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Aransas Pass council removes District 1 from environmentally sensitive area map, residents urged letter notices
Summary
Council amended the zoning code to remove District 1 from the city’s environmentally sensitive area designation, keeping District 2 around water and select buffers; staff will send notice letters to affected property owners.
The Aransas Pass City Council voted Dec. 2 to amend the city zoning code to remove District 1 from the city’s environmentally sensitive area (ESA) designation and to rename District 2 as the ESA district.
A city planner told the council the City previously included two districts—green areas labeled District 1 and blue areas labeled District 2 on the ESA map—and that much of District 1 already contains homes and businesses. "I have walked at least 20 miles of all these areas. I have not seen any environmentally sensitive items on these areas," the planner said, summarizing field checks and prior waived assessments.
The planner said the city had sent notices to property owners and that many called to ask why their land had been included; he recommended removing District 1 and retaining a smaller area east of the railroad tracks and the water areas as the ESA.
Several residents spoke during public comment in support of removing District 1. Brenda (last name not provided) told the council that property owners bought land without disclosure of ESA restrictions and said standing water and failing infrastructure on some lots were of concern. "If this isn't lifted, members of the community that have bought properties to build houses… this will negatively impact them," she said.
Caleb Ward, who said he bought a five‑acre lot on Rhodes Avenue under ESA restrictions, told the council the designation had delayed plans to build an accessible home. "If we can get this lifted, it would be a big help to a lot of folks," Ward said.
Councilmember motioned to remove District 1 from the ESA ordinance, rename District 2 to the ESA district and streamline nonessential language; the motion passed by voice vote. The planner said staff will send updated letters to affected property owners to reflect the change.
Council discussion noted that many environmental protections in the areas are already regulated by state and federal agencies such as the TCEQ and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; the planner acknowledged those overlapping authorities and said the ESA overlay had produced confusion for property owners.
The ordinance amendment passed on Dec. 2; staff will follow up by updating maps and notifying property owners who previously received letters.
