At its Oct. 20 meeting, the City of Lake Jackson City Council moved three agenda items forward: the council approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 2309 to clarify front setback requirements for pools and accessory structures in residential zones; voted to amend the city sign code to allow 32‑square‑foot commercial real‑estate sale/lease signs; and approved an interlocal agreement with Brazoria County for road paving and ditch desilting projects for fiscal year 2026.

City staff told the council the Planning Commission held a public hearing Oct. 7 and recommended language that would prohibit structures in front of the building line in residential zones (R‑1 through R‑4) while creating an exception for a limited estate zoning category described as “E‑1.” The council approved the ordinance on first reading; the measure will return for further readings and formal adoption at a later meeting.

Council also voted to amend Chapter 78 (signs) to allow 32‑square‑foot sale/lease signs for commercial property. Staff said the 16‑square‑foot limit in the current ordinance is smaller than sizes commonly used by real‑estate professionals and that several larger signs already exist in town, often because they do not require a permit. One council member urged consistent enforcement so residential and commercial sign owners are treated the same; staff said enforcement has typically been complaint‑driven. The council approved the change and staff said the amendment will be presented as an ordinance on a future agenda.

Separately, the council unanimously approved an interlocal agreement with Brazoria County to request county assistance on four paving and ditch‑desilting locations, including a section of the Banyan ditch that will require a long‑reach excavator. Staff said last year the county assisted with three locations and that the city’s request seeks similar support for fiscal 2026.

No substantive policy changes were adopted beyond the first reading of Ordinance No. 2309; both the setback ordinance and the sign amendment will return to council for final action. The interlocal agreement with Brazoria County was approved and will proceed to the county’s process for scheduling work and equipment needs.