A. 
No mobile home shall be placed, located or installed on any lot, tract or parcel of land within the city after the effective date hereof.
B. 
No manufactured home may be placed or located on any lot, tract or parcel of land that is not specifically zoned for use and occupancy by manufactured homes, except as provided in this article.
C. 
No Industrialized Housing may be placed or located on any lot, tract or parcel of land that is not specifically zoned for such use and occupancy, except as provided by this article.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
A. 
Definitions. See Article 9 for applicable definitions.
B. 
New installations of mobile homes prohibited. No mobile home shall be moved into the city. No mobile home shall be placed, located or installed on any lot, tract or parcel of land within the city after the effective date hereof.
C. 
Use and occupancy generally; construction standards.
1. 
Every mobile home and manufactured home that is located within the incorporated city limits on property zoned residential shall be used as a single-family dwelling only.
2. 
Every mobile home and manufactured home located within the city on property zoned for any commercial, office or business use shall be used for the permitted business occupancy only. No manufactured home may be installed or moved into or relocated within the city, after the effective date of this section, for any commercial, office or business occupancy, save and except as provided in Subsections D and F.
3. 
All manufactured homes must be constructed in compliance with the Texas Manufactured Housing Standards Act, Texas Occupations Code, Ch. 1201, and the rules and regulations of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
D. 
Use of manufactured home as temporary office. A manufactured home may be used as a temporary construction office, or a temporary sales office within a development, if, prior to the commencement of such use, the owner secures a temporary occupancy or use permit from the planning and zoning commission of the city. Subsection E below shall not be applicable to a manufactured home that is permitted under this section for use as a construction or sales office for a term of six (6) months or less.
E. 
Minimum size; installation; skirting.
1. 
Every mobile home and manufactured home within the incorporated city limits, whether used for residential or commercial purposes:
a. 
Shall be at least eight hundred and forty (840) square feet in size; provided, however, that this requirement shall not apply to those mobile homes and manufactured homes located within the city on or before October 3, 1985, or to manufactured homes used as a temporary office as permitted pursuant to Subsection D above.
b. 
Shall be installed in accordance with the standards and requirements of the state department of housing and community affairs and the manufactured housing board. This section shall apply to all mobile homes and manufactured homes located within the city as of October 3, 1985; to mobile homes and manufactured homes moved onto or parked on any lot or other property within the city after October 3, 1985, and prior to the effective date of this section; and to all manufactured homes moved into or relocated within the city after the effective date of this section, as follows:
(1) 
With respect to any mobile home or manufactured home located within the city as of October 3, 1985, the installation required pursuant to this section shall have been completed within thirty (30) days after October 3, 1985.
(2) 
With respect to any mobile home or manufactured home moved onto or parked on any lot or other property within the city after October 3, 1985, and prior to the effective date of this section, the installation required pursuant to this section shall have been completed prior to the occupancy of said mobile home or manufactured home for any residential or commercial purpose.
(3) 
With respect to each manufactured home moved onto or parked on any lot or other property within the city after the effective date of this section, the installation required pursuant to this section shall be completed within thirty (30) days, and must be completed prior to the occupancy of said manufactured home for any use.
(4) 
Shall have cementitious siding, concrete, rock or plaster skirting around or along the border or edge of the base of the mobile home or manufactured home so that the space between its frame and the ground is completely enclosed.
2. 
For any mobile home or manufactured home of any size already located within the city as of October 3, 1985, the skirting required pursuant to this section shall have been completed within sixty (60) days of October 3, 1985.
3. 
For any mobile home or manufactured home located, installed or placed within the city after October 3, 1985, and prior to the effective date of this section, the skirting required pursuant to this section shall have been completed within sixty (60) days of the date on which said mobile home or manufactured home was moved onto or parked on any lot or other property within the incorporated city limits.
4. 
For any manufactured home located, installed or placed within the city after the effective date of this section, the skirting required pursuant to this section shall be completed within sixty (60) days of the date on which said manufactured home is moved onto or parked on any lot or other property within the incorporated city limits.
F. 
Manufactured homes exhibited for sale by licensed retailer. The terms, provisions and conditions of Subsection E shall not be applicable to manufactured homes that are not occupied and that are exhibited for sale on property that is zoned "commercial," is used solely for the retail sale of manufactured homes and directly related incidental uses, is used and occupied by a person that is a licensed retailer under a license issued by the state department of housing and community affairs, and does not have any mobile home or manufactured home stored, located or parked thereon that is not "habitable" as provided in Texas Occupations Code, Ch. 1201.
G. 
State inspection. No manufactured home that has been previously occupied and is then more than five (5) years old, and no manufactured home that the building inspector observes to be damaged or deteriorated, may be located, placed or installed in the city after the effective date of this article unless it is first documented to the city that the manufactured home has been inspected and found to be habitable by the manufactured housing division of the state department of housing and community affairs, or an inspector licensed by that department. The inspection documentation shall be dated after the later of the date the apparent damage occurred or the date the manufactured home was last occupied.
H. 
Zoning regulations. No manufactured home may be placed or located on any lot, tract or parcel of land that is not specifically zoned for use and occupancy by manufactured homes, except as provided in this article or the zoning ordinance of the city.
I. 
Permit. No manufactured home may be moved into or installed within the city, except as provided in Subsection F, prior to a permit being issued therefor by the building inspector of the city. The building inspector shall grant or deny the permit within forty-five (45) days of the date a complete permit application is filed with the city. If application is made to place or install a manufactured home on property that is not properly zoned for such use or occupancy, the building inspector shall deny the permit application and advise the applicant that an application for rezoning or a temporary use permit may be made to the planning and zoning commission.
J. 
Adoption of state law. Texas Occupations Code, Ch. 1201, as amended from time to time, is hereby adopted in its entirety. If any term or provision of this article shall conflict with any term, provision or requirement of Texas Occupations Code, Ch. 1201, or any comparative state or federal law, rule or regulation, the terms and conditions of Texas Occupations Code, Ch. 1201 or such state or federal law, rule or regulation shall govern and control.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
A. 
Applicability. This Section applies to single-family and duplex industrialized housing, as defined by and regulated by the Texas Manufactured Housing Standards Act (Article 5221f and 5221f-1, V.A.C.S.) and the Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1202, Industrialized Housing and Buildings.
B. 
Generally. Industrialized homes in the City limits are regulated the same as a traditional site-built home. Industrialized homes must meet or exceed all applicable local building codes, zoning and development regulations, and licensing and permitting requirements that pertain to construction of traditional site-built single-family or duplex dwelling units. Industrialized housing is often commonly referred to as modular housing.
C. 
Industrialized housing design standards. Per the Texas Occupations Code § 1202.253, single-family and duplex industrialized housing shall:
1. 
Have a value, after installation of the housing unit as determined by the appraisal district, equal to or greater than the median taxable value for each single-family detached dwelling unit located within 500 feet of the lot on which the industrialized housing is proposed to be located, as determined by the most recent certified tax appraisal roll for the county;
2. 
Have exterior siding, roofing, roof pitch, foundation fascia, and fenestration compatible with the single-family dwellings located within 500 feet of the lot on which the industrialized housing is proposed to be located;
3. 
Comply with the design standards, building setbacks, side and rear building setbacks, subdivision requirements, landscaping, square footage, and other site requirements applicable to single-family dwellings; and
4. 
Be securely fixed to a permanent foundation.
D. 
Additional application materials. In addition to application materials required for all new residential development, the Building Official shall require the following:
1. 
A confirmation that the proposed industrialized housing unit complies with the design standards set out in this Section; and
2. 
A complete set of designs, plans, and specifications bearing a stamp of approval Texas Industrialized Building Code Council.
E. 
Additional on-site inspections. To ensure compliance with design, plans, and specifications, the following on-site inspections are required by the Building Official:
1. 
Confirmation that each module or Modular Component bears an approved decal or insignia by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation signifying that each module or Modular Component has received a post-construction inspection ensuring conformance with state-mandated building codes;
2. 
The construction of the foundation system; and
3. 
The erection and installation of the modules or Modular Component(s) on the foundation.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
A. 
Conformity to parking and loading space requirements. No structure or building shall be erected, converted, reconstructed, or enlarged or structurally altered by more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the structure or building's floor area (cumulative of all renovations) unless it shall conform to the off-street parking and loading standards in this article.
B. 
Off-street parking and loading standards.
1. 
Every building or structure hereafter erected shall provide and permanently maintain parking spaces as required by this chapter.
2. 
Whenever an existing use which does not provide all of the off-street parking spaces required by this chapter is enlarged by an increase in dwelling units, floor area or otherwise, there shall be provided concurrently with such enlargement, the number of parking spaces that is necessitated by the magnitude of such enlargements. Further, whenever an existing use ceases to actively occupy a building and within one year is replaced by another use that would require an increased number of parking spaces, there shall be provided an additional number of parking spaces that is equal to the difference between that required by the existing use and that required by the other use. Except for residential uses, in addition to the parking requirements set out in Table 3.2.4-2, one space for each vehicle operated or kept in connection with the use shall be provided. Each such space shall be sized to safely accommodate the specific vehicle operated or kept.
3. 
All required off-street parking shall be on-premises, and provided at the location, on the same lot, where the building it serves is located.
4. 
Exception. The board of adjustments may approve off-premises parking when the request meets all of the following conditions:
a. 
The lot is zoned to the O, B-1 or B-2 zoning district and located in the FM 1431 Corridor.
b. 
The off-premises lot is located no more than 200 lateral feet from the business it will serve.
c. 
The entity making the request provides proof of ownership, or a ten-year lease, for the proposed off-premises lot.
C. 
Application of off-street parking and loading standards. The off-street parking and loading standards in this article apply to any building constructed and to any use beginning after the effective date of this article.
D. 
Expansions and alterations. The off-street parking and loading standards of this article apply when an existing structure or use is expanded or enlarged. Additional off-street parking and loading spaces will be required to serve the entire building or use. The number of off-street parking and loading spaces provided for the entire use (preexisting + expansion) shall equal at least 100 percent of the minimum requirement established in the Tables 3.2.4-1 and 3.2.4-2, off-street parking requirements tables.
E. 
Handicap parking. Nonresidential handicap parking requirements must meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and Texas Disability Standards.
F. 
No reduction below requirement. Existing parking and loading spaces may not be reduced below the requirements established in this article. Any change in use that increases applicable off-street parking or loading requirements will be deemed a violation of this article unless parking and loading spaces are provided in accordance with the provisions of this section.
G. 
Screening requirements. Off-street parking areas for more than five (5) vehicles shall be effectively screened by a sight-obscuring fence, hedge or planting, on each side, where the parking area adjoins a residential use or is situated in a residential area. To the extent applicable, the requirements of Section 3.2.6.43 shall apply.
H. 
Motorcycle/bicycle parking requirements.
1. 
Parking spaces for motorcycles shall be provided as follows:
a. 
All multiple-family developments and nonresidential uses may provide one motorcycle space for every 25 required automobile spaces in lieu of a required automobile space.
b. 
Each motorcycle space shall be easily accessible and have adequate space for a standard-size motorcycle.
c. 
Motorcycle parking areas shall be clearly identified with appropriate striping.
2. 
All commercial, industrial, institutional, and recreational uses which require 25 or more spaces pursuant to this chapter shall provide a designated bicycle parking area to accommodate a minimum of five bicycle spaces. Such bicycle parking areas shall provide a secure facility (e.g., rack, posts) to which to lock bicycles and shall be located so as to be reasonably convenient to the on-site use and not interfere with pedestrian and automobile traffic. Prior to issuing permits for facilities requiring 100 or more parking spaces pursuant to this chapter and/or uses with high expected bicycle traffic (e.g., schools) the city may require reasonable additional bicycle parking capacity over and above the minimum five spaces.
I. 
Compact parking spaces. Whenever five or more spaces are required, no more than 30 percent of the required parking spaces should be compact parking spaces.
J. 
Development and maintenance standards for parking areas. Every parcel of land within the city shall comply with the following off-street parking requirements:
1. 
Off-street parking required by this chapter shall be located:
a. 
On the same site as the use necessitating such parking; or
b. 
Within a 300-foot walking distance measured from the nearest point of the parking facility to the nearest point of the building that such parking is required to serve.
2. 
Application of alternative (ii) of subsection (9) [sic] of this subsection shall be subject to approval of an agreement by the city attorney which assures that the property is owned or leased by the owner or lessee of the lot or parcels containing the building or uses to be served and which assures the property will be maintained in parking lot use in conformance with this chapter as long as the building or use that it serves is continued. The city attorney shall not approve such an agreement unless he finds that the proposed parking lot will adequately serve the parking needs for which it is intended without adversely affecting neighboring properties or the use of other public and private parking facilities in the vicinity. An approved agreement shall be recorded by the applicant with the Travis County clerk and a conformed copy shall be provided prior to issuance of any building permits for a proposed project.
TABLE 3.2.4-1.
OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS — RESIDENTIAL
(RR, R-1, R-2, R-3)
General Requirement
Additional Requirement
General Uses
Zoning districts RR, R-1 and R-2 on lots of 10,000 square feet or more
2 per dwelling unit
2 enclosed garage parking spaces per dwelling unit
Zoning districts RR, R-1, and R-2 on lots 6,000 square feet in size or greater and less than 10,000 square feet
2 per dwelling
1 enclosed garage parking space per dwelling unit
Zoning district R-1 and R-2 on lots of less than 6,000 square feet
2 per dwelling unit
Zoning district R-3
1.5 per 1-bedroom unit
2 per 2-bedroom unit
2.5 per 2+ bedroom unit
Additional 5 percent of total number of required spaces
Specific Uses
Guest or domestic employee quarters
1 per bedroom unit
Home-based business
NA
Zoning district R-3: Group homes
2
1.5 per 2 employees
All other group living
1 per 2 bedrooms
1.5 per 2 employees
Amenity centers
1.5 per 250 sq. ft. GFA
Bed and breakfast
1 per bedroom
1.5 per 2 resident owners
Community parks
Varies
Parking requirement based on use in park; must be reviewed and approved by City Council
Community service
1 per 250 sq. ft. GFA
Elementary schools
3 per classroom
High schools
10 per classroom
Middle schools
3 per classroom
All other educational facilities
20 per classroom
TABLE 3.2.4-2. OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS, NONRESIDENTIAL
(GUI, O, B-1, B-2, I-1)
General Use
General Requirement
Additional Requirement
Auto service facilities
2 per service bay
Shall meet off-street stacking space requirements from this section
Carwash, full service
1 per 150 sq. ft. GFA
Shall meet off-street stacking space requirements from this section
Child care
1 per 8 pupils
Cemeteries, columbaria, mausoleums, memorial parks, and crematoria
1 per 50 interment plots (cemeteries and memorial parks); 1 per 350 sq. ft. GFA (mausoleum and crematorium)
Entertainment, outdoor
1 per 250 sq. ft. GFA structural area
1 per two seats
Funeral home
1 per 100 sq. ft. GFA
Minimum of 20 spaces
Golf courses and country clubs
4 spaces per hole
1.5 per 250 sq. ft. GFA of accessory use structures
Government facilities
1 per 250 sq. ft. GFA
Heavy equipment sales and leasing
1 per 250 sq. ft. GFA
1 additional per 500 sq. ft. GFA up to 50,000 sq. ft. GFA
Hospitals
1 per 3 patient beds
Indoor entertainment activities
1 per 250 sq. ft. GFA, or, 1 per 4 seats for theatres
1 additional per 500 sq. ft. GFA up to 50,000 sq. ft. GFA; 1 per 1,000 sq. ft. thereafter, excluding theatres
Institutions
1 per 250 sq. ft. GFA
1.5 per 2 employees
Light industrial service, manufacturing, and assembly
1 per 500 sq. ft. GFA indoor facility, except indoor storage
1 additional per 1,000 sq. ft. GFA outdoor facility; 1 per 2,500 sq. ft. indoor storage area
Linear parks/linkages Trailheads
Varies
Parking requirement based on uses in park; to be reviewed and approved by City Council
Marinas
1 space per every 2 slips
Medical office building
1 per 150 sq. ft. GFA
1.5 per 2 employees
Mineral extraction
1 per 300 sq. ft. GFA indoor facility
1.5 per 2 employees
Other overnight accommodations
1 per bedroom
1.5 per 2 employees; 1 per 150 sq. ft. conference space
Parking, commercial
None
1 per employee
Place of worship
1 per 3 seats
Place of worship with accessory uses
1 per 3 seats in place of worship
Spaces necessary to accommodate accessory use based on requirement for accessory use
Professional and business office
1 per 150 sq. ft. GFA
Restaurants and eating establishments
1 per 100 sq. ft. GFA (includes any outdoor seating and waiting areas)
Self-service storage
1 space per 50 storage units
Shopping centers larger than 100,000 sq. ft.
1 per 225 sq. ft. GFA
All other retail sales and service
1 per 250 sq. ft. GFA
Utilities — major
1 per facility
1 additional per 250 sq. ft. GFA; 1 per fleet vehicle
Utilities — minor/intermediate
1 per fleet vehicle
Vehicle repair and body shop facilities
2 per service bay
Shall meet off-street stacking space requirements from this section
Vehicle sales, rental or leasing facilities
1 per 500 sq. ft. GFA indoor facility
1 additional per 1,000 sq. ft. GFA outdoor lot area
All other vehicle sales and service
1 per 250 sq. ft. GFA
5 per service bay
Warehouse and freight movement
1 per 500 sq. ft. GFA indoor facility, except indoor storage
1 additional per 1,000 sq. ft. GFA outdoor facility; 1 per 2,500 sq. ft. indoor storage area
Waste-related service
1 per 250 sq. ft. GFA
1 additional per 1,000 sq. ft. GFA outdoor facility; 1 per 2,500 sq. ft. indoor storage area
Wholesale trade
1 per 300 sq. ft. GFA indoor facility, except indoor storage
1 additional per 1,000 sq. ft. GFA outdoor facility; 1 per 2,500 sq. ft. indoor storage area
Wireless transmission facilities - traditional
1 per fleet vehicle
K. 
Shared and common parking.
1. 
In limited cases, shared parking agreements, and reciprocal access parking agreements may be approved by the City Council.
2. 
Common parking facilities for two or more uses may be provided in lieu of individual requirements. Total parking requirements for common facilities shall be the sum of all uses computed separately, provided that the number of spaces may be decreased by 10 percent where common parking facilities provide no more than two access drives to any public street.
L. 
Rules for computing requirements. The following rules apply when computing off-street parking and loading requirements.
1. 
Multiple uses. Lots containing more than one use shall provide parking and loading in an amount equal to the total of the requirements for all uses.
2. 
When the application of this chapter requires a fractional part of an automobile parking space, a remaining fraction of one-half space or more shall be construed as one space; a remaining fraction of less than one-half space shall be disregarded.
3. 
Area measurements. Unless otherwise expressly stated, all square-footage-based parking and loading standards shall be computed on the basis of gross floor area (GFA), which for purposes of computing off-street parking requirements, shall mean the gross floor area of the building measured from the exterior faces of the exterior walls or from the centerline of walls separating two buildings and shall include the following areas:
a. 
The area of each floor of the structure.
b. 
All attic space used for active commercial space.
M. 
Occupancy-based standards. For the purpose of computing parking requirements based on employees, residents or occupants, calculations shall be based on the largest number of persons working on any single shift, the maximum enrollment or the maximum fire-rated capacity, whichever is applicable and whichever results in the greater number of spaces.
N. 
Unlisted uses. Upon receiving a development application for a use not specifically listed in the off-street parking requirements table, the building official shall apply the off-street parking standard specified for the listed use that is deemed most similar to the proposed use.
O. 
Parking space and parking lot design.
1. 
Standard parking spaces.
Parking Angle
Space Width
Space Length
(curb to drive angle)
Aisle Width 1-Way
Width at Curb
90 degrees
9'
18'
24'
9'
75 degrees
9'
22' 6"
22'
9' 4"
60 degrees
9'
21'
18'
10' 5"
45 degrees
9'
19' 10"
15'
12' 9"
Parallel
9'
24'
12'
n/a
2. 
Compact parking spaces.
Parking Angle
Space Width
Space Length
(curb to drive angle)
Aisle Width 1-Way
Width at Curb
90 degrees
8'
15'
24'
8'
75 degrees
8'
20' 2"
22'
8' 4"
60 degrees
8'
16' 8"
18'
9' 3"
45 degrees
8'
16' 6"
15'
11' 4"
Parallel
8'
21'
12'
n/a
a. 
Standard motorcycle space: 9' x 4'.
b. 
Two-way drive aisle shall always require a minimum width of 26 feet.
P. 
Markings.
1. 
Each required off-street parking space and off-street parking area shall be identified by surface markings at least 4 inches in width. Markings shall be visible at all times. Such markings shall be arranged to provide for orderly and safe loading, unloading, parking and storage of vehicles.
2. 
One-way and two-way accesses into required parking facilities shall be identified by directional arrows.
Q. 
Surfacing and maintenance. All off-street parking areas, drive aisles, internal roadways, and loading areas for all uses shall be paved and kept in a dust-free condition at all times. Crushed granite or limestone may be used for drive aisles and off-street parking areas on properties zoned to the R-R, R-1, R-2, R-3, M-1, M-2, O, B-1, and B-2 districts that have a zero to one percent (0—1%) slope, with solid containment (such as concrete or rock), of the rock compacted with an approved stabilizer application. Drive approaches shall be paved with asphalt or concrete.
R. 
Access. Required parking spaces shall not have direct access to a street or highway. Access to required parking spaces shall be provided by on-site driveways. Off-street parking spaces shall be accessible without backing into or otherwise reentering a public right-of-way.
S. 
Tandem parking. Tandem parking in the R-3 multifamily district shall be permitted only when it is located in front of a garage, which is attached to a dwelling unit and the tandem space is assigned only to the dwelling unit to which the garage is attached.
T. 
Use of required parking spaces.
1. 
Required off-street parking areas shall be used solely for the parking of licensed motor vehicles in operating condition. Required spaces may not be used for storage of trash dumpsters, the display of goods for sale or lease, for motor vehicle repair or service work of any kind, storage of boats, motor homes, campers, mobile homes, or building materials, or for display or storage of vehicles for lease, sale or rent.
2. 
Recreational vehicles shall not be stored on any lot or street other than an improved residential lot of the owner except at an outdoor auto sales lot or in an approved commercial storage facility.
3. 
Commercial vehicles shall not be parked, placed, stored, or located on property zoned to the R-R, R-1, R-2, R-3, M-1, or M-2 districts except for:
a. 
An authorized emergency vehicle;
b. 
A vehicle making a verifiable pick-up or delivery;
c. 
A recreational vehicle, motor home, camper, travel trailer, or other vehicle designed for human habitation (excluding a manufactured home unless otherwise authorized in the district), provided that no more than one vehicle permitted under this subsection may be parked, placed, stored, or located on a property and provided further that such vehicle shall not be occupied either temporarily, for more than 14 days within any 6-month period or permanently while it is parked or stored on the property.
U. 
Vehicle stacking areas. Off-street stacking spaces shall be provided as indicated in the following table.
TABLE 3.2.4-3. MINIMUM OFF-STREET STACKING SPACES
Activity Type
Minimum Spaces
Measured From
Bank teller lane
4
Teller or window
Automated teller machine
3
Teller
Restaurant drive-through
6
Order box
Restaurant drive-through
4
Order box to pickup window
Auto service facility stalls; vehicle repair and body shop stalls
2
Entrance to stall
Carwash stall, automatic
4
Entrance to wash bay
Carwash stall, self-service
3
Entrance to wash bay
Gasoline pump island
2
Pump island
Other activity
Determined by City Council
V. 
Design and layout. Required stacking spaces are subject to the following design and layout standards.
1. 
Size. Stacking spaces shall be a minimum of 10 feet by 18 feet in size.
2. 
Location. Stacking spaces may not impede on- or off-site traffic movements or movements into or out of off-street parking spaces.
3. 
Restaurant enterprises involving drive-up windows shall provide at least six stacking spaces for each window, equal to 18 linear feet for each stacking space. Bank facilities involving drive-up windows shall provide at least three stacking spaces for each window, equal to 18 linear feet for each stacking space. Other drive-up facilities shall provide stacking spaces to the determination of the community development director.
4. 
Drive-through lanes shall be separated by striping or curbing from off-street parking areas. Individual lanes shall be striped, marked or otherwise distinctly delineated.
W. 
Parking and storage of large vehicles and equipment.
1. 
Outdoor storage or overnight outdoor parking of tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, semi-trailers, or other vehicles having a gross vehicle weight rating of 17,000 pounds or more, shall not be permitted in any residential district or in GUI, O, B-1, B-2 districts, except as allowed by conditional use permit approved in accordance with this chapter. Construction equipment shall not be stored on lots in residential or commercial districts except during the period of permitted construction.
2. 
Screening from public rights-of-way or lower intensity residential uses shall be required in multifamily developments for areas designated or available for parking and storage of recreation vehicles, boats, small trailers and other noncommercial equipment. Such screening shall consist of permanent material such as concrete, masonry, wood, steel, etc.
X. 
Off-street loading.
1. 
No use of public right-of-way. At no time shall goods be loaded or unloaded from the right-of-way of a collector or arterial street. No part of any vehicle shall be allowed to extend into the right-of-way of a collector or arterial street while being loaded or unloaded.
2. 
Location. Plans for location, design and layout of all loading spaces shall be indicated on required site plans. Loading space size shall be based on need and in accordance with standard engineering requirements as determined by the building official.
Y. 
Conflict with use of street or alley.
1. 
In no case shall any portion of a street or alley be counted as a part of a required parking space. All parking spaces and driveways shall be so located and designed as to avoid undue interference with the public use of streets. Alleys may be used as primary access for any single-family residential development or a maximum of eight nonresidential parking spaces, upon approval by the development services and/or public works director or designee.
2. 
All parallel parking spaces in off-street parking areas or lots shall provide space adjacent to every parking space in order to allow a vehicle to go forward and back into a parking space.
Z. 
Parking requirements for uses not specified. Where ambiguity exists in the application of off-street parking requirements, or where the parking requirements for a use are not specifically defined herein, the parking requirements for such use shall be determined by the planning director or the director's designee and such determination shall be based pursuant to this section. Such determination may be appealed to the board of adjustment.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
Dark night skies have social, ecological, cultural, economic, aesthetic and health benefits for the citizens of the city. Dark night skies are an asset and an important element of the city's appeal as a pleasant community in which to live, and that city policy seeks to protect. The purpose of this division is to provide uniform outdoor lighting standards to assure public safety and health, promote efficient and more cost-effective lighting, enhance the ability to view the night sky and promote a positive city image reflecting order, harmony and pride, thereby strengthening the economic, cultural, historical and residential stability of the city.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
All outdoor and/or exterior lighting installed, replaced, or repaired after the effective date of this division shall be installed in conformance with the provisions of this division, applicable electrical code, energy codes, and building codes except as otherwise provided herein.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
A. 
This division applies within the city limits of the city.
B. 
Applicability within the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).
1. 
Compliance with the requirements of this division is mandatory for improvements and developments within the city's ETJ in order to preclude light trespass from the ETJ into the city limits, to prevent light pollution and skyglow above the city, and to preserve the rural and historic character of the city and its environs.
2. 
All outdoor lighting that is not in conformance with this division on property in the city's ETJ that is subsequently brought into the city limits ten (10) years after the effective date of this division shall be brought into conformance with this division. Nothing in this subsection may be construed as to allow light trespass or any other form of nuisance from outdoor lighting.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
All existing outdoor lighting that was legally installed before December 9, 2021 and that does not conform with the standards, rules and regulations established by this division shall be deemed nonconforming. Nonconforming existing outdoor lighting shall be brought into compliance with this division upon the earlier of:
A. 
All nonconforming outdoor lighting located on a property for which an application for conditional use permit, subdivision approval, building permit for construction of a new building or site plan permit, is made shall be brought into compliance with this division before final inspection, issuance of a certificate of occupancy, final plat recordation, or occupancy of the improvement, whichever is applicable.
B. 
