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Council adopts landscaping and irrigation code changes intended to conserve water and reduce maintenance
Summary
The council approved amendments to multiple code sections to limit nonfunctional turf, raise improved soil-depth requirements, allow native/low‑water turf options and revise tree and screening standards for new developments.
The City Council adopted an ordinance to amend Round Rock’s zoning and development code chapters related to landscaping, irrigation and screening to encourage water conservation and reduce unnecessary irrigation of nonfunctional turf areas.
Bradley (planning staff), joined by Mike (public works staff), said the amendments are the product of interdepartmental work and outside consultation. Key changes adopted include: an option for developers to limit turf grass to no more than 50% of pervious areas on new development lots (or to exceed 50% if using recommended drought‑tolerant buffalo grass seed blends); increasing the required improved soil depth for turf areas from 4 to 6 inches; new guidance discouraging large, nonfunctional turf expanses in commercial and subdivision frontages; and allowing alternative plantings and stone treatments in narrow street‑edge strips.
The code will also require shrubs used to screen ground‑mounted equipment to be evergreen and at least 2 feet tall at installation; staff proposed removing the separate requirement to plant shrubs at the base of trash enclosure masonry walls to reduce cost and program complexity. Staff also proposed revising single‑family tree requirements so most new standard‑width lots (less than 70 feet) require one front‑yard tree, with the goal of improving tree health and long‑term canopy viability.
Staff emphasized these amendments apply only to new development; existing home landscapes are not made nonconforming retroactively. Bradley and Mike cited seasonal demand differences — roughly 16 million gallons per day in winter and about 34 million gallons per day in summer — and said the changes are intended to reduce irrigation demand during peak months. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval by a 5–3 vote after a lively discussion.
The council adopted the ordinance; motion to adopt was made by Mayor Pro Tem Stevens and seconded by Council member Ortega. The vote was unanimous, and the council dispensed with the second reading.
