Council adopts building-height and fencing changes, approves LongHorn liquor consent and a $62,000 reimbursement agreement

The council approved several noncontroversial but consequential items during its April 28 meeting.

Building-height amendment: Council adopted ordinance 2026-004 to clarify building-height measurement in rural and single-family zones. The ordinance adds language that “in no case shall a new development exceed 35 feet as measured from the finished grade,” intended to prevent developers from lowering finished grade to effectively raise building profiles.

Fencing-standards amendment: Council adopted ordinance 2026-014 to clarify when a new development must provide screening or a fence where grade differences affect neighboring rear yards. Director Daniel Cardenas told the council the code will use a 25-foot backyard span to measure grade change; if a three-foot difference exists across that span the developer is responsible for providing suitable screening or fencing.

Local alcohol-consent: The council granted local-authority consent for a full-service restaurant alcohol license for LongHorn Steakhouse (license number 5374) at 1007 S North County Boulevard; the vote was unanimous.

Reimbursement agreement: The council authorized a reimbursement agreement with Cypress Federal Credit Union to cover roadway infrastructure improvements in the area of 545 S Pleasant Grove Boulevard; staff said the city’s share or reimbursement terms total approximately $62,000 and the resolution passed by roll call.

Appointments and recognitions: The council also confirmed two planning-commission alternate appointments (Jeff Gregson and Brett Robertson) and recognized local high-school championship teams and staff awards.

What’s next: Staff will implement the new code language and track any permit applications that rely on the revised definitions; the LongHorn applicant will proceed with state licensing steps following local consent.