All nonconforming outdoor lighting, including publicly and privately owned lighting, shall be brought into compliance with this division not more than ten (10) years from December 9, 2021, after which all nonconforming lighting must be brought into compliance with the policy. Provided however, that the ten (10) year grace period is not applicable to lighting that creates a nuisance through light trespass or nuisance glare, which shall be remedied immediately upon notification by the City to the landowner that the lighting constitutes a nuisance as defined in these regulations.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
A. 
Using table 1 as a guide, the city shall determine and maintain lighting zones within the boundaries of its corporate limits.
B. 
The lighting zone of a parcel or project shall determine the limitations for lighting as specified in this division.
Table 3.2.5.5-1. Lighting Zone Ratings and Characteristics Jonestown Zoning Map
Zone
Characteristic Use
Ambient Illumination
Lumens Per Net Acre in Any Contiguous Illuminated Area
Representative Locations
LZ 1
Recreational
Dark
4,500
Developed areas in city parks and recreation areas. Areas where residents have expressed the desire to conserve natural illumination levels.
LZ 2
Residential
Low
25,000
Rural areas, low-density urban neighborhoods and districts, residential historic districts. This zone is intended to be the default for residential areas.
LZ 3
Urban and Commercial
Medium
100,000
High-density urban neighborhoods, shopping and commercial districts, industrial parks and districts. This zone is intended to be the default condition for commercial and industrial districts in urban areas.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
The following luminaires and lighting systems are exempt from these requirements:
A. 
Outdoor lighting for which light is produced directly by the combustion of fossil fuels (i.e., gas pumps).
B. 
Holiday lighting from November 15th to January 15th during the hours from 6:00 a.m. to midnight each day, except that flashing holiday lights are prohibited on nonresidential properties. Flashing holiday lights on residential properties are discouraged. Holiday lights may be illuminated one additional seven (7) day period per calendar year.
C. 
Underwater lighting in swimming pools.
D. 
String, festoon, bistro, and similar lighting, provided that the emission of such lighting does not exceed 125 lumens per linear foot of line or square foot of space, dependent on compliance with this division. These lights must be rated at or below 2700 Kelvin. See figure 1 of Section 3.2.5.7.
E. 
Lighting required by law to be installed on motor vehicles.
F. 
Lighting needed during activities of law enforcement, fire and/or other emergency services.
G. 
Lighting needed during emergency repairs of roads and utilities.
H. 
Temporary lighting for theatrical, television, performance areas or construction areas.
I. 
Lighting required and regulated by the Lower Colorado River Authority, Federal Aviation Administration or other federal or state agency.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
A. 
The following lighting systems are prohibited from being installed or used:
1. 
Mercury vapor lighting.
2. 
Searchlights (under any circumstances).
3. 
Holiday lighting except as exempted in Section 3.2.5.6.
4. 
Outdoor laser light projections, except when associated with a special event lasting no more than one night.
5. 
Any light fixture that may be confused with a traffic-control device.
6. 
Blue light luminaires. Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) of lamps shall be no greater than 3,000 Kelvin as shown in figure 1.
Figure 1. Kelvin Temperature Chart
7. 
Light trespass. No luminaire installed within the city limits, except governmental owned streetlights, shall create conditions of light trespass. Governmental owned streetlights may only create light trespass below it within one hundred (100) feet of its installed location. All outdoor lighting, except government owned streetlights, shall be shielded so that the light source shall not be visible from any other property.
B. 
Lumens per net acre limits.
1. 
Total outdoor light output (excluding government-owned streetlights used for illuminating public rights-of-way and outdoor recreation facilities) of any nonresidential property shall not exceed 100,000 lumens per net acre in any contiguous illuminated area. This lumens per net acre value is an upper limit and not a design goal; design goals should be the lowest levels that meet the requirement of the task. See Table 3.2.5.5-1 of Section 3.2.5.5.
2. 
Total outdoor light output (excluding government-owned streetlights used for illuminating public rights-of-way and outdoor recreation facilities) of any residential property shall not exceed the following cap: 25,000 lm per net acre in any contiguous illuminated area. This lumens per net acre value is an upper limit and not a design goal; design goals should be the lowest levels that meet the requirements of the task. See Table 3.2.5.5-1 of Section 3.2.5.5.
3. 
Outdoor recreational facilities shall follow the International Dark-Sky Association Criteria for Community-Friendly Outdoor Sports Lighting v1.0, dated March 2018 for allowable target illumination and restrictions.
Table 3.2.5.7-1. Comparison of Efficacy by Power (120 Volt incandescent lamps)
Output
(Lumens)
Power
(Watt)
Incandescent
CFL
LED
500
40
8-10
9
850
60
13-18
12-15
1200
75
18-22
15
1700
100
23-28
18
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
A. 
All outdoor lighting except government owned streetlights shall be fully shielded so that the luminous elements of the fixture are not visible from any other property.
B. 
Government-owned streetlights, if rated by the BUG classification, shall be:
1. 
Rated and installed with the maximum backlight component limited to the values in table 3. based on location of the light fixture where the property line is considered to be five feet (5') beyond the actual property line;
2. 
Rated and installed with the uplight component of zero (U0);
3. 
Rated and installed with the glare component no more than G1, although G0 is preferred.
C. 
Government-owned streetlights, if not rated by the BUG classification, shall meet the qualifications to be full cutoff fixtures in order to limit light trespass. Mounting height or topography may cause the luminous elements of a governmental owned streetlight to require additional shielding to reduce glare (see figure 2).
Table 3.2.5.8-1. Government Owned Streetlights
Fixture is greater than 2 mounting heights from property line
B4 Classification
Fixture is 1 to less than 2 mounting heights from property line
B3 Classification
Fixture is -0.5 to 1 mounting height from property line
B2 Classification
Figure 2. Full Cutoff Fixture
D. 
Except as otherwise specified in this division, outdoor lighting, regardless of lumen output, shall be fully shielded and aimed downward so as to minimize glare and prevent light pollution. No outdoor lighting fixture shall permit light to shine above the horizontal plane to pollute the night sky or off the property on which it is installed. This included but is not limited to:
1. 
Pedestrian lighting;
2. 
Parking lots;
3. 
Roadways and pathways;
4. 
Buildings and structures;
5. 
Barn lights;
6. 
Recreational areas;
7. 
Building overhangs and open canopies;
8. 
Driveway entrances;
9. 
Residential streetlights, and residential pole-mounted and eave-mounted security lights; and
10. 
Flagpoles. Property owners are encouraged to not illuminate flagpoles at night, but rather to hoist flags after dawn and lower flags before sunset. If flags are illuminated at night, lighting of up to a total of two (2) flags per property is permitted with the following conditions:
a. 
Flagpoles shall be illuminated only from above. This may be achieved by utilizing a luminaire attached to the top of the flagpole or a luminaire mounted above the top of the flagpole on a structure within fifteen (15) feet of the flagpole and must comply with all sections of this division. The total light output from any luminaire mounted on top of or above a flagpole shall not exceed 800 lumens. See figure 3.
Figure 3. Examples of Flagpole Lighting
E. 
Fully shielded and full cutoff fixtures must be constructed and installed in such a manner that all light emitted by the fixture meets or falls below the specification given. (See figures 2, 5 and 6.) This includes all the light emitted by the fixture, either directly from the lamp or by a diffusing element, or indirectly by reflection or refraction from any part of the fixture. Any structural part of the fixture providing this shielding must be permanently affixed.
F. 
All outdoor lighting is encouraged to be turned off when no one is present to use the light. Adaptive controls must be used to turn lights off when not in use. Timers must comply with curfew requirements see Section 3.2.5.9.
G. 
New city-owned outdoor lighting. After the effective date of this division the city may install new publicly-owned outdoor lighting, to include street lighting and lighting on other public property and rights-of-way, only upon the determination of the city administrator or their designated representative. It must be shown that a clear public safety danger or danger to city workers exists in the area to be lit and that the hazard can only be effectively mitigated through the use of outdoor lighting.
H. 
Adaptive controls. All new publicly owned lights, including streetlights, will incorporate adaptive controls, to actively regulate the emission of light from light fixtures such that the lighting of areas is restricted to times, places and amounts required for safe occupancy.
I. 
Sign illumination. All permanent signs may be nonilluminated, illuminated by internal indirect (halo), or lit by external indirect illumination, unless otherwise specified.
1. 
Illuminated signs shall be extinguished at 11:00 p.m. or within one (1) hour of the end of normal business hours, whichever occurs later.
2. 
Lighting should be of no greater wattage than necessary to make the sign readable at night.
3. 
No sign shall be illuminated, in whole or in part, where the illumination is intermittent or varies in color or intensity from time-to-time, nor shall any sign be so illuminated that it interferes with traffic or with the effectiveness of, or obscures, an official traffic sign, device or signal.
4. 
The use of searchlights is prohibited.
5. 
Luminance levels for operation between sunset and sunrise shall not exceed 100 units (100 candelas per square meter) as measured under conditions of a full white display.
6. 
Size limit. The luminous surface area of an individual sign shall not exceed 160 square feet.
7. 
Top-down lighting. Externally illuminated signs shall be lit only from the top of the sign, with fully shielded luminaires designed and installed to prevent light from spilling beyond the physical edges of the sign.
8. 
Neon lighting is prohibited.
9. 
Electronic message center (EMC) displays are discouraged but shall comply with outdoor lighting curfews stipulated in this section.
a. 
LED's or similar lighting used in EMC sign messages may utilize more than one color per message.
b. 
Moving and/or flashing text or images are prohibited.
c. 
All sign messages display times shall be a minimum of 20 seconds; however, time and temperature may have shorter display durations.
d. 
Message content and transition times shall be limited to no longer than 0.5 second intervals, with a minimum of 1,200 feet (366 meters) between installations on roadways.
e. 
Design. All EMC signs shall be a monument sign category and are not permitted to be attached to a building or other structure. The sign base must be 2 feet in height and be constructed of masonry material (brick, stone, block, etc.). The masonry material shall match or be similar to the building on lot which the EMC sign is located. The sign base shall be a minimum of seventy-five percent (75%) of sign's total width. (See table 4.)
Table 3.2.5.8-2. EMC Monument Height, Area, Quantity and Location
Type
Max. & Min. Height
Max. and Min. Width
Max Area
Quantity
Other Requirements
EMC: Monument sign structure
Min. height 4 ft.
Max. height 8 ft.
Min. width 6 ft.
Max. width 12 ft.
Min. area 24 sq. ft.
Max. area 96 sq. ft.
1
Within the required building setback
Ratio
Max. Width
Max. Area
Lighted portion of EMC sign
3:2
1.5 times greater than height
32. sq. ft.
1
Within monument sign structure
J. 
Canopy lighting must be fully shielded. However, indirect up-light is permitted under an opaque canopy provided that no lamp or vertical element of a lens or diffuser is visible from beyond the canopy and such that no direct up-light is emitted beyond the opaque canopy.
K. 
In residential lighting applications, homeowners and designers shall assess the potential for over-lighting and adjust to the lowest light necessary, to avoid glare and light trespass. For examples of acceptable light fixtures and luminaries, see figure 4.
L. 
Residential floodlights must be projected downward and fully shielded to the extent necessary to prevent light trespass to neighboring properties.
M. 
Outdoor recreational and/or athletic field lighting may be exempted from the strict shielding and short-wavelength emission requirements above provided that all of the following conditions are met:
1. 
Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) lighting guidelines (RP-6) are followed according to the appropriate class of play.
2. 
Field lighting is provided exclusively for illumination of the surface of play and viewing stands, and not for any other applications.
3. 
Illuminance levels must be adjustable based on the task (e.g., active play vs. field maintenance).
4. 
Off-site impacts of the lighting will be limited to the greatest practical extent possible.
5. 
The curfew requirement in Section 3.2.5.9 is observed.
6. 
Timers shall be installed to prevent lights being left on accidentally overnight.
Figure 4. Examples of Acceptable Light Fixtures and Luminaires
Figure 5. Examples of Full Cutoff and Fully Shielded Luminaires
Figure 6. Example of Full Shielding Around LED Array
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
A. 
Nonresidential outdoor or exterior lighting shall not be energized more than thirty (30) minutes after closing or the completion of activities, unless reduced to 25% or less of the total light output allowed.
B. 
Light sensor switches must comply with lighting curfew requirements.
C. 
Motion sensor activation must turn off within five (5) minutes after activation motion has ceased.
D. 
Curfew shall be as follows:
1. 
For LZ1, the earlier of 10:00 p.m. (2,200 hours) or close of business, except the police department shall determine hours of operation for security lighting in city parks;
2. 
For LZ2, midnight (2,400 hours), except solar landscape lights. Motion sensor activation is allowed to cause the light to resume total outdoor light output but shall be turned off within 5 minutes after activation motion has ceased;
3. 
For LZ3, the later of midnight (2,400 hours) or the close of business. All illuminated signs shall be extinguished at 11:00 p.m. or within one (1) hour of the end of normal business hours, whichever occurs later.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
A lighting plan shall be submitted with any commercial, site development and residential building permit application in which outdoor lighting is proposed or required and at a minimum provide the following information:
A. 
The location of all existing and proposed lighting fixtures including their height above grade.
B. 
A lumen calculation sheet to determine lumens per acre.
C. 
The total square footage of the area to be illuminated.
D. 
Specification sheets (photometrics) for all existing and proposed light fixtures.
E. 
Acknowledgement that the applicant has received notification of the provisions of this division.
F. 
Verification that the construction project requiring a building permit application has complied with the provisions of this division shall occur during the final inspection by the city building inspector.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
A. 
Pole-mounted lighting. Lighting mounted onto poles or any structures intended primarily for mounting of lighting shall not exceed a mounting height of 40% of the horizontal distance of the light pole from the property line, nor a maximum height according to Table 3.2.5.11, whichever is lower, with the following exceptions:
1. 
Lighting for residential sports courts and pools shall not exceed fifteen (15) feet above the court or pool deck surface.
2. 
Lights specifically for driveways, and then only at the intersection to the road providing access to the site, may be mounted at any distance relative to the property line, but may not exceed the mounting height listed in Table 3.2.5.11.
3. 
Landscape lighting installed in a tree.
B. 
