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Consider public testimony regarding, and an ordinance adopting the Round Rock 2030 Comprehensive Plan and amending Zoning and Development Code, Chapter 1, Article I, Section 1-7, Code of Ordinances (2018 Edition), regarding the Round Rock Comprehensive Plan (First Reading)*
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Planning and Development Services (PDS) is seeking adoption of the city’s comprehensive plan, Round Rock 2030. Section 213.002 of the Texas Local Government Code authorizes the city to adopt a comprehensive plan for the long-range development of the city. Round Rock 2030 will serve as the policy guide and framework for land use decisions for the next decade.
PDS last presented to Council at a briefing in January. That presentation included the Plan’s vision, twelve policies, and policy descriptions, all which remain unchanged in the draft being presented for adoption.
At the January briefing, the Council requested information on how Round Rock 2030 relates to the city’s strategic plan goals of: Financially Sound City Providing High Value Services, City Infrastructure: Today and for Tomorrow, Great Community to Live, “The Sports Capital of Texas” for Tourism and Residents, Authentic Downtown - Exciting Community Destination, and Sustainable Neighborhoods - Old and New. Many linkages exist between Round Rock 2030 and the Strategic Plan. Staff will review these linkages with you when the Plan is presented to Council.
A draft plan was released to the public and provided to the Council and Planning and Zoning Commission in February. Following the February draft release, PDS held two open houses to solicit comments on the draft. Additionally, PDS hosted an office hours session and promoted an online comment option. Polco, an online engagement tool, was utilized for a two-month period to solicit comments online on the draft. Comments and questions could also be emailed directly to staff. A report detailing the public input received during this phase is available here: <https://www.roundrocktexas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/RR2030-Phase-5-Report-with-Cover.pdf>
Based on input received, the following changes were made to the February draft:
• Summarized accomplishments of past decade for each policy in the Vision and Policies section to make the section easier to read.
• Added new implementation strategies to certain policies:
o Quality of Life
> Consider locations for cultural development and community facilities outside of the downtown area.
o Downtown
> Improve the downtown pedestrian experience by providing features such as pet stops, shade structures, and litter control facilities.
> Explore options to attract retail other than dining downtown.
> Ensure adequate loading areas for equipment, deliveries and passenger drop off and pick up.
> Inventory existing ADA facilities and parking downtown to ensure they continue to meet people’s needs.
> Assess connectivity to downtown from surrounding areas for all modes of transportation.
o Neighborhoods
> Promote the Community Development Division of Planning and Development Services as a point of contact for residents to navigate city services.
o Roadway Function
> Encourage attractive xeriscaping and design elements in medians and high traffic areas.
> Explore options for park-and-ride lots and rideshare parking.
o Mobility
> Evaluate potential impacts of bike share and micromobility options to balance community needs and city policy preferences.
> Assess connectivity to downtown from surrounding areas for all modes of transportation.
> Assess mobility needs for underserved populations from a land use perspective.
o Adapting to Change
> Evaluate potential impacts of bike share and micromobility options to balance community needs and city policy preferences.
> Utilize NOAA Atlas 14 data to adopt new floodplain and drainage regulations.
> Explore the creation of a Continuity of Operations Plan for the Planning and Development Services Department to ensure mission essential functions continue should the City face a declared disaster or other catastrophic event.
> Consider land use and physical design implications related to modernization of communications infrastructure, while ensuring the accommodation of a more advanced network.
> Consider the planning implications of the Covid-19 pandemic and other similar global or national crises. Combine crisis response with long term land use planning solutions that are mindful of current uncertainties and adapt to changing development concepts and trends.
o Sustainability
> Create programs to educate residents and developers on sustainable development practices adopted by the city.
> Utilize NOAA Atlas 14 data to adopt new floodplain and drainage regulations.
• Edited the Land Use Section/Future Land Use Map (FLUM):
o Addition of location criteria for single-family garden style residential
o Removal of PUDs from FLUM to show actual land uses associated with PUDs
o Removal of text associated with PUDs on the FLUM in Land Use section
o FLUM Residential to Commercial land use change for portion of Nelson property where residential use depicted downstream of Dam 16
o Corrections/clarifications to FLUM (roadway alignments, legend, etc.) not pertaining to PDS land use categories
Additionally, the following additions were made to this updated draft:
• Added introductory pages (table of contents, executive summary, etc.)
• Added photos throughout
• Added public input report appendix
The final draft being presented to Council for adoption which includes all these updates is now available and was posted on the City’s website (May 6, 2020 version).
At their meeting on May 20th, the Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing, and one person provided testimony concerning the lack of sidewalks on Circle Drive downtown. Transportation staff followed up with the person following the meeting. Currently, there are no plans for such a sidewalk, but this area is on the Transportation Department's radar. The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended Round Rock 2030 for adoption. Adoption of Round Rock 2030 includes a public hearing at City Council.