Cedar Park Leaders Look Towards Future Housing Regulations Amidst Build-Out
As Cedar Park nears its build-out capacity – the total population expected based on approved future development – city leaders are actively considering the introduction of new housing regulations. The primary focus of these potential regulations is to facilitate diversified housing opportunities across the city.
Proposed Changes
In a City Council gathering held on June 13, several changes were proposed for the future land use chapter of Cedar Park’s comprehensive plan. Amy Link, Director of Development Services presented the notable changes which included the hike in permissible development density in both low and medium-density residential areas, revision of housing type proposed in the city’s comprehensive plan and updating the population build-out capacity.
Focusing on future mixed-use apartment development within planning areas and establishing a 50-acre minimum for new proposed planning areas were also part of the suggested alterations. Additional modifications to the city’s zoning ordinance subdivision regulations included the removal of the estate residential zoning district and reducing the lot, setbacks and other standards for suburban and semi-urban residential zoning districts.
Voices of Dissent
The proposed amendments sparked concerns among Cedar Park homeowners and the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission. The Commission rejected the proposed changes in its May 21 meeting, citing potential issues with infill lots, possible strain on resources like water and traffic management and skepticism around the effectiveness of the changes in lowering housing prices or promoting housing diversity.
Residents from Cedar Park Ranchettes, a long-standing subdivision with large lots, felt targeted by the changes and voiced their concerns through emails, and at the June 13 and June 27 City Council meetings. Objections were raised about the increasing population density and the very character of the city.
Towards a Resolution
In response to the differing viewpoints, the City Council adopted a balanced approach in its June 27 meeting. It approved the proposed modifications for the future land use chapter in the comprehensive plan, with certain exceptions. Notably, changes aimed at increasing density in low- and medium-density residential areas were not accepted, necessitating updates to the suggested build-out capacity, a point not approved at this stage.
Also, a contentious paragraph under Action Item 2 of the city’s comprehensive plan, implying varied housing options through the use of different densities and lot sizes, especially in larger existing residential lots, was excluded from the approved amendments. As for the proposed zoning changes related to housing standards, the council voted to table them.
In an effort to holistically evaluate the impact of these changes, the Council has decided to revisit the unapproved changes in future meetings. Through such initiatives, Cedar Park city leaders aim to ensure that the rapid growth of the city is sustainable and beneficial for all residents, reinforcing their commitment to balancing development aspirations with preserving the unique character and values of the community.