Lights mounted to buildings or other structures. All lights mounted to buildings or other structures must be fully shielded. Lighting mounted onto buildings or other structures shall not exceed a mounting height greater than four (4) feet higher than the tallest part of the building or structure at the place where the lighting is installed, nor higher than 40% of the horizontal distance of the light from the property line, whichever is less, with the following exceptions:
1. 
Lighting attached to single-family residences shall not exceed the height of the eave.
2. 
Lighting for facades may be mounted at any height equal to or less than the total height of the structure being illuminated, regardless of horizontal distance to the property line.
3. 
For buildings less than forty (40) feet to the property line, including canopies or overhangs onto the sidewalk or public right-of-way, luminaires may be mounted to the vertical facade or the underside of canopies at sixteen (16) feet or less.
4. 
The top exterior deck of parking garages should be treated as normal pole-mounted lighting rather than as lights mounted to buildings.
C. 
Shielding. Mounting height or proximity to property lines may cause the luminous elements of a light fixture to require additional shielding to prevent light trespass.
Table 3.2.5.11. Maximum Light Mounting Height in Feet
Lighting Zone
Lighting for Driveways, Parking and Transit
Lighting for Walkways, Plazas, and Other Pedestrian Areas
All Other Lighting
LZ 1
25.0
12
4.5
LZ 2
12
8
4.5
LZ 3
37.5
18
15
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
A. 
All outdoor light fixtures located under canopies, under building overhangs, or under roof eaves must conform to all provisions of this division.
B. 
Outdoor lighting fixtures located under canopies, under building overhangs, or under roof eaves where the center of the lamp is located at between five (5) feet and less than ten (10) feet from the nearest edge of the canopy or overhang are to be included in the lumens per net acre calculation or lumens cap, as applicable, as though they produced one one-quarter (1/4) of the lamp's rated lumen output.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
To obtain a permit, applicants shall demonstrate that the proposed lighting installation:
A. 
Has sustained every reasonable effort to mitigate the effects of light on the environment and surrounding properties, supported by a signed statement describing the mitigation measures.
B. 
Employs lighting controls to reduce lighting at a project specific curfew ("curfew") time to be established in the permit.
C. 
The City Council shall review each special permit application. A permit may be granted if, upon review, the City Council believes that the proposed lighting will not create unwarranted glare, sky glow, or light trespass.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
To establish requirements for landscaping, buffering, and screening to provide for the orderly, safe, attractive and healthful development of land and promoting the health, safety and general welfare of the city, it is deemed necessary to establish requirements for the installation and maintenance of landscaping elements and other means of site improvements on properties to be developed or redeveloped. It is the intent of this article that these minimum landscape requirements be incorporated to promote the public health, safety and welfare through:
A. 
Requiring appropriate vegetation.
B. 
Maintaining, creating and restoring unique city identities.
C. 
Maintaining microhabitats in urban areas for the conservation of wildlife by supporting existing wildlife habitat.
D. 
Creating larger, more connected plant populations, helping ensure the future of native plant species by increasing their ability to migrate in response to changes in climate.
E. 
Promoting ecotourism.
F. 
Conserving precious water resources by promoting water-efficient landscaping through the use of appropriate native plants, which, once established, typically require much less water than other species.
G. 
Reducing the need for use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to maintain landscaping.
H. 
Reducing the negative impacts on the land, such as erosion, soil depletion, and damage by invasive plants as examples, from the use of inappropriate vegetation and poorly planned landscaping.
I. 
Reducing the long-term negative impacts of stormwater runoff and enhancing water quality through reduction of nutrient loading and improved adsorption of contaminants.
J. 
Improving flood control.
K. 
Increasing understanding and appreciation of our local natural eco systems and species through education and training.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
This article shall apply to new development or redsevelopment within the corporate limits of the city commencing on or after September 9, 2021.
For purposes of this section, New Development shall mean the construction of any primary structure or accessory structure, including the installation of permanent site improvements intended to support such construction on a lot that has not previously been improved with lawfully constructed structures.
For purposes of this section, Redevelopment shall mean:
A. 
The replatting of property that increases the number of buildable lots or otherwise increases development intensity;
B. 
A change from a legal nonconforming use to a conforming use;
C. 
The demolition of an existing structure and construction of a new structure; or
D. 
Any expansion of a structure that increases the building footprint or results in proposed disturbance, grading, trenching, or construction activity within the critical root zone of a protected or heritage tree.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the removal of a protected tree or heritage tree shall require compliance with this article regardless of whether the proposed activity constitutes Redevelopment. Invasive trees or plants, as identified by the city, are not subject to protection under this article and do not require mitigation pursuant to this article.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025; Ordinance 2026-O-665 adopted 4/9/2026)
Except for the requirements of this article applicable to protection of heritage trees, the following entities and activities are exempt from this article:
A. 
City, county, state or school district gardens, parks and play areas and public right-of-way;
B. 
Noninvasive fruits and vegetable plants on residential or agricultural properties;
C. 
Golf course play areas and game fields used for organized sports or recreational activities;
D. 
Turf grass and/or designed noninvasive plantings in stormwater management areas and rain gardens;
E. 
Turf grass and/or designed noninvasive plantings in public rights-of-way;
F. 
Bona fide agricultural lands;
G. 
Commercial and public botanical gardens;
H. 
Emergency maintenance work such as fire breaks and areas cleared for protection of public health and safety.
I. 
Utility easements.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
A. 
A landscape plan meeting the requirements of this chapter and meeting the requirements of any previously approved landscape plan for the development, or subdivision as a whole, shall be submitted and approved by the city as a condition of approval of a building permit associated with new home construction. All trees, shrubs, vegetative cover or turf grasses shall be selected from Appendix A or Appendix B in order to receive landscaping credit under the requirements of this chapter. No credit shall be given for trees or shrubs listed on Appendix C. Subject to the exception described below, the landscape plan shall include a tree survey of all areas within the lot or property where land clearing or land disturbance activities will occur and be submitted on paper at least 8-1/2 by 11 in size. The tree survey should include protected and heritage trees noting the location, size and type and noting if the tree is to be saved or removed. Any protected or heritage tree in the undisturbed area of the property that the builder or homeowner wishes to use as a credit towards removal of a protected or heritage tree, or for credit against the planting requirements, shall be identified in the tree survey. No protected trees located on the property shall be removed without a tree removal permit and no heritage trees may be removed, except upon issuance of a variance in accordance with Sections 3.2.6.25 and 3.2.6.26. This landscape plan shall include property boundaries, location of the planned structure(s) and improvements, any non-disturbance, preservation or management zone(s), or no cut zones(s), the approximate location of existing protected trees, and whether such trees are native trees or not and showing proposed locations for additional trees as follows:
1. 
A minimum of two (2) trees for lots six thousand (6,000) square feet or less;
2. 
A minimum of three (3) trees for lots between six thousand one (6,001) and ten thousand (10,000) square feet;
3. 
A minimum of five (5) trees for lots greater than ten thousand one (10,001) square feet;
4. 
A minimum of three (3) trees for each additional acre in excess of one (1) acre.
B. 
All new trees shall be chosen from Appendix A or B and shall be a minimum of six (6) feet high and be a minimum of two caliper inches (2") in trunk diameter measured four feet, six inches (4'6") above the ground.
C. 
One (1) of the required trees shall be planted within ten (10) feet landward of the right-of-way for lots less than or equal to one-half acre.
D. 
Landowner shall be entitled to credit existing trees against the new tree planting requirement if the trees are not removed and are native, heritage trees or protected trees. Landowners are encouraged to plant and maintain native trees listed in Appendix A. Preservation and planting of native trees and vegetation increases the likelihood that a variance will be granted under this section.
E. 
City staff may waive all or portions of the tree survey requirements of this section if a landscape plan was approved by the city for the development of the subdivision as a whole and the landscape and tree removal proposed for the lot or property meets or exceeds the landscaping or tree removal requirements approved for the subdivision or development as a whole.
F. 
Approval of the landscape plan shall include requirements for tree removal, new planting requirements, protection for any non-disturbance zones, protected or no cut zones, if applicable, and in particular, requirements associated with protection or removal of protected trees.
G. 
In no event shall a heritage trees be removed without receiving a variance in accordance with Section 3.2.6.24 and Section 3.2.6.25.
H. 
The city will conduct an on-site inspection to review the sketch and existing and tree locations prior to issuing a building permit.
I. 
At least one required tree shall be a canopy tree from appendix A. Depending on lot size and requirements for utility line clearance, additional required trees may be understory trees from the appendix A or appendix B.
J. 
A separate irrigation permit may be required if irrigation is installed on the property.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
A. 
All applicable development, but not including development subject to Section 3.2.6.5, shall receive approval of a landscape plan or tree removal permit from the city prior to commencement of any land clearing, land disturbance activity, clearing, modification or construction work of any kind, such as adding or removing fill or tree or vegetative cover removal. The landscape plan must meet the applicable requirements set out in this article.
B. 
A landscape plan or tree removal permit may be applied for separately or considered in conjunction with an application for site plan or development permit approval. If the proposed development is associated with a new subdivision, the landscape plan or tree removal permit shall be considered in conjunction with the preliminary and final plat, or development plat, as applicable. In such case, approval of the landscape plan or tree removal permit is a condition of plat approval.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
A. 
The following information and submittals are required in conjunction with review and approval of a landscape plan. Approval of the landscape plan shall be a condition of approval for a site plan, development permit, or plat approval, as applicable. Landscape plans shall include plans for planting new trees and vegetation and preservation of existing trees and vegetation. Protected trees and vegetation shall be subject to payment of a tree mitigation fee or tree replacement, if not retained and protected in the landscape plan. Heritage trees shall be protected in the landscape plan and shall not be removed, unless the landowner receives a variance to the requirements of this article and removal of the heritage tree is approved by the city. The landscape plan shall be prepared and sealed by a state registered landscape architect, with an irrigation plan prepared by a state licensed irrigator if irrigation is used. All commercial, industrial, multi-use or multifamily property shall provide for an irrigation system. Landscape plans shall be drawn to scale and shall include and indicate the following:
1. 
Landscape architect's seal, signature and date of signing;
2. 
Dimensions of the property;
3. 
Location, species, and size of all existing trees greater than 10" caliper from an on-the-ground survey;
4. 
Location and species of all invasive or undesirable trees;
5. 
Description of existing soil types as defined by the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS);
6. 
100-year floodplain boundaries as defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA);
7. 
Location of all existing or proposed structures, freestanding signs, parking areas, drives, vehicular use areas and other improvements to the property;
8. 
Location of existing water bodies and proposed water bodies location;
9. 
Location of overhead power lines and adjacent rights-of-way and any other easements;
10. 
Proposed location of species (with identification if native or nonnative), size and quantity of all proposed landscape materials trees and plants from Appendix A or Appendix B;
11. 
Hydro zones for reference use by the irrigator;
12. 
Proposed location of required buffers or not cut zones;
13. 
Proposed alterations to existing soils including locations of planned cut, fill and topsoil removal;
14. 
Proposed removal of any existing vegetation;
15. 
Proposed types of construction devices and procedures used to protect soils and trees and vegetation planned for preservation and conservation (e.g., tunneling, boring, erosion control, root barriers);
16. 
Location and type of irrigation system, if used, in a separate irrigation plan;
17. 
Proposed soil additions, mulching materials, and initial fertilization notes and details;
18. 
Proposed planting and root pruning details for trees, shrubs, vines, and ground covers installed on level ground and on slopes;
19. 
Existing trees 10 inches or greater proposed for removal, including location, species and reason for removal and mitigation proposed;
20. 
Existing trees to be preserved, including heritage and protected trees;
21. 
Point of irrigation connection and water meter for the irrigation system, if an irrigation system is to be installed onsite;
22. 
Water harvesting areas used to contribute to meeting landscaping water needs;
23. 
Location of any portions of the property that are considered as priority natural areas as described in Section 3.2.6.9.
B. 
No land clearing, modification, development or construction work of any kind, such as adding or removing fill, can be performed until a landscape plan or site plan, as applicable, has been submitted and approved by the city.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
A. 
Preservation areas consist of: (1) priority natural areas; (2) natural areas with substantial populations or clusters of protected trees or plants; and (3) newly planted areas or a combination of natural areas and newly planted areas, intended to serve as impact buffers, screening, or mitigation between land uses, all of which shall be protected through designation of such areas as "no disturbance zones" or "no cut zones." In some cases, such areas may be protected through a conservation easement or through restrictive covenants. Priority natural areas shall be protected in accordance with Subsection B and C. Natural undisturbed areas with populations or clusters of protected trees or plants shall be preserved to the extent feasible in accordance with Section 3.2.6.11. Impact and screening buffers shall be protected in accordance with Section 3.2.6.10. Such preservation areas shall be identified in the landscape plan.
B. 
Priority natural area(s): The following vegetation and specific areas are considered a priority for on-site retention and shall be protected and maintained throughout development and upon completion of construction within the property. Grading shall leave this vegetation and these specific areas undisturbed unless the city determines that disturbance is unavoidable in the interests of the public health, safety and welfare.
1. 
100-year floodplain;
2. 
Riparian buffers;
3. 
Wetlands;
4. 
Trees and other native vegetation defined on state, federal and city lists as rare, threatened or endangered;
5. 
Corridors for wildlife movement;
6. 
Low impact stormwater management;
7. 
Other habitat for threatened, endangered, and species of special concern or wildlife habitat the city considers a locally unique ecosystem;
8. 
Steep slopes of 25% or above.
C. 
Within a priority natural area, no native trees over six (6) feet in height, or more than three (3) inches in trunk diameter, or any wetland trees or wetland vegetation of any size, shall be removed from any natural priority area unless specifically approved as part of the landscape plan and as set out in the site plan, plat, or development permit, as applicable.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
Buffers are required to protect natural areas and to reduce the visual or other impacts between one type of land use and another. Impact buffers shall consist of undisturbed vegetation or planted vegetation including native and adapted plants from Appendix A or Appendix B; but not including turf grass, unless expressly allowed by the city.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
A. 
