G-99-06-10-9C1 - 6/10/1999ORDINANCE NO. O1-qq-o- 1 Q- qc 1
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE GENERAL PLAN OF THE CITY
OF ROUND ROCK, TEXAS ADOPTED IN SECTION 11.200, CODE OF
ORDINANCES (1995 EDITION), CITY OF ROUND ROCK, TEXAS, BY
AMENDING SECTION 11.201; DELETING THE CURRENT SECTIONS
11.202 AND 11.203; RENUMBERING SECTIONS 11.204 AND 11.205
TO SECTIONS 11.202 AND 11.203 RESPECTIVELY; AND PROVIDING
FOR A SAVINGS CLAUSE AND REPEALING CONFLICTING
ORDINANCES
WHEREAS, Chapter 219, Local Government Code, provides
municipalities with the authority to adopt a comprehensive plan for
the long-range development of the municipality, and
WHEREAS, the General Plan 2000 constituting the City of Round
Rock's updated general plan policy has been presented to the City
Council for consideration as the comprehensive plan, and
WHEREAS, said General Plan 2000 is intended to replace the
1990 General Plan, and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission held a public
hearing concerning the General Plan 2000 on the 5th day of May,
1999, following lawful publication of the notice of said public
hearing, and
WHEREAS, after considering the public testimony received at
such hearing, the Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended
that the General Plan 2000 be adopted, and
K.\WPDOCS\ORDINANC\090610C1.WPD/Cdc
WHEREAS, on the 13th day of May, 1999, and on the 27th day
of May, 1999, after proper notification, the City Council held
public hearings on the General Plan 2000, and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the General
Plan 2000 be adopted to replace the 1990 General Plan, and
WHEREAS, each and every requirement set forth in Chapter 219,
Texas Local Government Code, and Section 11.204, Code of Ordinances
(1995 Edition), City of Round Rock, Texas concerning public
notices, hearings, and other procedural matters has been fully
complied with, Now Therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROUND ROCK,
TEXAS, THAT:
I.
That Section 11.201, Code of Ordinances (1995 Edition), City
of Round Rock, is hereby amended to read as follows:
11.201 GENERAL PLAN
The document entitled General Plan 2000, is hereby adopted as the comprehensive plan
in accordance with §219.002 and is referred to in this Code as the "General Plan". A true
and correct copy of the General Plan 2000 shall be kept on file in the City Secretary's
office.
II.
That Sections 11.202 and 11.203, Code of Ordinances (1995
Edition), City of Round Rock, as currently written, are deleted.
2.
III.
That Sections 11.204 and 11.205, Code of Ordinances (1995
Edition), City of Round Rock, should be renumbered as Sections
11.202 and 11.203, respectively.
IV.
A. All ordinances, parts of ordinances, or resolutions in
conflict herewith are expressly repealed.
B. The invalidity of any section or provision of this
ordinance shall not invalidate other sections or provisions
thereof.
C. The City Council hereby finds and declares the written
notice of the date, hour, place, and subject of the meeting at
which this ordinance was adopted was posted and that such meeting
was open to the public as required by law at all times during which
this ordinance and the subject hereof were discussed, considered
and formally acted upon, as required by the Open Meetings Act,
Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, as amended.
Alternative 1.
By motion duly made, seconded and passed with an affirmative
vote of all the Council members present, the requirement for
reading this ordinance on two separate days was dispensed with.
READ, PASSED, and ADOPTED on first reading this ge) day
of .,-U l , 1999.
3.
Alternative 2.
READ and APPROVED on first reading this the day of
, 1999.
READ, APPROVED and ADOPTED on second reading this the
day of , 1999.
1
ATTEST:
E LAND, City Secretary
ROB - A. STLUKA, JR. Mayor
Mayor
City of Round Rock, Texas
4.
CITY OF ROUND ROCK
June 10,1999
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Round Rock City Council
Robert A. Stluka, Jr., Mayor
Martha A. Chavez, Mayor Pro -tem
Tom Nielson
Earl M. Hairston
Rick Stewart
Earl Palmer
Jimmy Joseph
Planning and Zoning Commission
Al Kosik, Chairman
Carrie Pitt, Secretary
Bob Belanger
Frank Del Castillo
Jim Cotton
Peter Drapes
Michael Jergins
Brian Lott
City Staff
Robert L. Bennett, Jr., AICP, City Manager
Joanne Land, Assistant City Manager/City Secretary
Stephan L. Sheets, City Attorney
Lynn Bizzell, Fire Chief
Teresa Bledsoe, Human Resources Director
Paul Conner, Police Chief
David Kautz, Finance Director
James R. Nuse, P.E., Public Works Director
Sharon Prete, Parks Director
Dale Ricklefs, Library Director
Joseph L. Vining, AICP, Planning Director
General Plan 2000
Planning and Design Workshop Participants
Michael Ashmore Teresa Evan
John Atkinson Julie Forbes
Bob Belanger Ken Freed
Tom Black Anne Gorney
Mary Ann Bose Dennis Graffious
Bob Brinkman Ben Haner
Debbie Bruce-Juhlke Larry Hathorn
Walter Bryant Carol Heam
Rilla Chaka Jim Hislop
Jim Cotton Debbie Hoffman
Cindy Cozart Rodney Howard
Frank Del Castillo Audrey Jahn
Marvin Elliott Wilbur Jahn
Brad Ellis Michael Jergins
Martha Ellis Leonard Kiely
Karin Ellzey Jane Kirschman
Terry Erickson Al Kosik
Bill Koughan
Keith Kussmaul
Ken Lounsbury
Clifford May
Craig McClure
John Moman
John Moody
Pat Murphy
Debbie Nagle
Tom Nielson
Tommy Nobles
Fred Ort
Nick Page
Pat Patterson
Harold Patterson
Carrie Pitt
David Pruett
Planning and Community Development Department
Joseph L. Vining, AICP, Planning Director
Amelia C. Sondgeroth, AICP, Principal Planner
Paul Gambrel, AICP, Senior Planner
Susan Brennan, AICP, Senior Planner
Jennifer Hauch, GIS Analyst
Angel Martinez, Planning Technician
Vickie Moreno, Sr. Administrative Technician
Tim Jenkins, Community Development Manager
Mona Ryan, Community Development Specialist
Marion Hastings, Code Enforcement Officer
Rick Clark, Code Enforcement Specialist
Joseph C. Gorney, UT Graduate Student Intern
Shannon Burke, UT Graduate Student Intern
Marilyn Pulliam
Gretchen Pruett
Mary Russo
Joyce Scott
Mark Shaffer
Mike Sheppard
Baker Simma
Dennis Sustare
Rick Thompson
Marge Tripp
Zettie Vogler
Betty Weeks
Rob Wendt
Alan Wiley
Wilbur Wilson
Grace Young
jj General Plan 2000
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Purpose 1
1.2 Introduction to the General Plan 1
1.3 Uses of the General Plan 1
1.4 History of the General Plan 2
1.5 The Planning Process 3
1.6 The Planning Area 6
1.7 Physical Setting 7
1.8 History 8
1.9 Development Constraints 9
CHAPTER 2: GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 11
2.1 Introduction 11
2.2 Vision Statement 12
2.3 Goals and Objectives 12
CHAPTER 3: COMMUNITY ANALYSIS 19
3.1 Introduction 19
3.2 Growth of Round Rock, 1960-1980 20
3.3 Growth of Round Rock, 1980-1990 21
3.4 Growth of Round Rock, 1990-98 22
