Kerrville council approves subdivision code changes, OKs several rezones and authorizes development deal; council votes to settle Wellpath claim

The Kerrville City Council on April 8 approved a set of land‑use and procedural changes intended to speed development reviews, granted several zoning changes requested by private applicants, and authorized the city manager to negotiate a development agreement tied to a proposed retail tenant at River Hills Mall. The council also voted to accept a debtor’s offer to resolve the city’s outstanding claim against Wellpath Holding Inc.

Council members and staff said the subdivision-code amendments remove outdated steps, align the code with recent state law changes, and tighten financial guarantees tied to deferred infrastructure. “This is an update to chapter 82, the subdivision ordinance,” Mr. Paxton told the council during his presentation, summarizing the measure as technical cleanup and alignment with Kerrville 2050 goals.

Why it matters: The changes aim to reduce duplicative review steps that staff and developers said slowed projects. The council’s actions include specific shifts that could affect how new subdivisions are reviewed, what infrastructure may be deferred, and how the city secures funds when work is delayed or not completed.

What the council changed

- Subdivision-code amendments (Ordinance No. 2025‑07): Staff removed an alternate plat‑review procedure, clarified that adequate facilities plans and preliminary plats may be submitted concurrently, and added a water/wastewater capacity analysis to application requirements in some cases. The council also recommended increasing the escrow financial guarantee for deferred work from 10% to 25% of project cost so the city would have additional funds if it must complete work by contract. Mr. Paxton said the 25% level is common among nearby cities and would cover higher bid costs and timing delays.

- Reuse‑water suggestion in public comment: A member of the…