Any location consisting of a natural area and consisting of five (5) acres or larger shall be bounded by a natural area vegetation buffer. An appropriate buffer zone of native or native-and-adapted plants shall be maintained along the perimeter of the natural area preservation areas and shall be included in the landscape plan. In cases where the buffer area is contiguous with an existing conservation area, the dimensions of the conservation area may be credited towards the minimum buffer required. The minimum buffer width for natural areas preservation areas shall be twenty (20) feet. The minimum buffer width for natural priority areas shall be twenty-five (25) feet.
B. 
No turf grass is allowed within a natural area vegetation buffer. New vegetation allowed in the buffer shall be based on the native, predevelopment plant community.
C. 
A non-elevated buffer of undisturbed state native vegetation preserved on site, or a buffer planted to re-create native uplands is preferable over berms.
D. 
Permissible uses within the preservation area are footpaths for walking or jogging. Footpaths must be natural or made from another pervious material. No horses, bicycles or motorized vehicle usage is allowed within the preservation area.
E. 
Buffers may be used as greenbelts and shall be conserved as common areas of open space.
F. 
All buffers will be included within the preservation management plan requirement outlined in Section 3.2.6.15 of this article.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
All landscape plan applicants are encouraged to utilize native plants and trees from appendix A in determining appropriate plant communities for the design, complete installation and restoration of all elements of the landscape plan. The source of all plant material, other than existing native vegetation at the site, shall be from plant nurseries. Invasive species of plants and trees and those trees and vegetation that are prohibited by this article, or listed in Appendix C, shall not be included in the landscape plan.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
The plants used in the landscape plan shall consist of the following:
A. 
One hundred percent (100%) canopy trees and seventy-five percent (75%) understory trees from Appendix A;
B. 
At least seventy-five percent (75%) of all shrubs shall be from Appendix A;
C. 
At least seventy-five percent (75%) of all groundcovers, including grasses, shall be from Appendix A;
D. 
At least seventy-five percent (75%) of all vines shall be from Appendix A;
E. 
All trees from Appendix A shall be a minimum of six (6) feet in height when measured immediately after planting;
F. 
All shrubs from Appendix A shall be a minimum of two (2) feet in height when measured immediately after planting;
G. 
Ten (10) saplings from Appendix A will equal one (1) six (6) foot tree;
H. 
Saplings shall only be used in required buffer areas and shall be protected as set out in the site plan, development permit or plat, as applicable.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
A maintenance plan for short-term (two-year establishment) and long-term (lifetime) management of new landscaping to be installed shall be submitted as part of the landscape plan, detailing tasks such as pruning, mulching, fertilizing, and replacement of annuals and short-lived perennials and shrubs to be performed throughout each twelve (12) month period. A maintenance plan is not required for landscape plans required in Section 3.2.6.5.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
A management plan shall be required for any restored habitat, greenbelts, priority areas, and buffers and screening areas required for the development. The management plan shall be prepared by the landowner as part of the landscape plan and submitted to the city for approval in conjunction with the site plan or development permit. The preservation management plan shall include methods of preserving the priority area, buffer zone or screening requirements, as applicable, and shall include firewise principles especially in high-risk areas such as steep slopes and shall include methods for conserving biological diversity and management of invasive plants and trees, disease, or insect infestation.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
A. 
The landowner of the property shall be responsible for compliance with the management plan, unless an HOA or POA is established for the property, in which case the HOA or POA, shall be responsible for the portions of the property owned or controlled by the HOA or POA.
B. 
Landowner shall submit a management plan that:
1. 
Allocates responsibility and guidelines for the maintenance and operation of the management area(s);
2. 
Provides that any changes to the management plan be approved by the city.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
A. 
An application for an alternative landscape plan sealed by a state licensed landscape architect may be submitted for consideration by the city when site conditions make strict compliance with the landscape requirements of this article undesirable or impractical.
B. 
Examples of such site conditions include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. 
Existing buildings, utilities or other improvements;
2. 
Unusual shape of lot, tract or building site;
3. 
Topography, soil, geologic, vegetation or other natural feature;
4. 
Safety (e.g., vehicle safety distance, impediments to vehicle maneuvering, visibility of traffic or safety related signage, etc.);
5. 
Use of the landscape for stormwater management in compliance with low-impact design requirements of the Lower Colorado River Authority's Highland Lakes Design Manual.
C. 
The alternative landscape plan shall meet or exceed the standards of this article. When a provision is reduced, the plan shall increase other provisions to off-set any noncompliance. For instance, if landscape plantings are reduced in one area, plantings in other areas that will have a similar beneficial impact shall be increased by an equal or greater amount. If the area of landscaping is decreased, the number of plantings shall be increased.
D. 
The city shall approve or disapprove the alternative landscape plan. If disapproved, the development shall be subject to the landscape plan requirements set out in this article.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
A. 
If irrigation is proposed, a TCEQ licensed irrigator shall prepare an irrigation plan for each site prior to installation or alteration of an irrigation system. An easily available paper or electronic copy of the irrigation plan must be on site at all times during such installation of the irrigation system. During the installation or alteration of the irrigation system, variances from the original plan are allowable if noted in red on the irrigation plan and provided that the change(s) does not diminish the operational integrity of the irrigation system nor violate any requirement of this section. The irrigation plan must include complete coverage of the area to be irrigated. If a system does not provide complete coverage of the area to be irrigated, it must be noted on the irrigation plan.
B. 
All irrigation plans must be drawn to scale. The plan shall include the following information:
1. 
The irrigator's seal, signature, and date of signing;
2. 
All major physical features and the boundaries of the areas to be watered;
3. 
A north arrow;
4. 
A legend;
5. 
Illustration of water usage zones;
6. 
The zone flow measurement for each zone;
7. 
Design pressure;
8. 
Location and type of each automatic controller and sensor (such as rain, moisture, wind, flow, or freeze sensors);
9. 
Location, type, and size of each;
10. 
Water source, such as, but not limited to a water meter and point(s) of connection;
11. 
Backflow prevention assembly;
12. 
Water emission device, including, but not limited to, spray heads, rotary sprinkler heads, quick-couplers, bubblers, drip, or micro-sprays;
13. 
Valve, including but not limited to, zone valves, master valves, and isolation valves;
14. 
Pressure regulation component;
15. 
Main line and lateral piping;
16. 
Areas where hand watering will be sufficient to establish and maintain plantings.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
A. 
All irrigation systems, both residential and nonresidential, shall be installed in accordance with state law, title 2 Texas Water Code, chapter 34 and title 30 Texas Administrative Code, chapter 344, as amended, as regulated and enforced by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). A permit shall be required for the installation of all automatic irrigation systems.
B. 
All automatic irrigation systems are required to have a rain sensor connected to an irrigation controller in order to stop the irrigation cycle during and after a rainfall event. Rain sensors are to be installed in a location where rainfall is unobstructed, such as a rooftop or fence line. Rain sensors are to be adjusted at the one-fourth-inch (1/4") setting.
C. 
All new residential and nonresidential irrigation systems are required to have pressure regulators if static pressure at the site exceeds the sprinkler manufacturer's recommended operating range.
D. 
Irrigation systems shall have a controller with multiple cycle, rain sensor capability and irrigation water budget feature.
E. 
Sprinkler systems shall be designed, inspected, adjusted and maintained to minimize overspray onto the hardscape throughout the life of the system.
F. 
Sprinkler heads shall be installed at least eight (8) inches from the curb or edge of pavement.
G. 
For strips of land less than six (6) feet in width, spray irrigation shall be prohibited and low-flow irrigation systems (such as drip, bubblers or micro-irrigation) are required.
H. 
For strips of land between six (6) feet and fifteen (15) feet in width, only low-flow irrigation (such as drip, bubblers or micro-irrigation), or spray irrigation using low-angle spray nozzles designed for the specific width to be irrigated shall be permitted.
I. 
For strips of land more than fifteen (15) feet in width, only low precipitation rotors with low angle nozzles may be used to irrigate turf areas. Planting beds may be irrigated with low-flow or spray irrigation. All spray heads must be designed to prevent low head drainage.
J. 
The incorporation of treated effluent, rainwater, or water from rain/stormwater systems in an irrigation system is encouraged.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
Tree mitigation fees and tree removal permits are not required for removal of trees subject to the following:
A. 
Dead or diseased trees. Provided, that the city staff determines after a site inspection that a protected or heritage tree is dead, dying, or fatally diseased prior to commencement of development. A letter from an arborist may be required to confirm the condition of the tree if the condition is not obvious and city staff is unable to make a determination.
B. 
Dangerous trees. If the city staff determines that a protected tree or heritage tree is causing a danger or is in a hazardous condition due to natural disaster, such as a tornado, fire, storm, flood, or other act of God that endangers public health, welfare, or safety.
C. 
Sight triangles. The city staff determines that a protected tree or heritage tree is interfering with the safe visibility at a sight triangle of an existing public street, the tree may be removed.
D. 
Trees on the Appendix C list.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
A. 
Heritage trees shall be preserved on site unless otherwise approved for removal as outlined in this article. The location of heritage trees shall be shown on the landscape plan. Documents to be recorded, such as subdivision plats, shall contain a note stating that heritage trees cannot be removed without a tree removal permit and a variance to this article. Preserved heritage trees shall be credited towards the landscape requirements of this article.
B. 
Trees must be protected during construction activities on the property in accordance with the approved landscape plan. No new development or other construction impacts shall occur within the dripline of a heritage tree.
C. 
Pruning of heritage trees shall be performed in accordance with Section 3.2.6.36, landscape standards.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
A. 
The location of protected and heritage trees shall be shown on any plat, site development permit plans, building permit plan, or other permit application submitted to the city for development of the property. Preserved heritage and protected trees may be credited towards the landscape requirements of this article.
B. 
Protected and heritage trees shall be preserved to the greatest extent reasonably possible. For purposes of this subsection, "reasonably possible" shall mean feasible without preventing development of a permitted use of the property. Protected and heritage trees removed during construction shall be supplanted with replacement trees, or payment of mitigation fees, or both, as required by the tree preservation and mitigation requirements of this article.
C. 
City staff shall review all applications for protected tree removal permits and may issue the permit authorizing the removal of such tree(s) upon the applicant's compliance with the tree replacement requirements, upon payment of the mitigation fees, or both as set forth in this article. Removal of a heritage tree shall require approval by the City Council in accordance with the procedures set forth in this article.
D. 
Trees must be protected during construction on the property in accordance with the approved landscape plan and this article.
E. 
Pruning of protected trees shall be performed in accordance with this article.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025; Ordinance 2026-O-665 adopted 4/9/2026)
A. 
Removal of a heritage tree shall require approval by the City Council following a public hearing as defined by this article.
B. 
An application for removal of a heritage tree shall include sufficient information to demonstrate compliance with the criteria of this section, including at a minimum:
1. 
A site plan identifying the location of the heritage tree and the limits of the critical root zone;
2. 
The proposed development layout including structures, driveways, utilities, grading, and other site improvements;
3. 
A written explanation describing the efforts made to preserve the heritage tree and why preservation is not reasonably possible while complying with the critical root zone protection standards of this article;
4. 
A certified arborist assessment describing the health, structural condition, and expected longevity of the heritage tree; and
5. 
A proposed mitigation plan consistent with the tree preservation and mitigation requirements of this article.
6. 
A written explanation detailing how the request satisfies all of the criteria of Subsection D.
C. 
Upon determining that an application is complete, city staff shall review the application and supporting materials and prepare a report evaluating whether the request satisfies all of the criteria of Subsection D.
D. 
Following the public hearing, the City Council may approve removal of a heritage tree upon making the following findings:
1. 
Preservation of the heritage tree is not reasonably possible while complying with the critical root zone protection standards of this article; and
2. 
The applicant has made reasonable efforts to design the project in a manner that preserves the heritage tree, including adjustments to building placement, access, grading, or utility alignment; and
3. 
An evaluation of the location, or health, or structural condition of the heritage tree has determined that preservation is not feasible; and
4. 
Removal of the heritage tree will not result in the unnecessary loss of additional protected or heritage trees, and the site design preserves protected and heritage trees to the greatest extent reasonably possible; and
5. 
The removal will include full mitigation consistent with the requirements of this article.
E. 
For purposes of this section, "reasonable efforts" shall mean good-faith modifications to the site design, including adjustments to building placement, access, utilities, grading, or similar improvements that are feasible without preventing development of a permitted use of the property.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025; Ordinance 2026-O-665 adopted 4/9/2026)
A. 
The removal of heritage or protected trees shall require mitigation using the calculations and procedures defined below. Mitigation may be achieved through credit of existing trees on site, replacement trees planted on-site, or payment-in-lieu of replacement trees or a combination of replacement and mitigation fees.
Protected trees between ten (10) and eighteen (18) caliper-inches
*Replacement trees minimum 2 caliper inches
OR
Mitigation fee of three hundred dollars ($300.00) per caliper inch removed
Protected trees greater 18 caliper-inches and above and including Ashe Juniper trees
*Replacement trees minimum 2 inches
OR
Mitigation fee of four hundred dollars ($400.00) per caliper inch removed
Heritage trees twenty-four (24) caliper-inches and above
*Replacement trees minimum 2 inches
OR
Mitigation fee of five hundred dollars ($500.00) per caliper inch removed
* To qualify for replacement mitigation credit all caliper inches removed must be replaced with an equal number of caliper inches. The percentage of replacement credit allowed is set out in Subsection C below. Native trees removed require replacement from Appendix A. The amount of the replacement credit shall be processed and the percentage credited in accordance with Subsection B and C below.
B. 
Disposition of payments: All payments made pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the city's tree and plant fund, with the monies in the fund being restricted to landscaping improvements in parks, conservation areas and other public areas of the city. Mitigation fees shall be paid prior to tree replacement mitigation. If actual mitigation is less than proposed, excess mitigation fees shall be refunded following final inspection.
C. 
The landowner may apply for a replacement tree mitigation credit by completing an application form prepared by the city. To qualify for a credit, each tree must be planted on the property for which the tree mitigation fee was assessed or mutually agreed upon by the city and the landowner and be at least two (2) inches in diameter at the point on the trunk four feet six inches (4'6") above ground.
1. 
The amount of credit provided to the landowner must be applied in the same manner as the tree mitigation fee assessed; and
a. 
