Commission approves Pulte Homes zoning amendment after applicant reduces density; one commissioner objects over water policy

The Planning and Zoning Commission approved a revised zoning request tied to an annexation petition for roughly 55.152 acres west of Kaufman Loop, near Equine Road and County Road 267, after the applicant revised the plan to reduce density and change lot layouts.

Mark Baker of SCC Planning, representing the project and joined by Pulte Homes leadership, described edits made since the commission's prior review. "There were 204 total units on the last plan. There's a 191 now," Baker said in response to commissioners' questions about unit counts, signaling a reduction in overall units.

Baker and Pulte representatives said they removed a smaller-lot category and reconfigured the plan to place larger lots along the perimeter to provide a buffer for existing neighbors. The presenters emphasized that the revisions were intended to respond to commission feedback and provide a middle ground between developer objectives and neighborhood concerns.

Commissioner Oliver said he supported the revised plan and cited housing-affordability and the need for varied lot sizes in Leander. "I think we do need to allow for that kind of construction because we do need the inventory, and it helps bring prices down," Oliver said. Several other commissioners praised the applicant for addressing prior comments.

One commissioner reiterated opposition based on the city's existing water-resolution policy, which prioritizes lower-density rezonings; that commissioner indicated the water resolution would guide their dissenting vote. Commissioners ultimately approved the zoning change with one member opposed.

The applicant indicated plans to redevelop portions of the site over time but did not provide a construction timeline during the hearing. The commission's approval advances the rezoning to city council for the concurrent annexation and final actions.