3.5 Greater Round Rock, 2000-2020 28
CHAPTER 4: EXISTING LAND USE 32
4.1 Introduction 32
4.2 Land Use Inventory 34
4.3 Land Use Categories 35
4.4 Land Use Analysis 37
4.5 Zoning Inventory and Analysis 40
4.6 Summary 43
III General Plan 2000
CHAPTER 5: FUTURE LAND USE 44
5.1 Introduction 44
5.2 General Plan 2000 Assumptions 45
5.3 Development Evaluation Criteria 46
5.4 Plan Features 46
5.5 Land Use and Population Analysis 55
5.6 Compatibility Standards 57
5.7 Location Criteria & Development Standards for Multi -Family Structures 58
5.8 Future Land Use Map and Interpretation Policies 60
5.9 Plan/Map Amendment Policies 61
5.10 Summary 62
CHAPTER 6: COMMUNITY FACILITIES 63
6.1 Introduction 63
6.2 Fire Services 64
6.3 Police Services 65
6.4 Library Services 67
6.5 Parks and Recreation 69
6.6 Convention Center/Stadium Complex 75
6.7 Schools 75
6.8 Summary 79
CHAPTER 7: TRANSPORTATION 80
7.1 Introduction 80
7.2 Transportation Master Plan 80
7.3 Right -of -Way Protection 82
7.4 Functional Roadway Classification 82
7.5 Relationship of Land Use and Transportation 83
7.6 Multimodal Concerns and City Identity 85
7.7 National and Regional Context 86
7.8 Future Regional Concerns 87
7.9 Summary 88
CHAPTER 8: UTILITIES 89
8.1 Introduction 89
8.2 Water 89
8.3 Wastewater 94
iV General Plan 2000
8.4 Regional Stormwater Detention 98
8.5 Solid Waste Collection and Recycling 99
8.6 Future Considerations 99
8.7 Summary 100
CHAPTER 9: PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 101
CHAPTER 10: NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING 102
10.1 Introduction 102
10.2 Neighborhood Planning Program 103
10.3 Implementation Plans 104
10.4 Future Adoption Process 104
10.5 Community Development Programs 106
10.6 Summary 108
CHAPTER 11: ADOPTING ORDINANCE 109
V General Plan 2000
INTRODUCTION
Preparing Round Rock for the 21't century
1.1 Purpose
The Round Rock General Plan 2000 (hereinafter referred to as the "General
Plan" or "the Plan") is the official policy document guiding long-range
planning and community development in the City of Round Rock. Adopted
by ordinance, and in accordance with Section 219.002 of the Texas Local
Government Code, the General Plan provides the legal basis for Round Rock's zoning
and subdivision regulations as well as other development regulations. The Plan sets
forth the major goals and objectives that guide physical growth and community
development in Round Rock. It incorporates community values, ideals, and
aspirations and represents the community's vision for the future. Overall, the General
Plan acts as a guide for decision-making and is a tool for managing community change
and maintaining a desired quality of life.
1.2 Introduction to the General Plan
The General Plan is the first step in reviewing existing planning policy for the City. It
is a statement of public policy and forms the foundation of an ongoing planning
process and the framework for more detailed plans in the future. Thus, the General
Plan, both by definition and necessity, is general in nature, and sets forth the policies
upon which future community plans and decisions will be made. While the General
Plan is the foundation for the planning process, it is not a rigid document.
Circumstances may change necessitating a change in policy inconsistent with ideas
espoused in the Plan. In such cases, after careful analysis of new proposals, the
General Plan should be amended to take advantage of new or changed conditions.
1.3 Uses of the General Plan
The General Plan has four (4) essential uses:
1
INTRODUCTION
• Policy Determination
The General Plan includes a broad physical design for the community that
provides for an orderly expansion of streets, utilities, and other capital
improvements. It also assists in the coordination of public and private
expenditures and the equitable cost sharing for capital expenditures.
• Policy Implementation and Coordination
The Plan indudes goals and objectives to guide the decisions of the City Council,
the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Development Review Board, the
Historic Preservation Commission, and City staff on individual development
applications. The General Plan's goals and objectives ensure consistent decisions
within the framework of stated City goals and policies.
• Communication
The Plan is a central source that delineates public policy for citizens, elected
officials, City staff, the business community, and developers.
• Measurement and Evaluation
The Plan acts as a means to measure and evaluate the changing character and
needs of the community. Both quantitative and qualitative information provide a
rational and reasonable basis for future community decisions.
Change is inevitable in any community. Round Rock has experienced tremendous
growth since the 1990 General Plan was written. Maintaining a desired quality of life
while balancing the needs of residents and businesses is a formidable challenge. The
General Plan 2000 represents a collective effort by the community to meet this
challenge.
1.4 History of the General Plan
The Round Rock General Plan traces its roots to 1969. During that year the City used
a comprehensive planning grant from the Department of Housing and Urban
Development to develop the City's first general plan. Bernard Johnson Engineers,
Incorporated, was hired as a consultant to write the plan. Although the resultant 1970
Comprehensive Plan was never formally adopted by the City Council, it was,
nonetheless, a seminal work. Tangible evidence of the success of the Plan was the
development and adoption of the City's first zoning ordinance, a zoning map, and a
major revision of the subdivision ordinance. These ordinances helped establish
development review criteria that were orderly, consistent, fair, and predictable.
2
INTRODUCTION
Language from the zoning and subdivision ordinances of 1969 and 1970, respectively,
remains integral to current ordinances.
The 1970 Plan also described the major economic forces helping to shape the
community. At the time, the Round Rock White Lime Company was the primary
employment center in Round Rock, with approximately 100 employees. Prior to 1969,
the lime plant covered the area roughly bounded by Interstate 35 to the east, Ranch -to -
Market (RM) 620 to the north, St Williams Drive to the west, and McNeil Road to the
south, an area of over 350 acres. The company had been responsible for a large part of
previous growth and expected future company employment to increase. Its closure in
1969 due to noncompliance with Texas Aix Control Board standards was not
anticipated by the City and was not reflected in the 1970 Plan. Ultimately, however,
the plant closing produced no detrimental effects. On the contrary, starting in 1972,
the Round Rock West subdivision was created out of the vacated plant property.