Equal to the amount of the tree mitigation fee assessed against the landowner if the property is an existing one-family or two-family dwelling that is the landowner's residence;
b. 
At least fifty percent (50%) of the amount of the tree mitigation fee assessed against the landowner if:
(1) 
The property is a residential structure or pertains to the development, construction, renovation of a residential structure; and
(2) 
The landowner is developing, constructing, or renovating the property not for uses as the landowner's residence; or
c. 
At least forty percent (40%) of the amount of the tree mitigation fee assessed against the landowner if:
(1) 
The property is not a residential structure; or
(2) 
The landowner is constructing or intends to construct a structure on the property that is not a residential structure.
2. 
Tree mitigation fees must be paid in conjunction with the building permit application for tree mitigation occurring on an individual residential lot, and shall be paid prior to issuance of a site development permit, development plat or final plat, as applicable.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
A. 
Replacement or Relocation. Within new development, protected or heritage trees removed in the construction of roads or other infrastructure shall be replaced or relocated within divided medians, at the entrance of the development, along the right-of-way, and within park areas if parks are provided.
B. 
Prohibited planting locations. The placement of replacement trees shall not be allowed within any public utility or drainage easements or natural drainageways or in any location which limits sight distances for vehicular traffic along roadways, rights-of-way, or driveway/roadway intersections.
C. 
Design standards. Effort shall be made to allow for as many existing canopy native trees and understory native trees to remain on the lot as possible. During the building design phase, courtyards, alcoves, and ell shapes should be considered; winding sidewalks and driveways should also be designed around existing protected and heritage trees when possible.
D. 
Parking lots. Parking lots shall also be designed to incorporate as many existing protected and heritage trees as possible.
E. 
Patios and decks. Patios and decks shall be designed around or incorporate existing protected and heritage trees.
F. 
Planted trees that fail to survive. If trees are planted, replacement shall be deemed to have occurred if the original replacement trees are still alive after two years. If the trees have not survived and are not replaced within 6 months, tree mitigation payment may be made by the current property owner to the city in lieu of replacement.
G. 
Replacement trees. Replacement trees shall be a minimum of two (2) inches in caliper measured four feet six inches (4'6") above finished grade immediately after planting. Replacement trees shall be native if the tree being replaced is a native tree. If the tree being replaced is nonnative canopy trees from Appendix A or Appendix B should be used for replacement as appropriate for the ecosystem where planted.
H. 
Mulch. A mulched area at least three (3) feet in radius, and not less than fifty percent (50%) of the drip line area is required around the trunks of all existing and proposed trees, with the mulch starting two (2) inches away from the trunk.
I. 
Replacement mitigation. Once the minimum landscaping requirement is met, existing and retained native hardwood trees smaller than twelve (12) caliper inches and greater than or equal to two (2) caliper inches in healthy condition may be counted toward the replacement mitigation requirements in accordance with the percentage of mitigation credit set out in Section 3.2.6.26.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
The following shall be required as a part of all development plans for all existing trees which have not been approved for removal in order to ensure that contractors adequately protect trees during construction.
A. 
A graphics legend to be used throughout the plans for the purposes of showing the following: trees to be flagged, protective fencing, trees requiring bark protection, boring, and areas of cut and fill impacting protected and heritage trees, and the identification of all applicable trees as either protected or heritage trees.
B. 
Graphic exhibit showing the features of existing trees to be removed or preserved, including the critical root zone, trunk, canopy, drip line and caliper.
C. 
Graphic exhibits showing methods of protection, to include fences, boarded skirts, etc.
D. 
Graphic exhibits showing construction methods, to include grade changes, boring, trenching, etc.
E. 
All requirements of tree preservation shall be shown graphically on all applicable sheets within the development plat.
F. 
Reasonable efforts shall be made to provide primary tree protection. Secondary tree protection is allowable when authorized by the building official.
G. 
Tree protection fencing. All trees shown on plan to be preserved shall be protected with primary tree protection - temporary chain link fencing. In areas where installation of chain link fencing would be detrimental to a tree or a tree's root system, secondary tree protection may be acceptable. See details. Alternate fencing such as chain link panels or plastic fencing may be approved by the building official for protection of natural areas.
H. 
Protective fencing shall be installed prior to the start of any site preparation work and shall be maintained throughout all phases of the construction project until the final walk-through is performed.
I. 
Tree protection fencing that is damaged or found to be noncompliant shall be repaired/replaced within 24 hours of notice or a stop-work order shall be given.
J. 
Erosion and sedimentation control barriers shall be installed or maintained in a manner that does not result in damage to the tree or critical root zone and in a manner that does not result in soil buildup.
K. 
Protective fences shall surround each tree or group of trees and will remain at the location specified in the landscape plan and approved site development plan. For natural areas, protective fencing shall follow the limit of construction line in order to prevent the following:
1. 
Soil compaction in the root zone area as a result from vehicular traffic or storage of equipment and materials;
2. 
Root zone disturbances due to grade changes greater than 4 inches of cut or fill, or trenching not approved or authorized by the city;
3. 
Wounds to exposed roots, trunk or limbs by mechanical equipment;
4. 
Other activities detrimental to trees such as chemical storage, concrete clean-outs and other construction spoils.
L. 
Critical root zone.
1. 
No construction or disturbance shall occur within more than fifty percent (50%) of the total critical root zone of any protected or heritage tree. In addition, disturbance shall not occur closer to the trunk than one-half (1/2) the radial distance of the critical root zone unless otherwise approved by the development services director pursuant to this section. The remaining undisturbed critical root zone shall consist of not less than one hundred (100) square feet.
2. 
This defined area shall be flagged and encircled with protective fencing during construction. The director may approve construction closer to the trunk than one-half (1/2) the radial distance, depending on the size, spacing, or species of the tree, the type of disturbance proposed, and uniqueness of the situation.
3. 
Cut or fill that is greater than four (4) inches in depth and the severing of major roots shall be considered disturbance for the purposes of this article.
4. 
Within the protected critical root zone, only flatwork, decking, or similar construction, may be approved and shall not affect the branching of the tree.
5. 
If proposed or actual protection of the critical root zone of a protected or heritage tree does not meet the requirements of this section, then the tree shall be considered removed and shall require mitigation in accordance with this article. Disturbance of the critical root zone of a heritage or protected tree beyond the limits allowed in this section shall be considered removal of the heritage tree and shall require approval in accordance with Section 3.2.6.25.
Figure 7. Critical Root Zone
Figure 8. Primary Tree Protection - Chain-link (City of Austin Standard 610S-2)
Figure 9. Secondary Tree Protection - Wood (City of Austin Standard 610S-3)
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025; Ordinance 2026-O-665 adopted 4/9/2026)
The following activities shall be prohibited within the limits of the critical root zone of any protected or heritage tree subject to the requirements of this article:
A. 
Material storage. No materials intended for use in construction, or waste materials accumulated due to excavation or demolition, shall be placed within the limits of the critical root zone of any protected or heritage tree. Equipment cleaning; liquid disposal. No equipment shall be cleaned, or other materials or liquids deposited or allowed to flow over land, within the limits of the critical root zone of a protected or heritage tree. This includes, without limitation, paint, oil, solvents, asphalt, concrete, mortar or similar materials, tree attachments.
B. 
Signs, wires, or other attachments. No signs, wires, or other attachments other than those of a protective nature shall be attached to any protected or heritage tree.
C. 
Vehicular traffic. No vehicular and/or construction equipment traffic or parking shall take place within the limits of the critical root zone of any protected or heritage tree other than on an existing paved street or parking lot. This restriction does not apply to single incident access within the critical root zone for purposes of clearing underbrush, establishing the building pad and associated lot grading, vehicular traffic necessary for routine utility maintenance or emergency restoration of utility service, or routine mowing operations.
D. 
Grade changes. No grade changes in excess of two inches (2") (cut or fill) shall be allowed within the limits of the critical root zone of any protected or heritage tree unless adequate construction methods are utilized which have been approved by the building official.
E. 
Impervious paving. No paving with asphalt, concrete or other impervious materials in a manner which may reasonably be expected to kill a tree shall be placed within the limits of the critical root zone of a protected or heritage tree except as otherwise allowed in this article.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
Unless otherwise approved in the site plan or development permit, the following procedures shall be followed on all construction projects:
A. 
Open space flagging. All trees or groups of trees within areas intended to be saved as open space shall be enclosed with orange fencing along all areas of possible access or intrusion by construction equipment. Fencing shall be supported by metal "T" posts at a minimum of ten-foot (10') intervals on center. Single incident access for the purposes of clearing underbrush is allowed.
B. 
Protective fencing. In those situations where a protected or heritage tree is so close to the construction area that construction equipment will infringe on the root system, protective fencing may be required between the tree and the construction activity.
C. 
Bark protection. In situations where a protected or heritage tree remains in the immediate area of intended construction, the tree shall be protected by enclosing the entire circumference of the tree with 2" x 4" lumber encircled with wire or other means that do not damage the tree. This will protect the bark of the tree against incidental contact by large construction equipment.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
A. 
In the event that any trees of any kind are cut on a lot, the owner of the lot or the owner's agent will be required to remove, grind or otherwise eradicate the stump of the cut trees in a manner in which the stump will not be noticeable from surrounding properties or the street right-of-way.
B. 
For purposes of this section, a stump will not be considered visible if the top of the stump does not exceed two (2) inches above the surface of the lot at the location of the stump.
C. 
Removal of one or more stumps from a lot through excavation or bulldozing will require the installation of erosion and sedimentation controls as deemed necessary by the city. Revegetation of any area disturbed by the removal of trees or stumps must be accomplished within sixty (60) days of the removal. Erosion and sedimentation controls must be maintained in an appropriate manner to ensure their effectiveness and aesthetic appearance until such time as new vegetation is permanently established in the disturbed area(s).
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
A. 
Alternative tree preservation may be approved by the city for properties where existing tree cover is especially dense, and the following are found:
1. 
Removal of a significant number of trees is unavoidable;
2. 
The applicant has planned the development so as to save the highest quality and greatest number of trees that could be reasonably expected;
3. 
All areas of the site that can be reasonably utilized for tree replacement have been utilized; and
4. 
The proposed total landscaping exceeds the requirements of this article.
B. 
The approved alternative tree preservation approach shall be included in the landscape plan and permit.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
Species public nuisance declared. The city declares that invasive or undesirable species listed in Appendix C are a public nuisance that degrades landscaped and natural areas. The landscape plan shall identify any prohibited trees or vegetation and shall provide that such species shall be removed. Prohibited trees or vegetation shall not count as credit toward planting requirements. Likewise, removal of same shall not be subject to replacement or tree mitigation fees.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
A. 
Appropriate native plants incentives. Any landowner or landowner representative submitting a required landscape plan for new subdivisions or other land developments for landscaping with one hundred percent (100%) native plants and trees will be eligible for all or part of the following incentives with eligibility based on the recommendations of the planning and zoning commission and approval of the City Council.
1. 
A rebate of up to twenty-five percent (25%) from the city's tree mitigation fees;
2. 
City signage placed on site naming the landowner and/or landowner representative as a green growth company or landowner;
3. 
Certificate of recognition and appreciation from the Lower Colorado River Authority and Central Texas Soil and Water Conservation District;
4. 
City notice of recognition and appreciation with certificate presented at City Council meeting.
B. 
Restoration of native habitat incentives. Any landowner or landowner representative submitting a required landscape plan for new subdivisions or other land development for landscaping which restores native habitat through a combination of nonnative invasive plant removal and installation of one hundred percent (100%) native plants, and which results in an increase of plants on the developed site will be eligible for all or part of the following incentives with eligibility based on the recommendations of the planning and zoning commission and final approval of the City Council:
1. 
A rebate of up to twenty-five percent (25%) from the city's tree mitigation fees;
2. 
City signage placed on site naming the landowner and/or landowner representative as a green growth company or landowner;
3. 
Certificate of recognition and appreciation from the Lower Colorado River Authority and the Central Texas Soil and Water Conservation District presented at a City Council meeting.
C. 
Single-family homes incentives. The incentives portion of this article does not apply to individuals submitting a limited landscape plan for one single-family home on one existing lot.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
The city recognizes that public education regarding the benefits of native vegetation and efficient landscaping practices supports the city's natural resources, including water, wildlife habitat, and native plant communities.
A. 
Public education and outreach. The city may provide educational opportunities, informational materials, or public outreach regarding the protection of native vegetation, water conservation, wildlife habitat, and appropriate landscaping practices. Such outreach may include workshops, informational materials, partnerships with public agencies, or collaboration with nonprofit organizations.
B. 
Residential subdivision information. Developers, property owners' associations, or other responsible parties are encouraged to provide homeowners with information regarding landscaping practices appropriate for the subdivision, including information on native plants, soils, wildlife habitat, fertilizers, and water conservation.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025; Ordinance 2026-O-665 adopted 4/9/2026)
A. 
Installation. A common cause of landscape failure is planting too deep and failing to manage circling roots. All landscape materials shall be installed and maintained according to best practices for the Central Texas region. Low water demanding landscapes are encouraged and shall include use of native plants and adapted plants as included in Appendix A and Appendix B.
B. 
Maintenance. The owner of landscaped property shall be responsible for the maintenance of all landscape areas. Said areas shall be maintained so as to present a healthy appearance at all times and shall be kept free of refuse and debris. Native plants shall be maintained in their naturally occurring shapes with minimal pruning. All planted areas shall be provided with a readily available water supply and watered as necessary to ensure healthy establishment. Limit water and fertilizer for native plants once established. Landscape irrigation systems shall not be mandatory with low water demanding landscapes. Drip irrigation or soaker hose systems and landscape designs for low impact stormwater management that keep stormwater runoff on-site are encouraged. Maintenance shall include the removal of dead plant material and its replacement if that material was used to meet the requirements of this section.
C. 
Quality. Trees, shrubs, vines and ground cover planted pursuant to this section shall be healthy nursery stock that meets or exceeds the American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1).
D. 
Turf grass and alternatives.
1. 
All turf grass installed shall have summer dormancy capabilities. Recommended varieties can be found in the plant reference resources Appendix A. St. Augustine and common Bermuda shall not be used.
2. 
