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Consider public testimony regarding, and an ordinance zoning 11.324 acres located northwest of the intersection of SH 130 and CR 118 to the MF-2 (Multifamily- Medium Density) zoning district. (First Reading)*
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History: City council executed a development agreement with the owner on July 14, 2022, prescribing land use and development standards for an affordable apartment complex outside city limits. A stipulation of the agreement, and the provision of city wastewater services to the property outside city limits, is that the owner would voluntarily annex into city limits upon contiguity. This became available when the city annexed the County Road 118 right-of-way. The development was permitted and commenced construction in recent months in accordance with the agreement.
Comprehensive Plan and Zoning: The subject tract is located within the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) of the city and therefore has no assigned zoning district. In 2022, the city entered into a development agreement with LSBD Round Rock 118, LLC, to facilitate the construction of an apartment complex offering rents at affordable rates through the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program. The city agreed to support the project provided the developer adhere to development standards prescribed in the MF-2 (Multifamily - Medium Density) zoning district. Additionally, city council approved an out of city wastewater agreement whereby the developer agreed to annex into the city once the property became contiguous with city limits. With the recent annexation of the CR 118 right of way, the property became contiguous and thereby triggered annexation per the requirements of the wastewater agreement. The annexation request appears on the agenda for this meeting.
The Round Rock 2030 Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map (FLUM) designates the subject tract as Commercial. A land use plan amendment is under consideration as a separate agenda item to change the designation to residential. The Plan recommends the city consider rezoning proposals that provide for a variety of housing forms and price points to meet the needs of our growing population. The intent is to enable a mixture of housing types within the city to meet all residents’ needs and preferences through all stages of life. Based on public input received during the Comprehensive Plan update process, housing affordability was a prominent concern of residents and other stakeholders. The development agreement adopted by city council supports affordable housing units for those earning between 30% and 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
Traffic, Access and Roads: The design phase for CR 118 improvements from University Blvd to SH 130 has begun. CR 118 will be designed as a 4-lane minor arterial, with initial construction as a three-lane roadway. A Traffic Impact Analysis was not required for this development, and Roadway Impact Fees have already been collected per the requirements of the out of city service agreement.
MF-2 District: The purpose of the MF-2 district is to establish and preserve areas of medium intensity land use primarily devoted to medium density multifamily residential development. Design and development standards are in accordance with the adopted development agreement which reflects standards included in the MF-2 zoning district. These include standards for height and density, building materials, architectural requirements, parking, and landscaping.
At its April 3, 2024, meeting, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the original zoning to MF-2 by a vote of 7-0. There were no speakers during the public hearing.