Round Rock West, in turn, acted as a growth trigger, which when coupled with dose
proximity to an expanding Austin metropolitan area, facilitated the City's expansion.
During the ensuing decade from 1970 to 1980, the City grew by 9,929 people from
2,811 to 12,740.
In September of 1979 the Frontiers General Plan was adopted. It included a seven
page policy document along with an illustrative land use map to guide future land use
and fiscal decisions within the City limits. The 1979 Plan contained sections covering
parks, major thoroughfares, and land use. Much of the philosophy of the 1979 Plan
was incorporated into a revision of the zoning ordinance in 1981.
1990 marked the first major update of the 1979 Frontiers Plan. One of the most
significant aspects of the 1990 General Plan was a firm delineation of the official
Round Rock extraterritorial jurisdiction (E 1)). ETJ authority is defined under Section
42.021 of the Texas Local Government Code. In 1990, it was further defined by
agreements with neighboring communities, particularly Austin, Leander, Georgetown,
and Hutto. Now, for the first time, the City could adopt an authoritative land use map
for the entire Planning Area which included both the areas within the present city limits
and the ETJ. Whereas previous planning maps were illustrative, the 1990 Planning
Area map was well defined and coterminous with other jurisdictions.
The General Plan 2000 continues the evolution of planning in Round Rock. The Plan
captures the ideas and conclusions of the community, acknowledges the importance of
citizen participation, and addresses community development challenges typically
associated with larger cities.
1.5 The Planning Process
The General Plan encompasses goals and objectives affecting the entirety of Round
Rock. It was therefore important to integrate all segments of the community into the
3
INTRODUCTION
General Plan 2000 revision. The process included identification of citizen concerns
and the creation of a vision for the City's future. Citizen ideas were then used by
elected representatives and City staff to devise goals and objectives.
To facilitate the integration of citizen ideas and concerns into the General Plan 2000,
the Planning and Community Development Department staff devised a five-step
process:
STEP ONE - CITY SEMINAR
This three session staff led educational seminar held in the Spring of 1998 spearheaded
the revision effort. It provided citizens with sufficient knowledge of City funding,
management, services, and plans to be effective participants in the subsequent Planning
and Design Workshops (Step Three). In order to participate in the smaller Planning
and Design Workshops, citizens were required to attend all three City Seminar
sessions.
Results: One hundred and thirty citizens attended at least one of the three
City Seminar sessions. Sessions were aired on community access television for
increased participation. In addition, videotapes of the sessions were placed at
the City library where approximately 25 citizens borrowed them for viewing.
Of the 130 attendees, 66 were eligible for and chose to continue their
participation in the Planning and Design Workshops.
STEP TWO - CITY SURVEYS
Two scientifically conducted telephone surveys were performed in the Spring of 1998
by the polling firm Jeff Montgomery and Associates, Incorporated. The first surveyed
attitudes and opinions about City services and Round Rock's quality of life. The
second surveyed attitudes and opinions about planning issues in Round Rock.
Respondents were selected by means of a random sample.
Results: Eight hundred Round Rock residents were surveyed, with 400
responding to each survey. Survey responses led to the selection of the four
planning topic areas addressed at the Planning and Design Workshops (Step
Three). Survey results were also used by the Mayor and City Council to
identify goals and objectives for the General Plan 2000 (Step Four). Survey
results are available for review at the Planning and Community Development
Department in City Hall, 221 East Main Street
STEP THREE - PLANNING AND DESIGN WORKSHOPS
In the Summer of 1998, planning consultant, J.D. Wilson and Associates, facilitated six
separate Planning and Design Workshops to gather citizen input for the General Plan
4
INTRODUCTION
2000. The first session was held in the City Council chambers and introduced the four
topic areas identified from the City surveys:
• Community Identity and Appearance
• Adjacency of Land Uses to Single Family Development
• Transportation/Roadway Implications for Development
• Housing Opportunities
Participants viewed a slide presentation of actual developments that illustrated both
successful and unsuccessful attempts to address each topic area. Examples were drawn
from cities and towns across the United States. Discussion then shifted to a
"visioning" exercise where citizens formulated a statement of how they would like
Round Rock to be described in ten years. These comments became the basis for a
vision statement later refined by the City Council.
After attending the introductory session, participants attended one of four Saturday
workshops; each workshop addressed one of the four topic areas. The workshops
gave participants the opportunity to address key planning and design issues facing
Round Rock. The consultants facilitated discussion among participants and then
developed a list of ideas and conclusions that emerged from the discussion.
Finally, a summary workshop marked the completion of this series. Two participants
from each Saturday workshop presented their findings to the City Council and the
public.
Results: Sixty-six citizens participated, with an average of seventeen attending
each of the four topic -specific Saturday workshops. Each workshop featured a
cross section of participants from various neighborhoods and backgrounds.
Ideas and conclusions generated at the workshops provided the City Council
with a foundation to identify goals and objectives for the General Plan 2000.
A summary report of the work accomplished at the Planning and Design
Workshops is contained in Appendix A.
STEP FOUR - COUNCIL GOALS WORKSHOP
In August of 1998, policy consultant, Louis Fox of Urban Advisory Services, facilitated
a goal setting workshop for the Mayor, City Council, and staff department directors.
Citizen comments from the City surveys and the Planning and Design Workshops
were used to identify a broad set of goals and objectives for the General Plan 2000. In
5
INTRODUCTION
addition, the City Council developed a vision statement for the Plan based on input
from the Planning and Design Workshops.
Results: Following citizen feedback from a public hearing, a resolution was
approved by the City Council in October 1998 adopting the goals and
objectives for the General Plan 2000.
STEP FIVE - EXISTING PLAN UPDATES
Revising the technical aspects of the 1990 General Plan was largely a function of the
Planning and Community Development Department Planning staff also incorporated
elements of the City's new Transportation Master Plan into the General Plan 2000 to
broaden its scope. In addition, the City's new Parks and Open Space Plan will be
incorporated into the General Plan 2000. Upon completion by the Parks and
Recreation Department, the Parks and Open Space Plan will become Chapter 9 of the
General Plan 2000.
Results: After citizen review, the General Plan 2000 was formally adopted by
the City Council in June 1999. The Plan reflects Round Rock's history,
existing conditions, and its view for the future.