Alternative options to turf grass shall use native and adapted landscape plants for planting such as wildflower prairies, ground cover, flower and shrub beds, or mulch. No more than thirty percent (30%) of the landscaped portion of residential lots may consist of non-degradable pervious material such as river rock, gravel, decomposed granite, tumbled glass or pervious pavers.
3. 
The maximum landscape that may be planted in turf grass for nonresidential development shall be limited to forty percent (40%) of the required landscape area. No more than fifty percent (50%) of the landscaped portion of nonresidential lots may consist of non-degradable pervious material.
4. 
Turf grass in nonresidential developments shall be located in strips no less than ten (10) feet wide. Landscaped areas smaller than ten (10) feet in width shall use ground covers or pervious materials.
E. 
Tree diversification during development. No more than fifty percent (50%) of the same species may be planted as street trees or individual lot trees on the same street when subdivision lots are first developed to avoid potential loss of entire plantings due to disease.
F. 
Non-disturbance zone. A non-disturbance zone shall be maintained on single-family and two-family lots during the subdivision construction and building permit phases of development. A disturbance area no more than five feet (5') from the foundation necessary for construction and grade transitions shall be permitted. This disturbance area shall be no more than ten feet (10') from the foundation for properties on lots larger than one-half (1/2) acre. The trees located on the remainder of the lot shall not be removed unless a unique situation is approved by the city.
G. 
Pruning oak trees.
1. 
To help prevent the spread of oak wilt, pruning of any type of oak tree shall be prohibited from February 1st through June 30th unless approved in advance by, and performed under the supervision of a licensed arborist for a tree showing signs of disease, damage through a storm, reasons related to public safety or protection of property, or other extenuating circumstances where maintenance is deemed necessary by the city's arborist.
a. 
At all times of the year, suspected disease of any oak tree shall be reported to the city for review by the city arborist before the pruning is performed to minimize the risk of oak wilt spread.
b. 
For the period outside February 1st through June 30th, pruning for maintenance or removal of branches of any protected or heritage oak tree shall be performed under the supervision of a ISA-certified arborist. If the property owner uses an ISA-certified arborist of their choice for pruning of a protected or heritage oak tree, the property owner may apply for a small reimbursement from the city's tree mitigation fund.
c. 
TexasOakWilt.org guidelines shall be followed for correct pruning techniques and disposal methods to prevent spread of oak wilt. Any oak suspected to have oak wilt shall be reported to the city for proper identification by the city's arborist. The property owner shall follow the city arborist's direction for immediate removal or correct treatment of all trees confirmed to have oak wilt.
d. 
Pruning protected trees of non-oak species may occur as needed throughout the year except as outlined by the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan (BCCP) or United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Any brush and tree removal or trimming must be permitted through the city development services office.
2. 
Pruning protected trees of non-oak species may occur as needed throughout the year. Any brush and tree removal must be permitted through the city development services office.
H. 
Artificial materials. Synthetic or artificial lawns or plants, if allowed by state law and property owner's association rules, shall not be used in lieu of plant requirements.
I. 
Planters. The use of architectural planters may be permitted in fulfillment of fifty percent (50%) of the landscape requirements for commercial or industrial landscapes.
J. 
Pervious materials. Any approved decorative aggregate or pervious brick pavers shall qualify for up to ten percent (10%) of the required landscaping if contained in planting areas, but no credit shall be given for concrete or other impervious surfaces.
K. 
Mulch. All exposed soil surfaces of disturbed non-turf areas within the developed landscape area must be mulched with a minimum two-inch layer of organic material. Examples of organic material include first-pass chopped native hardwoods, shredded cedar, composted leaves, and shredded landscape clippings. Natural areas are exempt from additional placed mulch.
L. 
Lighting. Landscape lighting of all types shall meet the city's lighting standards and requirements for night-time light control to preserve dark skies.
M. 
Tree preservation markings. All trees to be preserved as shown in an approved landscape plan shall be clearly marked prior to the commencement of construction activities.
N. 
WaterWise landscape principles. WaterWise landscape principles shall be an integral component of the landscape design and plan. Home builders shall be required to offer a WaterWise landscape option using drought-tolerant and drought-resistant native plants in any series of landscape options offered to home buyers. The seven basic principles of WaterWise landscaping include:
1. 
Proper planning and design, including grouping plants by their water needs, grouping plants by their microclimate needs;
2. 
Proper soil preparation (compost-improved topsoil);
3. 
Practical turf grass selection of drought resistant-species;
4. 
Appropriate plant selection. The plants listed as invasive plants shall not be offered as part of a WaterWise landscape option;
5. 
Efficient irrigation systems;
6. 
Use of mulches;
7. 
Appropriate maintenance.
O. 
Excluded items. The following may not be counted toward the above landscape area requirements:
1. 
Detention and water quality ponds unless such ponds are designed as follows:
a. 
The ponds shall utilize earthen berms.
b. 
Any structural stabilization shall be limited to the use of native stone (except for outlet structures) and shall be limited to not more than thirty percent (30%) of the perimeter of the pond.
c. 
Such ponds shall be seamlessly integrated with the landscaping.
d. 
Such ponds shall be not greater than eighteen inches deep.
e. 
Such ponds shall not comprise more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the required landscape area.
2. 
Utility, mechanical and electrical facilities.
3. 
Sidewalks or other paved surfaces except for any decorative aggregate or pervious brick pavers if contained in planting areas and comprising less than ten percent (10%) of the required landscape area.
4. 
Landscaped areas less than four feet in width.
P. 
General landscape minimums. A minimum percentage of the total lot area of property on which development occurs shall be devoted to landscape development in accordance with the following schedule. Such percentages may include setback areas. All non-single-family and non-two-family setback areas are required to be landscaped in accordance with this article even if they exceed the following percentages:
1. 
Multifamily dwellings (tri-plex, four-plex, condominiums or apartments): 20%.
2. 
Office and professional uses: 15%.
3. 
Commercial uses: 15%.
4. 
Industrial or manufacturing: 10%.
5. 
Single-family and two-family dwelling housing developments: 15% preserved in perpetuity as native habitat (may include greenbelts and steep slope environmental overlays).
6. 
Schools, churches, city centers and parks: 15%.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025; Ordinance 2025-O-653 adopted 4/10/2025)
A. 
Trees and shrubs identified on Appendix A or Appendix B shall be utilized within the required landscaping as described below.
1. 
For every six hundred (600) square feet of landscape area and setback area required by this article, two (2) canopy shade trees two (2) inch caliper or larger and four (4) shrubs, five (5) gallon container size or larger) shall be planted. Two ten (10) gallon container sized ornamental trees may be substituted for every one (1) required shade tree as long as at least half of the required number of shade trees is installed.
2. 
Trees shall be credited on a caliper-inch basis.
a. 
For every one (1) caliper-inch of a tree that is saved, credit shall be given for one (1) caliper-inch of a tree required to be planted.
b. 
For every one (1) caliper-inch of a protected or heritage tree over eighteen inches (18") caliper that is saved, credit shall be given for two (2) caliper-inches of a tree required to be planted.
3. 
At least seventy five percent (75%) of the planted trees are required to be large trees/shade trees.
4. 
The remaining trees may be small ornamental understory trees, all of which shall be selected from Appendix A or Appendix B. Existing protected trees and shrubs that are retained in healthy condition may count toward fulfillment of these requirements.
5. 
In calculating the credit from existing protected trees and shrubs that are retained, shrubs shall be credited on a one-for-one basis if such shrub is equivalent or greater in size to a comparable five-gallon container-grown shrub.
B. 
To allow for larger landscaped activity areas at school facilities, for every six hundred (600) square feet of landscaping required by this section, one (1) tree and three (3) shrubs (five (5) gallon container size or larger) shall be planted.
C. 
To reduce the thermal impact of unshaded parking lots, additional trees shall be planted as necessary so that the center point of each parking space is no more than seventy-five (75) feet away from the trunk of a tree.
1. 
Appendix A includes a list of native shade trees acceptable for use as parking lot trees or street trees.
2. 
If used, street trees shall be planted between the sidewalks and back of curb (or edge of pavement) if the public utility easement is more than five (5) feet from the back of curb or edge of pavement. If the public utility easement is adjacent to the back of curb or edge of pavement, the tree designated as a street tree shall be planted on the lot side of the easement. A street tree shall be a large tree species and shall be specified in the construction plans for the subdivision (if applicable). Street tree spacing shall average thirty (30) feet on center between trees on the same side of the street. Street trees may be counted toward the required tree plantings within the front or street side setback area. Caution should be taken to avoid planting street trees of the same species that come from the same tissue culture to minimize later mass failure from disease.
D. 
Other than single-family and two-family development, setback areas shall be landscaped per the standards of this section.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
A. 
Shrubs shall be five (5) one-gallon shrubs, three (3) five-gallon shrubs, and a mix of ground cover and turf grass or an alternative material as defined in this section from the front property line to the front two (2) corners of the structure. If rain gutters are not used, a minimum area extending three feet (3') from the slab/foundation shall be covered with ground cover plants, turf grass or French drain with gravel to encourage water infiltration.
B. 
Each residential lot or building envelope shall be required to plant at least two (2) trees measuring at least two (2) caliper-inches selected from the city's plant reference resources (Appendix A). At least one of the required trees shall be a street tree planted between the sidewalk and the back of curb (or edge of pavement) in accordance with The Urban Tree Foundation planting details. Street tree spacing shall average thirty (30) feet on center between trees on the same side of the street which may require two (2) or more street trees to be planted per lot to achieve the required spacing.
C. 
Lots less than thirty (30) feet wide and with less than a fifteen (15) foot deep front yard are only required to plant one (1) large tree which shall be the street tree. One small ornamental tree shall be planted in the front yard of the lot. Corner lots shall plant street trees on both streets. Existing trees and shrubs that are retained in healthy condition may count toward fulfillment of these requirements.
D. 
Seventy-five percent (75%) of the landscape understory shall be native plants.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
The landscaping shall be placed upon that portion of a tract or lot that is being developed. Thirty percent (30%) of the required landscaped area and required plantings contained in the landscape requirements listed in this section shall be installed between the front property lines and the building being constructed. Undeveloped portions of a tract or lot shall not be considered landscaped, except as specifically approved by the city.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
No landscaping that will be over three (3) feet in height at maturity shall be planted within forty (40) feet of the intersection of any street pavement. Any planted or existing vegetation within this area shall be kept pruned so that foliage shall not grow or exist within three (3) and eight (8) feet above the elevation of the curb closest to the vegetation.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
In cases of death or removal of a tree planted pursuant to the terms of this article within ten (10) years of installation, a replacement tree of equal size and type shall be required to be planted. A smaller tree that will have a mature crown similar to the tree removed may be substituted if the planting area or pervious cover provided for the larger tree in this section is retained.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
Waterfront property along Lake Travis or any of its tributaries shall preserve a thirty-five foot (35') buffer from the water's edge at normal high water mark or landward side of floodplain boundary maintained in native woody vegetation for water quality including control of sediment and for wildlife habitat unless a higher standard is required by the Lower Colorado River Authority to meet environmental regulations.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
A. 
General. Screening buffers are required to reduce the visual impact between one type of land use and another.
B. 
High impact screening. A one hundred percent (100%) opaque screen is required between dissimilar land uses per the chart below. Both of the following elements are required to be installed within the buffer area: (1) an eight-foot (8') masonry wall or wood fence; and (2) a low-impact landscape screen on one side of the fence. The high-impact screen shall be regularly maintained to ensure wall or fence and landscaping remain in excellent condition.
C. 
Medium impact screening. A seventy percent (70%) semi-opaque screen is required between dissimilar land uses per the chart below. Semi-opaque screening should partially block views from adjoining land use and create a separation between the adjoining land uses. Medium-impact screening may consist of a wood or metal fence with landscape screening of shrubs and ornamental trees, or solely landscape screening of canopy trees, ornamental trees, evergreen trees and shrubs, with 25% canopy trees.
D. 
Low impact screening. A partially open screen of plants is required between somewhat similar land uses. Open screening should provide an attractive separation between land uses. This landscape screen shall consist of 15% canopy trees, 10% ornamental trees, 15% evergreen trees and 30% shrubs.
Visual Screening Chart
Adjoining Use and Impact Level
Proposed Use
Single-Family
Multifamily
Commercial
Office
Industrial
Single-Family
None
High
High
High
High
Multifamily
High
None
High
Medium
High
Commercial
High
High
None
None
Low
Office
High
Medium
None
None
Low
Industrial
High
High
Low
Low
None
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
There is hereby created a tree mitigation fund, a separate fund of the city that shall receive all funds collected under this article and which shall be received and administered by the city for purposes outlined in this article.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
It shall be unlawful for any person or entity, to permit, cause or allow a protected or heritage tree to be cut down, destroyed, removed, topped or moved, whether directly or indirectly without first obtaining a tree removal permit or an approved landscape plan that includes the right to remove protected or heritage trees.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
A. 
Application.
A request for approval to remove a heritage tree shall be submitted to the city on a form provided by the city. The application shall include the information required by Section 3.2.6.25B and any additional information reasonably necessary for staff to evaluate the request.
B. 
Staff review.
City staff shall review the application for completeness and compliance with the requirements of this article and shall prepare a report for consideration by the City Council.
C. 
Public hearing and decision.
The City Council shall consider the request at a public hearing and shall approve or deny the request in accordance with the criteria set forth in Section 3.2.6.25D.
D. 
Notice of decision.
Following City Council action, the city shall provide written notice of the decision to the applicant.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025; Ordinance 2026-O-665 adopted 4/9/2026)
City staff, or city designated representatives, shall have the authority to make inspections at reasonable hours of all areas landscaped pursuant to this article at any time during the development of a site, installation of the landscape plan at the site, and within the first year after the date that the landscaping is completely installed. The inspections may be made without notice, and refusal to allow such inspection will be a violation of this article. Refusal to allow inspection will constitute grounds for a court of competent jurisdiction to issue an administrative warrant for the purposes of inspecting the landscaped area. The city may utilize knowledgeable volunteers from the local native plant society, the local soil and water conservation district and university extension offices for the purposes of completing the inspections.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
The city may charge an applicant reasonable fee for any permits and applications required by this article, which fees may from time to time be amended by the city.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
Violations of these requirements shall be enforced in accordance with specific sections of this article and in accordance with section 1.01.009, general penalty for violations of code; continuing violations, of the city's code and as otherwise set out in this chapter.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
A. 
