The Hutto Planning and Zoning Commission approved the preliminary plat for Titan Innovation Business Park Phase 3, a 51.26-acre light-industrial subdivision east of Innovation Boulevard at Limmer Loop, by a 4-0 vote.

Staff told the commission the site was annexed and zoned light industrial in May 2021 and that staff review found the plat “in compliance with the UDC,” and staff “recommends approval of the plat as presented.” No members of the public spoke during the public hearing.

Commission members asked several detailed questions about the plat’s layout and future uses. The chair asked about a small separate parcel shown on the map, seeking confirmation it was an historic tax parcel; staff said it was a separate tax tract associated with the original homestead. Commissioner Stewart asked whether the planned uses were specified; staff replied the zoning is light industrial and that the buildings would likely be similar to existing Titan buildings—warehouse and light-industrial bays.

Commissioners raised concerns about buffering between industrial lots and adjacent single-family areas, tree planting and noise from bay doors and truck activity. Staff said the Unified Development Code (UDC) requires buffering and that the applicant may choose a tree fee-in-lieu that would go into the parkland fund; staff also noted prior UDC amendments were intended to strengthen buffering measures. On noise the planner said the city’s noise ordinance sets the enforceable limit and that daytime traffic generally does not exceed that threshold.

Traffic was a recurring concern. Staff said a traffic impact analysis (TIA) is under review by engineering and described discussions with the applicant and engineering staff about whether to analyze the Titan area holistically. Staff told the commission the TIA is likely to affect potential off-site intersection improvements and participation by the developer but is not a gating item for plat approval; engineering review would determine any required off-site improvements or traffic impact fees.

Commissioners also discussed internal connectivity within the industrial park: several said the current concept lacks north-south internal connectivity and that retrofitting connections later could be costly. Staff said the city engineer will review whether connectivity revisions are practicable for the unapproved portion of the layout.

Commissioner Morris moved to approve the plat “as provided by staff”; Commissioner Wirtz seconded. The motion passed 4-0.

The approval was conditional on standard platting processes and subsequent engineering review; commissioners asked that staff relay the board’s concerns about bay door orientation, buffering, tree planting and connectivity to the city engineer during the remaining technical review.