1.6 The Planning Area
The General Plan 2000 study area, hereafter referred to as the Planning Area, is the
entire geographic area within Round Rock's city limits and extraterritorial jurisdiction
(ETJ)•
Most of the Planning Area interfaces with the jurisdictions of adjacent communities,
including Austin, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Hutto, Leander, and Pflugerville. Thus,
the Planning Area chosen for this Plan closely approximates the ultimate city limits for
the City of Round Rock. The present city limits and ETJ are shown on Map 1.1.
Present city limits encompass 23 square miles while the ETJ includes an additional 47
square miles for a total of 70 square miles in the Planning Area.
Land uses were surveyed in December 1998. Community demographic analysis
was based on numerous sources including the following:
• 1990 U.S. Census
• Texas State Data Center population estimates and demographic trends
• Texas Water Development Board population projections
• Department of Housing and Urban Development demographic estimates
• City staff housing unit population estimates
6
INTRODUCTION
1.7 Physical Setting
LOCATION
The City of Round Rock is located in southern Williamson County, fifteen miles north
of Austin, the state capital, and ten miles south of Georgetown, the county seat.
Williamson County is the northern county of the three -county Austin Metropolitan
Statistical Area (MSA), which also indudes Travis and Hays counties.
Round Rock is situated on Interstate 35 at the junction of Williamson and Travis
Counties. Round Rock lies 186 miles south of Dalla_s,178 miles east of Houston, and
96 miles northeast of San Antonio.
Round Rock's proximity to Austin and its location along Interstate 35, often
considered the "Main Street" of Texas, provides both growth pressures and
opportunities for the City.
TRANSPORTATION
A number of federal and state highways connect Round Rock with Texas' principal
metropolitan areas. Interstate 35 links Round Rock with Austin and San Antonio to
the south, and Waco and Dallas -Fort Worth to the north. US 290 terminates in
Houston and is accessible from Round Rock through Austin. US 79 provides access
to east Texas from central Round Rock. US 183, the second major north -south route
in the region, some eight miles to the west, serves as a primary carrier and development
corridor for the Austin metropolitan area. Its southern segment reaches the Corpus
Christi area. RM 620 originates in central Round Rock and extends to Highway 71 and
the Highland Lakes area of the Texas Hill Country.
The Union Pacific and Georgetown Railroad companies operate rail lines within
Round Rock. The Georgetown line is parallel to and west of Interstate 35. It runs
south from Georgetown to a point approximately 2,000 feet north of Sam Bass Road.
From that point, the line is under the operation of Union Pacific. The Union Pacific
line continues south until the intersection of McNeil Road and Interstate 35 where it
connects with an east -west Union Pacific line. The east -west line runs parallel to
McNeil Road and East Palm Valley Boulevard. Union Pacific provides freight service
for Round Rock and the Austin metropolitan area.
Other transportation facilities include the new Austin -Bergstrom International Airport,
twenty-two miles south of Round Rock, which opened in May 1999. It provides full
commercial air services throughout the United States and abroad. The former Robert
Mueller Airport in Austin will be reconfigured for a variety of uses. Georgetown and
Taylor Municipal Airports lie within a fifteen -mile radius of Round Rock. Each airport
can accommodate general aviation.
7
INTRODUCTION
PHYSIOGRAPHY
The City of Round Rock is situated on the Balcones Escarpment, a geologic fault line
that marks the transition from Hill Country to Blackland Prairie. The Hill Country,
west of Round Rock, is predominately ranch land and includes a number of major
quarrying operations. Much of the land to the east is rich Blackland Prairie and is
actively farmed. The City straddles Brushy Creek and three of its main branches:
Chandler Creek, Onion Creek and Lake Creek. These streams are associated with
substantial floodplain in some areas.
The topography of Round Rock is level to rolling with elevations ranging from
960 feet above sea level in the northwest corner of the ETJ to 650 feet near the
eastern city limits along Brushy Creek. The downtown area is approximately 700
feet above sea level.
SOILS
The Balcones Escarpment accounts for the diverse character of the soils in the
Round Rock area. The Houston, Austin, and Castephen soils of the Blackland
Prairie comprise most of the cultivated area east of the City. These deep soils are
high in organic matter and retain moisture. West of the City the surface material
consists of the generally thin and stony soils of the Eckrant and Georgetown
series. These are underlain by commonly exposed limestone bedrock,
characteristic of the Edwards Aquifer.
CLIMATE
The climate of southern Williamson County is temperate, with mild winters and hot
summers. The region has a mean annual temperature of 67 degrees, with an average
January low of 35 degrees Fahrenheit and an average July high of 97 degrees
Fahrenheit The prevailing winds from the southeast bring warm, tropical air masses
from the Gulf of Mexico. These are displaced in the winter months by periodic
outbreaks of cold arctic air from the north. Annual precipitation averages 34 inches
with virtually none of it falling as snow. The average growing season is 258 days and
extends from March through November.
1.8 History
Native Americans were the first to occupy the area, including the Tonkawas, Lipan
Apaches, Comanches, and Tawakonis of Caddoan stock. The first Anglo settlers
began arriving in the early 1830's and built Kenney Fort, site of the famous Archives
War, on the south side of the Brushy Creek. In 1851 the original town, called Brushy,
8
INTRODUCTION
was established on the north side of the creek near the "round rock" where the famed
Chisholm Trail crossed Brushy Creek. In 1854, the town of Brushy was renamed
Round Rock and continued to serve as a stop on the Chisholm Trail until the early
1870's. In 1876, the residents moved the town three-quarters of a mile east to take
advantage of the newly constructed International and Great Northern Railroad Line
(later known as the Missouri -Pacific, and then the Union Pacific) which by-passed the
"old town." Round Rock was officially incorporated in 1913. The 1920 U.S. Census
reported its population as 900. The subsequent fifty-year period was characterized by
gradual growth so that by 1970 Round Rock registered a population of 2,811.
Since 1970 Round Rock has experienced a nearly twenty -fold increase in
population and is now the largest city in Williamson County. Round Rock, with
an estimated April 1999 population of 52,040, has helped make Williamson
County one of the fastest growing counties in Texas and the nation. During the
1990's, Round Rock transitioned from a bedroom community of Austin to a
major employment center featuring high technology, health services, and light
industry. Dell Computer Corporation is Round Rock's largest employer with over
7,000 employees. The number of Dell employees in Round Rock will increase
after the completion of the eastern and northern campus expansions. Other
major proposed developments in Round Rock include a Scott and White Hospital
and regional medical complex, a 7,500 seat convention center/stadium complex
that will be home to a AA minor league affiliate of the Houston Astros, and a 307
acre regional shopping and business complex, all of which will further diversify
Round Rock's economic base.
1.9 Development Constraints
The constraints on development in Round Rock fall into three categories:
jurisdictional, physical, and functional.