Generally. The requirements of this Section apply to both residential and nonresidential fences and walls constructed for the purposes of screening, privacy, and property protection. These requirements are intended to allow for fence construction in a manner that protects property and the health and safety of people and animals, while ensuring compatibility with, and contribution to, a quality-built environment.
B. 
Applicability. This Section shall apply to the following situations within the City limits, except for fences or walls in support of farm or ranch uses and accept as otherwise expressly authorized or required within other Sections of the Code of Ordinances:
1. 
All new development or redevelopment; or
2. 
Where 50 percent or more of an existing fence, wall, or screen is being replaced.
C. 
General standards for all fences and walls. All fences and walls within the City limits shall comply with the following, unless otherwise exempted herein:
1. 
Permit required. The construction of a fence or wall shall require a permit.
a. 
Fencing Permits shall be considered for approval in conjunction with Site Plan approval for new development or redevelopment; or
b. 
Fencing Permits shall be required for an individual lot, tract or parcel when site plan approval for the lot, tract, or parcel is not otherwise required.
2. 
Street visibility. Fences and walls shall not be located within the sight visibility triangle.
3. 
Easements. Fences and walls authorized by the City to be located within drainage easements shall be designed in a manner to avoid limiting or obstructing the flow of water.
4. 
Location, height, and setback requirements. All fences and walls shall comply with the height and setback requirements set out in Table 3.2.7, Location, Fence, and Wall Height and Setback Requirements.
Table 3.2.7
Location, Fence, and Wall Height and Setback Requirements
Location
Height1, 2
Setback3
Additional Standards
Front Yard
4'
0'
Fences and walls shall have a maximum 50% opacity.
Street Side Yard
6'
0'
Six-foot street side yard fencing shall not encroach into the front yard setback requirement.
Interior Side Yard
6'/8'
0'
Where the use of the property or one the abutting properties is nonresidential, industrial, or mixed-use, the maximum height is eight feet. If both are residential, the maximum height is six feet.
Rear Yard
Double Frontage Rear Yard
4'
0'
Fences and walls shall have a maximum 50% opacity.
6'
10'
10' setback is from street right-of-way and shall be landscaped green space.
Arterial Street Frontage
8'
5'
Frontage abuts a major or minor arterial.
Table Notes:
1
Decorative columns, pilasters, stone caps, sculptural elements, and other similar architectural features may exceed the maximum height by up to one foot, provided that such taller elements comprise no more than 10 percent of the total wall length in elevation view.
2
Fences and walls meeting the criteria for outdoor storage may be allowed additional height as set out in Section 3.2.9 Outdoor Storage and Display of Merchandise.
3
All fences and walls shall be set back a minimum of two feet from an existing public sidewalk and three feet from an alley right-of-way.
5. 
Materials.
a. 
Generally. Materials shall be durable and in character for the use of development it is serving (i.e., residential fencing shall be of a material commonly made and sold for residential fencing or wall construction uses).
b. 
Materials allowed. Permitted materials include weather resistant wood species, split rail, PVC/vinyl, wood treated with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved preservatives, painted wood, ornamental iron or powder-coated aluminum, brick, stone, or masonry.
c. 
Materials allowed with limitations.
(1) 
Barbed-wire fences and electric fences are prohibited in residential districts, except for public utility buildings or wherever the Planning Director finds that such are necessary to address a security interest.
(2) 
Chain link fences are prohibited in the front yards in all districts but are permitted in interior side and rear yards that do not abut or directly face a public street.
d. 
Prohibited materials. Prohibited fence and wall materials include scrap lumber, plywood, tree branches, tree trunks, sheet metal, plastic, fiberglass sheets, and spikes, nails, or other injurious sharp points on the tops or sides of the fence.
6. 
Orientation. The finished side of all fences along front yards, street side yards, and public parks shall face outward toward the abutting right-of-way.
7. 
Maintenance.
a. 
Fences and walls shall be maintained in an upright position and in good condition.
b. 
Fences and walls that are partially destroyed or damaged shall be either completely replaced with a new fence or repaired with the same materials so that its appearance is restored to its prior appearance. New replacement fences require a new fence permit.
c. 
Fences that require periodic maintenance, such as natural wood material, shall be cleaned, sealed, or otherwise kept in good condition and appearance.
D. 
Special fences.
1. 
Properties along FM 1431. Fences and walls constructed on the front property line of lots along State Highway 1431 shall be a maximum height of eight feet. The fence or wall must be constructed to have a minimum of 40 percent of the surface area of the fence or wall be stucco, stone, brick, or any combinations thereof and the remaining surface area must be wood, iron or other similar material. The entryway or gate shall have a minimum opening of 15 feet and must be positioned no less than 35 feet from the edge of pavement on FM 1431.
2. 
Sport Courts and Fields. Fencing for sport courts and fields (e.g., around tennis courts) is permitted but shall not exceed 15 feet.
3. 
Swimming pools. Pool fences around swimming pools shall comply with state standards and the City's adopted building codes.
E. 
Residential perimeter screening. To provide buffer protection and a pleasing, sustainable aesthetic appearance, screening shall be required for single-family detached, single-family attached, cottage, duplex, manufactured house, and townhouse subdivisions, manufactured home parks, and RV parks along the perimeter boundary adjacent to arterial and major collector roadways.
1. 
Screening standard.
a. 
Material. Materials shall consist of brick, stone, stucco, decorative concrete, or other material of similar quality and durability.
b. 
Wall height. Each wall shall be a minimum of six feet in height to a maximum of eight feet in height from finished grade.
c. 
Column spacing and height. Decorative masonry columns shall be located generally every 40 feet. Decorative columns, pilasters, stone caps, sculptural elements, and other similar features may exceed the maximum eight-foot wall height by one foot, provided that such taller elements comprise no more than 10 percent of the total wall length in elevation view.
2. 
Alternative standard. An alternative screening standard may be considered by the Director if it is demonstrated that it materially complies with the intent of this subsection and that it results in a screening wall that is generally low-maintenance, durable, and of similar aesthetic appearance. Meeting this alternative standard could include, but not be limited to, a combination of one or more of the following:
a. 
Living/landscaped screen with decorative metal (e.g., wrought iron) fence sections with masonry columns; or
b. 
A combination of berms and living/landscaped screening with decorative metal and masonry columns; or
c. 
A combination of berms, and living/landscaped screening, decorative masonry retaining walls.
3. 
Easement required. A maintenance easement shall be required at least five feet in width located on the residential side of the screening wall, opposite of the street. The easement shall be dedicated to a property owners' association.
4. 
Timing of compliance. Perimeter screening walls shall be included as part of the Construction Plans and installed prior to final acceptance of the public improvements for the subdivision (or appropriate surety provided, per Article 5, Subdivision Design and Land Development).
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025; Ordinance 2025-O-653 adopted 4/10/2025)
A. 
Boat dock. Boat Docks must comply with all the following specific criteria as well as any applicable general criteria:
1. 
Boat docks may not be constructed prior to the construction of a primary structure or exist on a lot without a primary structure.
2. 
The owner of a boat dock must apply for a boat dock number from the city and the boat dock number must be displayed on the dock in a location prominent and visible from the water in minimum of three-inch-tall characters made of noncorrosive material, within six months of the time this article is in effect.
3. 
A boat dock must be constructed in accordance with the city's building codes and regulations and applicable LCRA standards and the dock footprint must not exceed 1,500 square feet. Ramps shall be excluded from total square footage of boat docks.
4. 
All existing boat docks must be brought up to applicable LCRA standards and the city's building codes and regulations and Division 3.4 of this code, as amended, within five years of the date this article is in effect.
5. 
Dilapidated boat docks that cannot be brought into compliance with LCRA standards must be removed at the owner's expense, within 60 days of notification by the city. Any boat dock deemed to be dangerous by the building official may be abated by repair, rehabilitation, demolition or removal pursuant to the procedures for dangerous building abatement set forth in chapter 214, Texas Local Government Code, as amended, or Division 3.4 of this code, as amended.
6. 
Boat docks are considered to be accessory structures and therefore must comply with all requirements governing accessory structures, notwithstanding any stated exceptions.
7. 
A city building permit must be obtained for all construction, alteration, and demolition of boat docks. Any electrical or plumbing work on a boat dock will require an additional permit. No building permit is required for minor repairs that do not involve electrical or plumbing work provided they do not violate any provision of this section.
8. 
The owner or applicant authorized to represent the owner shall submit an application for approval containing plans and specifications of the proposed dock and a site plan showing the dock's location on the owner's property to the building official for review. Permits will be issued at the city office by the building official if the application meets all city requirements and permit fees are paid.
9. 
A permit shall not be issued for a boat dock if the applicant does not have sufficient room to locate the dock and any attachments (such as anchors, cables, or ramps) on/over his or her own property.
10. 
A dwelling unit is prohibited on a boat dock.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
A. 
Generally. Except as otherwise authorized by this Development Code, Outdoor storage and display areas are permitted on properties used for nonresidential purposes subject to the standards of this Section.
B. 
Applicability. This Section applies to outdoor storage areas of equipment, materials, or goods that are not for sale, and also to outdoor display of merchandise for sale. This Section does not apply to outdoor storage areas needed to support farm or ranch uses or for outdoor residential storage normally associated with residential uses.
C. 
Requirements for outdoor storage areas.
1. 
Permitted uses. Outdoor storage areas may be used to store materials, goods, and merchandise associated with the primary use of the site, subject to the following:
a. 
Materials, goods, and merchandise shall not be actively for sale.
b. 
Vehicles or equipment shall be in working condition and used to support operations of the principal use.
2. 
Limited uses. Vehicles or equipment, in working condition or inoperable, that are temporarily stored for repair, impounding, or similar short-term containment are allowed within a designated outdoor storage area if such activity is directly associated with the principal use.
3. 
Prohibited uses. Outdoor storage areas shall not be used to dispose of waste, vehicles, or machines; store or dispose of hazardous materials; or store or dispose of materials that will create windblown dust or debris or stormwater contaminants.
4. 
Location. All outdoor storage areas shall only be located in the buildable area of the rear yard or interior side yard and shall not be located in a required setback, bufferyard, or areas that are required or used for access, parking, loading, stacking, or vehicular circulation.
5. 
Height of outdoor storage materials. The maximum height of stored materials shall be one foot below the required screening, except for vehicles or equipment.
6. 
Additional outdoor storage requirements. All outdoor storage areas shall comply with the height and setback requirements set out in Table 3.2.9, Additional Outdoor Storage Requirements.
Table 3.2.9
Additional Outdoor Storage Requirements
Use
Maximum Area
Additional Standards
Farm and Ranch Uses
N/A
N/A
Residential Uses
N/A
N/A
Civic and Commercial Uses
15% of the floor area of principal building
Enclosed by a wall for street/public right-of-way frontage that is designed to the principal building's facade and composed of the same materials as the principal building.
10% of the floor area of principal building
Enclosed by a durable wall or opaque fence of sufficient height to completely screen the stored materials from public view and rights-of-way.
Industrial
N/A
The outdoor storage is located within the buildable area and enclosed by a wall or opaque fence and gate of sufficient height to completely screen the stored materials from public view and rights-of-way.
Office Uses
N/A
Outdoor storage of materials is not allowed.
7. 
Site development plan required. All outdoor storage areas shall be clearly shown on the Site Development Plan for the property. Where no Site Development Plan exists, all required information shall be shown on a scaled drawing or property survey submitted with the Building Permit or the Certificate of Occupancy.
D. 
Requirements for outdoor merchandise display areas.
1. 
Outdoor display areas shall not be located in required bufferyards, sight visibility triangles, easements, street rights-of-way (except for public sidewalks) or areas that are required or used for access, parking, loading, stacking, or vehicular circulation. New display areas may be located in a parking lot but shall not occupy required parking spaces unless otherwise approved by the Director.
2. 
If the outdoor display area is located on a public sidewalk, it shall not impede a pedestrian clear zone that shall be a minimum of four feet wide.
3. 
Designated outdoor display areas shall be denoted on the Site Development Plan for the property.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
A. 
A home-based business must comply with the following specific criteria as well as any applicable general criteria:
1. 
The home-based business shall produce no alteration or change in the character or exterior appearance of the principal building from that of a dwelling unit for human habitation;
2. 
The home-based business shall be an accessory use to a primary residential use and will not occupy more than 25% of the residence floor area;
3. 
The home-based business shall be conducted entirely within a dwelling unit, which is the bona fide residence of the person operating the business;
4. 
The residential character of the lot and dwelling shall be maintained;
5. 
The home-based business shall not produce external noise, vibration, smoke, odor, fumes, electrical interference or waste runoff outside the dwelling unit or on the property surrounding the dwelling unit;
6. 
No vehicle used in connection with the home-based business, which requires a commercial driver's license to operate, shall be parked on any street adjacent to the property;
7. 
No signs advertising the home-based business shall be permitted on the premises;
8. 
No merchandise or materials may be displayed or stored where visible;
9. 
The home-based business shall not create a significant increase in pedestrian or vehicular traffic; and
10. 
No home-based business use shall be allowed which creates a hazardous risk or condition on the premises or to surrounding neighbors or their property.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)
A. 
Where permitted under this article, a building or structure used or proposed to be used for alcoholic beverages, on-premises or off-premises, shall be located no closer than 300 feet from any church, public or private school, or public hospital as measured by state law.
B. 
Where permitted under this article, a building or structure that is used or proposed to be used for alcoholic beverages, on-premises or off-premises, is operated under a license issued under chapter 25, 28, 32, 69, or 74, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, as amended, and is not operated under a food and beverage certificate, shall be located no closer than 300 feet from any childcare center or child development facility. This subsection does not apply to alcoholic beverages, on-premises or off-premises, and childcare centers or child development facilities that are located on different stories of a multistory building or that are located in separate buildings and the childcare center or child development facility is located on the second story or higher of a multistory building.
(Ordinance 2025-O-650 adopted 1/9/2025)