Lot Sizes and Acreage in Heath
Rapid residential development
Percent
Number
Percent
Number
goes hand-in-hand with the
Lot Size in Square
of
of
of
of
population growth that Heath has
Feet
Acres
Acres
Lots
Lots
experienced in the last few years.
As discussed previously within this
10,000 or Less
182
6.1%
35
1.2%
Snapshot, housing type diversity is
10,001 to 15,000
367
12.3%
102
3.4%
an important feature of a full-life15,001 to ½ Acre
708
23.8%
288
9.5%
cycle community; Heath does not
½ Acre to 1 Acre
863
29.0%
638
21.0%
have much variety in terms of
1.01 Acre to 5 Acres
786
26.4%
1,230
40.5%
housing type (refer to Table 1-8
More
Than
5
Acres
75
2.5%
746
24.5%
and the related discussion for more
information).
However, another
Total
2,981
100.0%
3,039
100.0%
important feature is for a
NOTE: The number of acres shown does not equal the number of Single-Family acres shown in Table 1-10
community to have a variety of lot
or 1-11 because this table includes vacant lots and acres which may be included in the Vacant category in
sizes, which helps to diversify local
those tables.
market choice for people looking to
purchase a home in a particular
city. For this reason, Plate 1-4 (following page) shows the locations of different-sized residential lots
within Heath. Table 1-14 (above) and Figure 1-16 (page 1-31) outline the information shown on Plate 1-4.
Page 1-29
City of Heath
Plate 1-4: Residential Lot Size Analysis
Page 1-30
City of Heath
Figure 1-16: Single-Family Residential Lot Size Percentages
Currently, the City has a
2.5%
6.1%
variety of lot sizes in
12.3%
relation to single-family
development. Most lots
26.4%
within Heath are over
10,000 or Less
15,000 square feet, with
10,001 to 15,000
the highest percentage
15,001 to ½ Acre
in the ½ Acre to 1 Acre
½ Acre to 1 Acre
category. Only a little
over 10 percent of the
1.01 Acre to 5 Acres
lots are relatively small
23.8%
More Than 5 Acres
at 10,000 square feet or
less, and only 2.5
percent are relatively
29.0%
large at over five acres.
It seems that most
people who live in Heath appreciate having larger lots, which are not generally as prevalent in
surrounding cities, with the exception of Sunnyvale.
Summary of the Development Patterns Analysis
This concludes the discussion of Heath’s development patterns. Key findings include:
The majority of the City’s development has occurred since 1990, with over 30 percent of the lots
developed between 1990 and 1999.
Prior to 1990, development generally occurred west of FM 740 and was designed to take
advantage of the lakefront property along Lake Ray Hubbard.
The number of single-family permits issued between 2001 and 2006 was lowest in 2003, but the
number of permits issued has been increasing in subsequent years. There were 80 permits
issued in 2007.
Heath does not have much variety in terms of housing type, but there is a good variety of
residential lot sizes.
Most lots are larger than 10,000 square feet, the majority of which are between ½-acre and one
acre.
Page 1-31

Chapter 1 - City of Heath, TX

Transcription

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