JURISDICTIONAL CONSTRAINTS
Jurisdictional boundaries are the first and foremost development constraint on Round
Rock. Round Rock's city limits and ETJ abut those of the surrounding cities and
towns: Austin to the south and west, Cedar Park and Leander to the west,
Georgetown to the north, Hutto to the east, and Pflugerville to the south. The result is
a clearly defined and limited geographic area available for expansion and development
Map 1.1 shows the Round Rock ETJ.
9
INTRODUCTION
PHYSICAL. CONSTRAINTS
The second type of constraint consists of the physical limitations imposed by the
creeks and their associated floodplains. Approximately 1330 acres of land within the
current corporate area and the ETJ fall within floodplains. Occasional heavy rainfalls
in Central Texas saturate and flood substantial areas of floodplain including not only
the creek systems of the area but also a number of minor drainage courses feeding the
creek systems.
The protection of these drainage areas from development is a prime consideration
affecting City growth. Additionally, the primary creeks and their associated floodplains
present substantial natural barriers to continuous surface transportation systems. The
major floodplain areas are shown on Map 1.1. These physical constraints also provide
an excellent opportunity for environmental improvements by utilizing floodplains for
open space, trail development, and habitat preservation.
Shallow soils and bedrock, along with the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, occur in
the western portion of the City and its ETJ. Because of the attendant environmental
and construction implications, development costs are often higher in the Recharge
Zone.
FUNCTIONAL CONSTRAINTS
Functional constraints include existing major transportation routes. Railways and
highways act as physical barriers between various sections of a city. These barriers
disrupt the continuity of development and, because of their right-of-way requirements,
significantly decrease the acreage available for development In Round Rock, the
Union Pacific Railroad, Georgetown Railroad, and Interstate 35 pose formidable
obstacles to a unified urban spatial pattern. However, these functional constraints can
provide unique opportunities for the economic growth of the City by utilizing these
transportation corridors for intensified land uses, such as rail stations, regional
shopping centers, or industrial parks.
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GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Defininggoals and objectives based on citizen concerns
2.1 Introduction
The vision statement, goals, and objectives contained within this chapter are
the result of the collective ideas and energies of numerous citizens, elected
officials, and City staff. While the vision statement represents an image of
what Round Rock should strive to become in the future, the goals and
objectives are a long-range statement of public policy. As such, they are the
foundation of the General Plan 2000 and provide a focus for the information
contained in Chapters 3 through 11. Thought of another way, the goals and
objectives represent a litmus test against which we compare other portions of the
Plan.
Goals and objectives provide the basis for guiding future development in Round
Rock. But a mere desire for change will not necessarily lead to the achievement of
a community vision. Implementation tools, such as the City's Strategic Plan, new
or revised development standards, neighborhood action plans, and special area
studies provide the means to achieve this vision. The City's Strategic Plan will
serve as the most significant mechanism to ensure the timely implementation of
the General Plan 2000's adopted goals and objectives. Within a specified time
period, the Strategic Plan will implement each goal and objective listed herein.
When the goals and objectives of the General Plan are integrated with subsequent
plans and ordinances, the community vision, goals, and objectives are preserved
and made viable over time. More specifically, consistent plans and ordinances
help the City grow in an orderly fashion, preserve our neighborhoods and historic
areas, revitalize or improve existing areas, and ensure new development is
compatible with current development. Only when such changes have occurred
will a community vision be realized.
11
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
2.2 Vision Statement
Round Rock is a diverse, historic, and family-oriented community with a distinct
identity as a desirable place to live, work, and play. Residents, government, and
business are committed to working together to build a more viable community.
2.3 Goals and Objectives
Transportation
Goal 1
Round Rock will ensure a safe and efficient transportation system that
provides increased access and mobility for all residents.
Transportation and land use policies will maximize the efficiency of
our system at both the local and regional levels.
OBJECTIVES
1.1. Ensure a local transportation system, which includes roadways, sidewalks, bike
lanes, and hike/bike trails, that provides citizens with options to drive, walk, and bike
to local destinations safely and efficiently.
1.2. Strengthen roadway and parking standards to include design features that enhance
safety and circulation and provide buffering for residential neighborhoods.
1.3. Study the feasibility of developing a local transit system to provide additional
transportation choices for citizens.
1.4. Protect the function of the City's arterial roadway system by adopting land use and
access policies that concentrate high intensity land uses, minimize strip development,
and limit direct driveway access and curb cuts along major roadways.
1.5. Encourage a blending of land uses to promote easy access to work and shopping
from residential areas.
1.6. Require traffic impact analyses for new developments that will generate high
volumes of traffic.
1.7. Provide leadership in the development of State Highway 45 and State Highway
130.
12
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
1.8. Explore options for participating in a regional rail system.
Citizen Involvement
Goal 2 Round Rock will develop dear avenues of communication with
citizens.
OBJECTIVES:
2.1. Engage citizens in an ongoing dialogue about City policies and programs to instill
an attitude of trust and understanding in local decision making.
2.2. Use appropriate types of media, including local access television and the City's
internet website, to keep citizens apprised of public hearings and other forums for
citizen involvement
Utilities & Drainage
Goal 3
Round Rock will provide efficient utility services and drainage systems
with future land use needs in mind. Utility service extension policies
will be coordinated with the City's financial capacity.
OBJECTIVES:
3.1. Ensure that municipal utility and drainage systems are sized to accommodate
future development without compromising service to existing customers.
3.2. Provide leadership in developing a regional water system.
3.3. Continually improve and maintain utility and drainage systems.
3.4. Develop a "reuse" water utility.
13
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
3.5. Continually work with other public utilities to promote high quality service to
customers.
3.6. Use a cost-effective business management approach to provide City utility service.
Economic Development
Goal 4
Round Rock will expand and diversify its economic base to provide
greater employment opportunities, access to a broader range of goods
and services, and an increased non-residential tax base to lessen the tax
burden on homeowners.
OBJECTIVES:
4.1. Expand recruitment efforts to include non -high technology industries, thus
decreasing the City's strong dependence on the high technology sector.
4.2. Explore the potential for attracting additional retail, business services, and
hotel/motel establishments.
4.3. Develop economic development policies that ensure high quality development
Neighborhood Preservation
Goal 5 Round Rock will strengthen policies and programs that preserve
neighborhood integrity. Round Rock will establish and adhere to
strong development standards to reduce future maintenance costs.
OBJECTIVES:
5.1. Reinvest in the infrastructure of the City's older areas.
5.2. Ensure strong, consistent code enforcement to maintain neighborhood integrity.
5.3. Investigate methods and incentives to bring existing developed property into
conformity with new ordinances.
14
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
5.4. Ensure that non-residential uses, higher density residential development, and
roadways are compatible with adjacent single-family neighborhoods by requiring new
or increased design and buffering standards.
5.5. Avoid the creation of large concentrations of apartments in any one area of the
City.
