Round Rock approves landscaping code changes for new developments

Round Rock City Council unanimously approved an ordinance on Feb. 13 amending the Zoning and Development Code related to landscaping, irrigation and screening requirements for new developments. This ordinance is part of the City's broader initiative to enhance water conservation efforts by reducing irrigation consumption in required landscape areas.

Following direction from City Council, the Public Works and Planning and Development Services Departments collaborated to identify opportunities for reducing water usage in landscape requirements. The approved revisions were informed by best practices from other municipalities, xeriscaping options and the environmental and financial impacts of turfgrass and tree requirements. The amendments aim to address deficiencies in the current code and better align planting requirements with modern lot sizes.

One of the key changes involved reducing non-functional turfgrass in areas where it serves no practical purpose. Turfgrass will no longer be permitted in narrow planting strips between sidewalks and streets, where irrigation often leads to wasteful overspray. Additionally, the required improved soil depth for turfgrass areas will be increased from four inches to six inches, promoting deeper root growth and improved water retention. To encourage the use of drought-tolerant alternatives, developers will have the option to either limit turfgrass to no more than 50% of pervious space or use native grass blends such as Habiturf, Native Sun Turf, or Thunder Turf without any restriction.

Revisions to screening and parking lot landscape buffers aim to enhance the effectiveness of planted vegetation. Shrubs used for screening parking lots and ground-level utility equipment must now be evergreen and installed at a minimum height of two feet to ensure year-round coverage. Additionally, the requirement for shrubs around dumpster enclosures will be removed, as these areas are already screened with decorative masonry walls. This adjustment eliminates unnecessary costs to developers while maintaining effective visual barriers.

The amendments also include updates to tree planting requirements for residential lots, aligning them with modern development patterns. As lot sizes have decreased over time, the previous tree requirements have led to overcrowding, conflicts with underground utilities, and trees struggling to reach maturity. To address this, the revised code reduces the required number of trees on smaller lots while ensuring proper spacing. Large trees must be placed at least 12 feet from buildings, five feet from utility lines, and four feet from paved areas, allowing for healthier growth and a long-term tree canopy.

The Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed the amendments and approved them with a 5-3 vote on Jan. 15. Commissioners who voted against the changes raised concerns about the reduction in tree requirements for residential lots, the elimination of shrub requirements around dumpster enclosures and the lack of enforcement mechanisms to maintain required landscaping on single-family lots after occupancy. Despite these concerns, city staff recommend approval of the amendments, citing their potential to significantly reduce irrigation demand, lower long-term maintenance costs, and ensure more sustainable landscaping practices in future developments.

The approved changes will apply to new developments moving forward, with no impact on existing properties.

FAQs

What is the purpose of these changes?

The amendments aim to enhance Round Rock's water conservation efforts by reducing irrigation needs in required landscape areas. The changes focus on decreasing non-functional turfgrass, improving soil depth for better water retention, refining tree requirements for smaller residential lots, and improving screening for parking lots and utilities.

What are the key changes?

• Prohibiting Turfgrass in Narrow Planting Strips: Grass will no longer be allowed in the small strips between sidewalks and streets due to excessive water waste from irrigation overspray.
• Increasing Minimum Soil Depth: The required improved soil depth for turfgrass will increase from 4 inches to 6 inches to help roots retain water more effectively.
• Reducing Non-Functional Turfgrass: Developers must either limit turfgrass to no more than 50% of pervious areas or use drought-tolerant native grass blends with no limitation.
• Updating Screening Requirements: Shrubs used for parking lot and utility screening must now be evergreen and at least 2 feet tall at planting.
• Tree Requirements for Residential Lots: Tree requirements will be adjusted to better fit the smaller lot sizes being developed today, ensuring proper spacing and preventing overcrowding.

Do these changes apply to existing developments?

No, these changes will apply only to new developments. Homeowners and businesses will not be required to modify their existing landscaping to comply with the new code.

Why is Round Rock restricting turfgrass in certain areas?

Many non-residential landscapes feature turfgrass that serves no functional purpose and consumes excessive water. The prohibition on turf in narrow planting strips helps prevent water waste from inefficient irrigation, while promoting drought-tolerant alternatives.

What alternatives are allowed in areas where turfgrass is prohibited?

Property owners and developers can use native plants, mulch, gravel, decorative stone, or other drought-friendly landscaping options instead of turfgrass in restricted areas.

6. Will artificial turf be allowed?

No, artificial turf will not be permitted as a substitute for natural turfgrass in meeting these new landscaping requirements. While homeowners may install it later, it is not part of the approved landscaping requirements for new developments.

7. How do the tree requirement changes impact new residential developments?

The current tree requirements often result in trees being planted too closely together on small lots, leading to conflicts with structures and utilities. The revised standards set realistic tree spacing guidelines, ensuring healthy growth and a long-term canopy without overcrowding.

How do these changes affect water conservation?

By reducing unnecessary turfgrass, improving soil conditions, and promoting native and drought-resistant plants, these changes will significantly decrease irrigation demand, helping the city conserve water for the future.

What impact will this have on developers?

While there may be slightly higher initial costs for improved soil preparation and tree placement adjustments, these changes will lead to long-term savings by reducing irrigation expenses and maintenance costs.

Will the city enforce these landscaping requirements after homeowners move in?

No, once a home is occupied, the homeowner has the right to modify their landscaping. The city does not plan to introduce new enforcement measures for single-family homes post-occupancy.

Can HOAs enforce stricter landscaping requirements?

Yes, homeowners associations (HOAs) can implement more restrictive landscaping standards within their communities, as long as they comply with the city's minimum code requirements.

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