The Rosenberg City Council discussed proposed amendments to the Unified Development Code (UDC) that would set a minimum 15-foot rear building line for new single-family houses and expand fencing and screening requirements citywide, then voted to table the package for further review at the next workshop.

Planning staff summarized a three-month review and a May 21 planning commission public hearing that recommended a 15-foot rear setback for main single-family structures, with accessory buildings allowed at a five-foot setback from rear property lines. The staff presentation said the proposed rear setback would preserve separation between neighboring structures and allow patios and certain equipment to encroach to a limited extent.

Councilmembers raised practical concerns about how the change would affect lot depth, typical setbacks (25-foot front setback), pools and other backyard improvements, and existing easements. "If you don't have an easement, you can put [structures] to the property line," one councilmember observed; planners said new development could be subject to the new standard while existing lots would be grandfathered.

On fencing and screening, staff recommended extending current corridor-area standards (which require screening of outside storage and mechanical equipment) to apply citywide. Councilmembers asked for photographic examples and site plans showing how the new rules would affect typical lot layouts.

Council action: the council voted to table the proposed UDC amendments and asked staff to return the item at the next workshop with visual examples and additional detail on how the rules would interact with easements, HOA restrictions and lot sizes. The vote to table was seconded and passed on a voice vote.

Why it matters: the amendments would change development standards for single-family subdivisions, affecting how builders lay out homes and how future homeowners can use rear yards. Council members repeatedly asked staff to provide clear scenarios and images so they could evaluate the practical effects before adopting code changes.

Ending: Staff will bring the revised draft and illustrative site sections to the next workshop for further council review.