5.6. Continue the Neighborhood Planning Program to facilitate neighborhood based
initiatives to define problems, establish priorities, and develop solutions for specific
neighborhood concerns.
5.7. Encourage the use of landscape materials that are native and drought tolerant to
provide for better long-term maintenance.
5.8. Strengthen building and fencing maintenance requirements.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Goal 6 Round Rock will protect and enhance its historic areas.
OBJECTIVES:
6.1. Explore the development of new historic districts, including one along the Palm
Valley corridor.
6.2. Enhance Round Rock's historic districts to preserve their identity.
6.3. Develop long term goals for the City's historic districts in an effort to promote
their economic viability.
15
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
City Identity & Appearance
Goal 7 Round Rock will emphasize its role as a strong residential community
and a major employer in the Central Texas region by strengthening
and enhancing the City's identity and visual appearance.
OBJECTIVES:
7.1. Establish significant entry signs using native materials, landscaping, and
appropriate lighting at the edge of the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) on major
roadway entrances into Round Rock.
7.2. Consider the development of new special districts along major transportation
corridors with increased landscaping, architectural, and signage standards.
7.3. Develop architectural, building articulation, site -plan, and streetscaping standards
to enhance overall City appearance, particularly for developments along key corridors.
7.4. Increase landscaping standards and provide for increased street trees in appropriate
areas.
Intergovernmental Cooperation
Goal 8 Round Rock will encourage cooperation and collaboration with local
governments and institutions.
OBJECTIVES:
8.1. Improve communications between City of Round Rock officials and School
District officials to coordinate land use, transportation, and facility -siting plans.
8.2. Increase cooperation with neighboring communities to facilitate a coordinated
approach to regional planning issues.
16
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Parks, Open Space, and the Environment
Goal 9
Round Rock will continue to acquire and maintain open space for
parks, greenbelts, and recreational facilities using existing natural
features whenever possible.
OBJECTIVES:
9.1. Update the Parks Development Guide to include an implementation program for
the development of hike/bike trails, neighborhood parks, community parks, preserves,
and natural areas.
9.2. Regularly update plans to address specific needs for additional sports fields and
practice areas.
9.3. Continue to acquire parkland through the developer dedication process when
appropriate. When necessary, purchase land that has potential recreational value.
Housing Opportunities
Goal 10 Round Rock will reaffirm its commitment to diverse housing
opportunities.
OBJECTIVES:
10.1. Ensure the availability and affordability of a variety of housing for all Round
Rock citizens, including the young, elderly, singles, families, and citizens with special
needs.
10.2. Encourage a mix of affordability throughout the City.
10.3. Distribute housing types throughout the City, without concentrating any
particular type of housing within one area of the City.
10.4. Encourage creative non-profit/for-profit partnerships to develop workforce
housing with the appropriate services sited nearby (daycare, health-care and elder -care,
etc.).
17
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Social & Community Services
Goal 11 Round Rock will accommodate the social and community services
needed by our expanding population.
OBJECTIVES:
11.1. Encourage support for the needs of citizens by allowing for the availability of
housing with dose proximity to daycare, senior centers, schools, and health care.
11.2. Establish partnerships between the City, local businesses, and social service
providers to address social service needs.
11.3. Maintain a safe environment for all citizens and aggressively address criminal
activity throughout the City by developing partnerships with the community.
Public Facilities
Goal 12 Round Rock will provide facilities to meet the needs of both residents
and city employees.
OBJECTIVES:
12.1. Ensure City facilities and equipment meet the needs of City employees and City
residents with attention to maintenance, modernization, and expansion.
12.2. Ensure funding for the scheduled openings and operations of new public
facilities.
18
COMMUNITY ANALYSIS
Assessing Round Rock's growth trends to forecast future development
3.1 Introduction
Community analysis serves as the basis for most major planning decisions. By
examining the historical and current characteristics of a community, decision -
makers are able to identify needs and opportunities for the community and
determine demand for future land development and associated municipal
services. This chapter discusses Round Rock's historical development, its current
population characteristics, and its projected future growth.
Since the 185O's, Round Rock has evolved from a stagecoach stop along the Chisholm
Trail to a sleepy farming town to a bedroom community of Austin. Round Rock has
recently emerged as a mostly self-sufficient city with a strong high technology
employment base. With an estimated population of 52,040 in April 1999, Round Rock
is the largest city in Williamson County and the second largest city in the Austin
Metropolitan Statistical Area. Figure 3.1 depicts the official U.S. Census counts for
Round Rock since its inception, showing the dramatic growth since 1970.
Figure 3.1 Round Rock Population Growth, 1850 -1999
60,000
50,000
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,040„,,,4ble
e°
Otis
,y
O°'
to
AI°
0
°°°
�,yO°
iib
�l%,�°
X41.
9°°
�k
^tid
saOO
0, ft”
1850 1860
1870
1880
1890
1900
1910
1920
1930
1940
1950
1960 1970
1900
1990
1999•
* The 1999 population figure is estimated.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau and City of Round Rock Planning and Community Development Department
19
COMMUNITY ANALYSIS
3.2 Growth of Round Rock, 1960-1980
Prior to the 1960's, Round Rock exhibited steady but moderate growth. While 1960
Census data for Round Rock are limited, 1970 Census data clearly show that significant
changes took place in the previous decade. The most notable occurrence was that over
fifty percent of Round Rock's 1970 population had arrived from outside the City. It
should also be noted that the 1960's included the construction of Interstate 35, placing
Round Rock in a strategic location for development While there was a surge in
industrial and commercial activity in the latter half of the decade, housing remained the
City's mainstay economic activity, reflecting Round Rock's status as a bedroom
community of Austin.
During the 1970's, Round Rock outpaced the growth of all cities of at least 1,000
persons in the Austin metropolitan area. Round Rock's compound annual growth rate
of over sixteen percent resulted in a 353 percent increase in total population for the
decade, growing from 2,811 persons in 1970 to 12,740 by 1980. Based upon
Williamson County's 1970 to 1980 net migration rate, it is estimated that 82 percent of
the 10,000 people added to the City resulted from in -migration. By 1980, Round Rock
had established itself as the largest city in Williamson County and a viable growth
center within the flourishing Austin metropolitan area.
The rapid rise in population during the 1970's placed tremendous pressure on the
City's utilities. As a result, Round Rock wells ran dry in 1978. This crisis prompted the
City to focus on expanding its water resources and to aggressively plan for future
growth. These efforts allowed Round Rock to meet the extraordinary demands placed
on its utilities during the 1980's.
