Commission adopts median design reference and code cleanup to improve corridor aesthetics and maintenance

The Planning & Zoning Commission approved code updates to reference a new median landscape design and maintenance guideline and to align site development code sections with the City of Cedar Park Transportation Criteria Manual. Amy Cook, landscape planner, explained the guidelines standardize planting palettes, maintenance thresholds, and design details for medians of varying widths (as narrow as 6 feet to 15+ feet), and include preferred plant lists, drought‑tolerant species and maintenance guidance. The package is intended to produce a more uniform, resilient and maintainable streetscape along major gateways such as Whitestone.

Commissioners pressed staff on water use, maintenance funding, pilot selection and the ability to revise guidelines after implementation; staff said the ordinance will reference the guideline (not adopt it verbatim as mandatory code), that pilot projects and grant funding (including TxDOT/4B) may be pursued, and that the handbook and plant lists can be adjusted by staff if items underperform in the field. The motion to approve passed on roll call.