Council approves PUD rezoning at Ridgeline and Rock Ridge with commercial occupancy triggers

The City of Georgetown City Council unanimously approved a planned-unit development rezoning for property south of the Sam Houston and Ridgeline/Rock Ridge intersection that divides the site into three areas: local commercial (Area A/C1), higher-density multifamily (Area B, up to 250 units) and lower-density townhome-style multifamily (Area C).

Why it matters: The council—s action establishes permitted uses and a set of occupancy triggers that link delivery of commercial space to the pace of multifamily construction. Those triggers were added at first reading and refined before the second reading: the ordinance ties 16,000–17,000 square feet of commercial occupancy to early multifamily build‑out and includes a condition that 15,000 square feet of commercial space in phase 2 must be ready for leasing prior to the eightieth unit in that phase receiving a certificate of occupancy.

Public comment and concerns: Neighbors raised questions about utility capacity, traffic impact fees, noise, light and building heights. "My water level is currently 42 PSI, which the acceptable range is 40 to 80," Fairhaven resident Julia Taylor told council and asked what additional development will mean for existing water pressure. A local realtor, Megan Turnupseed, said she was not fully opposed but urged limits on vertical growth and suggested lower heights (about two stories) in places to preserve neighborhood character.

Staff presentation and conditions: Planning staff showed a concept plan with the commercial buildings oriented to Ridgeline and Rock Ridge and multifamily pulled to the street edge. Staff said they had negotiated a 125-foot stepdown (transition) in building height from the corridor toward the single-family neighborhood and that multifamily would be prohibited in the C1 district by agreement (removing a prior special-use allowance). Staff also confirmed that traffic impact fees will apply at later subdivision or site plan phases; no dollar estimate was provided at rezoning.

Council discussion: Councilmembers said they weighed the area—s long-term corridor buildout in evaluating the application and characterized the approved PUD as a transitional buffer between the Sam Houston corridor and adjacent single-family neighborhoods. One councilmember noted the city—s interest in "fronting" a barrier so the corridor—s future development does not directly abut single-family neighborhoods.

Outcome: A motion to approve the rezoning with the modifications passed unanimously. Staff will proceed to review future subdivision and site plans, which will be the stage to calculate traffic impact fee revenues and any required offsite improvements.