The decade of the 1970's also brought about a notable change in the mixture of Round
Rock's housing stock. Ninety-six percent of dwelling units in 1970 were single-family
homes. By 1980, single-family homes represented only 83 percent of total residential
units. A growing population, spurred by heavy in -migration, decreasing persons per
household, and an increase in household formations, contributed to the rise in number
and shift in mixture of the City's housing stock.
20
COMMUNITY ANALYSIS
3.3 Growth of Round Rock, 1980-1990
During the 1980's, Round Rock's population increased by over 18,000 persons, almost
Mph/1g in size from 12,740 persons in 1980 to 30,923 by 1990. During this time,
Round Rock continued to surpass the growth rates of all cities in the Austin
metropolitan area with 1980 Census populations of at least 1,000 persons. Round
Rock averaged a nearly ten percent annual growth rate between 1980 and 1990, 50
percent higher than that of the next fastest growing cities in Williamson County. Over
half of the City's 18,000 new residents located here during 1984 and 1985. The pace of
growth slowed tremendously in the late 1980's due to a depressed economy statewide.
Table 3.1 shows the tremendous growth of the City during the 1980's.
Table 3.1 Round Rock Population Change, 1980 -1990
Year
Population
Numeric Change Percent Change
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
12,740 -
12,889 149 1.2%
13,038 149 1.2%
13,186 148 1.1%
15,261 2,075 15.7%
20,864 5,603 36.7%
26,725 5,861 28.1%
29,303 2,578 9.6%
30,312 1,009 3.4%
30,587 275 0.9%
30,923 336 1.1%
Source: City of Round Rock Planning and Community Development Department
Coupled with the growth in population, Round Rock's economy also experienced
significant gains during the 1980's. The location of major employers to Round Rock,
such as Tellabs, Farmers Insurance Group, Cypress Semiconductor, AMP Packaging
Systems, and DuPont Photomasks, contributed greatly to increases in employment.
From 1980 to 1990, the number of employed persons steadily increased by an average
of twelve percent a year, equaling over 1,000 newly employed persons per year. While
21
COMMUNITY ANALYSIS
there was an economic slow -down in the latter part of the decade, Round Rock
continued to consistently record lower unemployment rates than those of the entire
State.
The diversification of the City's housing stock continued in the 1980's, with
considerable duplex and multi -family construction. As shown in Table 3.2, over 40
percent of the 7,746 residential building permits issued from 1980 to 1989 were for
multi -family or duplex units.
Table 3.2 Residential Building Permits by Type of Housing,
1980-1989
Single family Homes
Multi family Units
Duplex Units
4,470 2,120 1,156
Source: City of Round Rock Planning and Community Development Department
3.4 Growth of Round Rock, 1990-98
The 1990's began much as the 1980's ended, with the City's economy still sltixish due
to the statewide recession. By 1993, however, the Austin area economy was recovering
and Round Rock began to see significant increases in residential activity. As Table 3.3
reveals, the number of single-family building permits issued rose from 540 in 1992 to
989 in 1993. Single-family construction continued at this strong pace over the next
several years, averaging almost 950 building permits per year from 1994 through 1997.
In 1998, this number reached a high of 1,502. With low interest rates and a healthy
economy, single-family construction is expected to remain active through 1999.
Beginning in 1994, Round Rock also began to experience increases in multi -family
construction, with an average of 416 multi -family units coming on line annually from
1994 through 1997. While there was a slight decline in multi -family activity in 1998
with only 160 units constructed, several apartment complexes are expected to be
completed in 1999.
Despite these gains in multi -family construction, single-family units still represented the
vast majority (78 percent) of residential building permits issued from January 1990
through December 1998. Multi -family units constituted twenty percent of all
residential permits issued during this period while duplexes represented two percent.
22
COMMUNITY ANALYSIS
Table 3.3 Residential Building Permits by Type of Housing,
1990-1998
Year
Single family Homes Multi family Units. Duplex Units
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
128 0 0
238 0 0
540 0 0
989 0 5
840 324 5
957 512 15
944 356 57
1,023 472 12
1,502 160 60
Source: City of Round Rock Planning and Community Development Department
Table 3.4 Round Rock Population Change, 1990 -1999
Year
Population (ielpti Numeric Change Percent Change
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
30,923 - -
32,213 1,290 4.2%
33,769 1,556 4.8%
36,139 2,370 7.0%
39,457 3,318 9.2%
41,631 2,174 5.5%
43,895 2,264 5.4%
46,485 2,590 5.9%
49,020 2,535 5.5%
52,040 3,020 6.2%
Source: City of Round Rock Planning and Community Development Department
23
COMMUNITY ANALYSIS
Reflecting the boom in residential construction, the population of Round Rock grew
by 68 percent from 1990 to 1999, increasing from a 1990 population of 30,923 to
52,040 as of April 1999. Table 3.4 shows the steady rise in population from 1990
through 1999 as estimated by the Round Rock Planning and Community
Development Department.
Round Rock's unemployment rate fell throughout most of the 1990's, thus providing
further evidence of the City's growing economy. According to the Texas Workforce
Commission, the unemployment rate in Round Rock was 1.5 percent as of December
1998. This is over three percentage points lower than the 4.8 percent unemployment
rate of June 1990. As Figure 3.2 indicates, the unemployment rate has not exceeded
three percent since June 1992.
Figure 3.2 Round Rock Unemployment Rate, 1990 -1998
6.0 %
5.0
4.0
3.0
2.0 %
1.0 %
0.0 %
0\0
1°\'
eyr0
4\° '`o
ey.
0
ti �yey
o\, 0\0o\,
A. fy o\,
,y
^h
0
Ci
v
7
N N M e7 er et V) VO N N. 00 00
• Oi Oi Clic O� OI O, CI• G1 41;c; To O,
7 v ▪ = 4 7 v • v :y iw v
o A ti a ti „ 11' ti • A ti • a
0
Source: Texas Workforce Commission
A major factor in the declining unemployment rate and the strength of the overall
economy in Round Rock has been the success of Dell Computer Corporation. Since
beginning its corporate headquarters relocation to Round Rock in 1993, Dell has
experienced tremendous growth in the computer industry, providing thousands of jobs
at the corporate office complex and serving as a magnet for other high technology
businesses to locate in Round Rock. In addition to Dell, a number of other significant
employers located in Round Rock during the 1990's. These include Michael Angelo
Gourmet Foods, Cintas Corporation, MagRabbit, 151 Tech Molding, Photronics,
DuPont Photomasks (world headquarters), Trend Technologies, and MaxServ.
