Dec 19 2024 City Council Meeting, Comprehensive Plan

[Paul Roberts]

Agenda item A: https://d3n9y02raazwpg.cloudfront.n...2e-532b-46ae-86e2-621bee7024c1-1734129866.pdf

We last amended our Comp Plan in July 2023, I believe this is the latest revision, see page 33-35 for current Residential and Nonresidential Land Use Types Defined:

https://tx-lagovista.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/1077/2030-Comprehensive-Plan-PDF

I don't think we need the 3 new definitions as proposed by HALFF & Associates. I'm glad to read that these higher densities work for Oregon and California, but Lago Vista is neither, and I don't feel that we should convolute things unnecessarily. While no action is to be considered Thursday, I propose updating our residential land use definitions, and table A and B, as follows:

Lower Density Residential:

This category is generally representative of single-family homes The majority of Lago Vista’s current development east of Lohman Ford, and lake frontage lots west of Lohman Ford is of a similar density. The following dwelling units per acre and minimum lot sizes are appropriate within the indicated land use designations:

Rural Residential: >3-acre lots / <0.33 dwelling units per acre (3 acre minimum lot size)

Estate Residential: 2-acres, up to 3-acres, or 0.50 dwelling units per acre (2-acre minimum)

Large Lot, or “Low Density”: 1-acre, up to 2 acres, or 1 dwelling units per acre (1-acre minimum lot size)

Medium Density Residential:

Medium Density Residential is generally representative of a majority of existing single-family homes in Lago Vista. 2 to 4 dwelling units per acre are appropriate within the land use.

Detached Medium-Density Residential: 2-4 dwelling units per acre (0.25-acre minimum lot size)

Medium High Density Residential:

Medium High Density Residential is generally representative of two-family dwelling units. Duplexes are the most common form of attached units in this category but can include townhomes (attached or detached), condominiums, or a limited number of apartment units. This category is intended to accommodate the City’s need for diversity of affordable housing choices, 5 to 8 dwelling units per acre are appropriate within the land use.

Medium High-Density Residential: 5-8 dwelling units per acre (0.20-acre minimum lot size)

Detached Medium High-Density Residential: >5-8 dwelling units per acre (0.20-acre minimum lot size)

Attached Medium High-Density Residential: >5-8 dwelling units per acre (0.20-acre minimum lot size)

High Density Residential:

9-19 dwelling units per acre

Traditional apartment and condominium-type units in attached living complexes generally characterize this land use. These developments may take a variety of forms. This land use has evolved from traditional garden style apartments to courtyard apartments due to the focus upon situating dwelling units around a courtyard, pool, or other common space. 9-19 dwelling units per acre are appropriate within the land use.

 

[Norma Owen]

Appreciate these definitions Councilor Roberts. They will be helpful for the conversation.

Another useful concept to consider is the idea of mixed-use development for specific, targeted areas of Lago Vista. I believe we discussed an introductory definition of mixed-use during one of the earlier CPAC meetings. To help spur discussion and feedback, I came across this example definition: Pedestrian-friendly development that integrates two or more uses, such as residential, commercial, cultural, and/or institutional. I don’t recall seeing this definition in our current ordinances, the previous Comprehensive Plan, or the land use definitions. That said, mixed-use development can be achieved through a Planned Development District without this specific designation and definition.

Given the community's interest in having places to gather, residents have identified two specific areas in Lago Vista that could be well-suited for a mixed-use land use designation. The goal is to encourage developers to invest in these types of projects by focusing on these targeted areas.

 

[Paul Roberts]

Appreciate these definitions Councilor Roberts. They will be helpful for the conversation.

Another useful concept to consider is the idea of mixed-use development for specific, targeted areas of Lago Vista. I believe we discussed an introductory definition of mixed-use during one of the earlier CPAC meetings. To help spur discussion and feedback, I came across this example definition: Pedestrian-friendly development that integrates two or more uses, such as residential, commercial, cultural, and/or institutional. I don’t recall seeing this definition in our current ordinances, the previous Comprehensive Plan, or the land use definitions. That said, mixed-use development can be achieved through a Planned Development District without this specific designation and definition.

Given the community's interest in having places to gather, residents have identified two specific areas in Lago Vista that could be well-suited for a mixed-use land use designation. The goal is to encourage developers to invest in these types of projects by focusing on these targeted areas.

Councilor Owen,

This is what's in our Comp Plan now, top of pg. 34, I'd be interested in seeing any proposed amendments:

Mixed Use
Mixed Use refers to areas that support a compact mix of office,retail, cultural facilities, and medium-to-high density housing,providing the residents with a closely defined area in which to live,work, shop, and play. This land use category should incorporate arange of structures and land uses, including multistory residential above retail, townhomes, single family residences, and urban-stylehotels. Residential densities should typically range between 20 to 40 dwelling units per acre

 

[Shane Saum]

Thank you both for this discussion. I agree Councilman Roberts we do not need the new definitions proposed by HALFF.

 

[Norma Owen]

Thank you both for this discussion. I agree Councilman Roberts we do not need the new definitions proposed by HALFF.

I look forward to hearing what the CPAC members convey. I agree that Lago Vista, because of our unique constraints and the overwhelming want of the community to preserve our Hill Country feel, will need to pave our own way when it comes to the appropriate land use designations. Thank you, Paul, for opening the discussion and Shane for your thoughts as well.

 

[Adam Benefield]

Councilor Owens,

I may uninformed but I haven't seen large community interest in mixed use developments. What are the two areas in Lago Vista that were identified for these mixed use designations and who were the community members that made these recommendations?

 

[Norma Owen]

Councilor Adams, the topics of mixed-use development and an alternative entertainment district have been brought up by residents who approach me while I’m out shopping, dining, or running errands locally. The two areas they consistently mention are Dawn Drive and Bronco Lane. Residents often describe their vision for a “walkable gathering place” when discussing an entertainment district. Specifically, Dawn Drive has been envisioned as a shopkeeper district, with mixed-use spaces featuring apartments above and shops below.

These ideas were also discussed during CPAC meetings, with the more vocal advocates being younger, mid-career families who recognized me and initiated conversations. Additionally, there has been interest in these concepts expressed to EDAC.

 

[Norma Owen]

Amended reply Councilor Benefield, I posted a bit too quickly placing an S on your first name as most do with Owen spelling it as the more common Owen(s). My apologies.

 

[Adam Benefield]

No problem at al!. I think I've probably made the same mistake with Owens numerous times and for that I apologize. I fully concede that I have not been engaged with mixed use development conversations like you have particularly during the EDAC meetings. From my experience, either mixed use developments are going to generate high end spaces like the Domain or low end which is often seen in small towns. What standards are you envisioning in these areas? I look forward to learning more and making Lago a better place for all.

 

[Norma Owen]

Thank you for your feedback and question, Councilor Benefield. This vision isn’t really mine but reflects the ideas shared by the community. To your point, the feedback I’ve received often describes something akin to a smaller version of the Domain, with a high-end restaurant as a central draw—particularly in the Bronco Lane area, slightly up the hill.

For Dawn Drive, residents envision a charming, small, walkable downtown. It brings to mind a scaled-down version of Fredericksburg, featuring a cultural and artistic hub with a café, local artists, and perhaps small apartments above. The goal is to preserve our Hill Country charm while incorporating a unique, playful vibe, similar to Hutto’s “Hippo” mascot spirit.

I hope our residents continue to dream. We are still at a point where we can shape Lago’s future before rapid growth overtakes us and leaves us playing catch-up.

 

[Adam Benefield]

Great comments and thank you for the additional information.