Timnath council approves first reading to adopt state turf rules, clarify ban on gated communities; public hearing set for Dec. 9

The Timnath Town Council voted 4‑0 on Nov. 18 to approve on first reading a set of land‑use code amendments, setting a Dec. 9 public hearing to comply with state requirements and to clarify town policy on gated communities.

Director Robinson told the council the town advanced the item to meet a statutory deadline and that the amendments address two topics. First, the town will adopt implementing language for a state measure referenced in the meeting as “Senate Bill 24005,” which Robinson said focuses on water‑conservation measures and prohibiting “nonfunctional turf” (turf not used for active play or similar uses). “This really gets into some water conservation measures, looking at prohibiting, non functional turf,” Robinson said, and he said the requirement must be in place by Jan. 1, 2026. Robinson clarified the rule is not retroactive and applies to new construction; public medians and state‑owned or -maintained properties may have separate timelines.

Second, staff presented an amendment to make explicit that the town will not allow gated communities in the sense of planned, multi‑lot platted subdivisions. Council members asked whether an individual property owner could still install a gate at a driveway; Robinson said the amendment does not prohibit individual property gates and that language targets larger platted subdivisions (there was a mention that lots larger than 35 acres may be treated differently). The council directed that Planning Commission consider the amendments at its Dec. 2 meeting so it can provide a recommendation for the Dec. 9 council hearing.

The council voted to set the public hearing for Dec. 9 at 6 p.m.; no public commenters spoke at the Nov. 18 special meeting. The second reading and final council decision will follow the public hearing once Planning Commission has issued its recommendation.