24
COMMUNITY ANALYSIS
Table 3.5 Change in Median Household Income by Census Tract,
1990-1997
Census Tract
Number of Median Household Income Change
Hourehoklr
1990 1990* 1997 Numeric Percent
215.02
207.03
208.98
205.01
203.10
18.36
205.03
215.03
206.02
215.01
207.02
207.01
206.01
205.04
1,202 $37,256 $47,339 $10,083 27.06%
637 $52,276 $63,671 $11,395 21.80%
1,702 $43,040 $50,439 $7,399 17.19%
799 $62,212 $72,389 $10,177 16.36%
792 $74,653 $78,443 $3,790 5.08%
1,868 $50,840 $52,000 $1,160 2.28%
1,508 $69,285 $68,740 -$545 -0.79%
1,327 $35,267 $34,375 4892 -2.53%
790 $35,712 $34,782 4930 -2.60%
971 $48,958 $47,237 -$1,721 -3.52%
2,053 $41,892 $39,879 -$2,013 4.81%
968 $25,776 $23,976 -$1,800 -6.98%
888 $72,846 $66,661 -$6,185 -8.49%
1,399 $39,979 $35,942 -$4,037 -10.10%
* 1990 figures have been adjusted for inflation and are presented here in 1997 dollars.
Source: Department of Housing and Urban Development
Another indication of Round Rock's economic growth in the 1990's is the increase in
family and household incomes. According to the 1990 Census, the median family
income in Round Rock was $36,730. The reported median family income for Round
Rock in January 1999 was $55,400. Even with adjustments for inflation, this represents
an increase of over $5,000. However, a more detailed look at change in income reveals
that some areas of Round Rock have actually experienced a decline in income. Using
median household income estimates provided by the Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD), Table 3.5 shows the difference between 1990 Census
data and 1997 HUD estimates for those Census Tracts that comprise the greater
Round Rock area. Map 3.1, which follows, shows the location of these Census Tracts
in relation to the Round Rock extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).
25
COMMUNITY ANALYSIS
Accompanying Round Rock's growth has been a slight increase in the diversity of the
City's ethnic composition. Using estimates from HUD, Table 3.6 shows that most of
the Round Rock area Census Tracts have experienced a slight increase in minority
residents as a percentage of the total population from 1990 to 1997. Table 3.6 also
indicates that these increases are occurring citywide and are not concentrated in areas
already comprised of significant minority populations. It should be noted that the
most recent and most accurate count of Round Rock residents is the 1990 Census.
According to that information, the City's population in 1990 was 74.5 percent white,
18.7 percent Hispanic, 5.3 percent black, and 1.1 percent Asian or Pacific Islander.
Table 3.6 Change in Minority Population by Census Tract,
1990 -1997
Cowls
Tract
1990 1997 1990 Minority 1997 Estimated Change in Minority
Total Estimated Population Minority Population Percent of Total Census
Population Total Tract Population
Population
Persons Percent of Persons Percent of
Total Total
207.03 1,917 2,447 168 8.8% 317 13.0% +4.2%
18.36 5,659 8,970 882 15.6% 1733 19.3% +3.7%
215.01 2,837 5,013 259 9.1% 571 11.4% +2.3%
215.02 3,721 4,667 567 15.2% 807 17.3% +2.1%
205.03 5,002 6,674 327 6.5% 546 8.2% +1.6%
207.02 5,435 9,802 833 15.3% 1,630 16.6% +1.3%
215.03 3,457 4,450 422 12.2% 597 13.4% +1.2%
203.10 2,464 3,766 118 4.8% 222 5.9% +1.1%
206.02 2,499 4,439 507 20.3% 948 21.4% +1.1%
205.01 2,508 3,191 336 13.4% 442 13.9% +0.5%
205.04 4,093 6,191 738 18.0% 1,136 18.3% +0.3%
208.98 4,987 7,289 611 12.3% 812 11.1% -1.1%
207.01 2,716 3,477 865 31.8% 1,048 30.1% -1.7%
206.01 2,417 4,360 282 11.7% 395 9.1% -2.6%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
26
COMMUNITY ANALYSIS
Map 3.1 City of Round Rock Census Tracts & ETJ
27
COMMUNITY ANALYSIS
3.5 Greater Round Rock, 2000-2020
Looking beyond 2000, Round Rock is expected to continue to grow at a steady pace.
Population projections and growth rates vary depending on the methodology used, but
all of the projections show the City's population approaching 100,000 by the year 2020.
Tables 3.7 and 3.8 list the projected City population and average annual growth rates,
respectively, from 2000 to 2020 as forecasted by the different methodologies employed
for this study. The linear method assumes that the population will continue to grow at
the same pace as it did from 1980 to 1998, with consistent increases in population over
time. The quadratic method also uses the 1980 to 1998 trend as a basis for projection,
although this method allows for a slight decline in population increases over time. The
third column in Tables 3.7 and 3.8 represents projections based on the assumptions for
population growth established in the 1990 General Plan. These assumptions were
derived from historical growth trends from the early 1960's to the late 1980's.
Projections based on these assumptions have been adjusted to match current
population estimates.
Table 3.7 Population Projections (City Limits), 2000 - 2020
Year
Linear
Quadratic 1990 General Plan
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
53,286 53,037 52,990
63,951 62,935 63,971
74,615 72,627 76,480
85,280 82,114 90,667
95,945 91,396 106,561
Source: City of Round Rock Planning and Community Development Department
Table 3.8 Projected Average Annual Growth Rates (City Limits),
2001 - 2020
Year
Linear
Quadratic 1990 General Plan
2001 - 2005
2006 - 2010
2011 - 2015
2016 - 2020
3.7% 3.9% 3.8%
3.1% 3.2% 3.6%
2.7% 2.7% 3.5%
2.4% 2.3% 3.3%
Source: City of Round Rock Planning and Community Development Department
28
COMMUNITY ANALYSIS
The different methodological projections are presented graphically in Figure 3.3. This
figure also includes projections made in association with the 1998 Round Rock
Comprehensive Transportation Master Plan. This projection includes the entire
Planning Area as defined in Chapter 1.
125,000
Figure 3.3 Population Projections, 2000 - 2020
115,000 —
105,000
95,000
85,000
75,000
65,000
78,394
89,230
99,836
110,213
120,361
106,561
95,945
4,615
72,627
63,971
53,286
55,000
63,951
62,935
53,037
52 990
45,000
2000
2005
2010
114
91,396
2015
2020
--111-1998 Trasportation Master Plan (accounts for entire Planning Area)
—4-1998 Projections with 1990 Assumptions (city limits only)
—iii—Round Rock 1998 Linear Regression (city limits only)
--Round Rock 1998 Quadratic Regression (city limits only)
29
COMMUNITY ANALYSIS
FUTURE ANNEXATIONS AND PHYSICAL GROWTH
Round Rock is also expected to experience significant physical growth over the next
twenty years, with the city limits encompassing almost the entire Planning Area by
2020. Maps 3.2, 3.3, and 3.4 at the end of this chapter depict the estimated municipal
boundaries of Round Rock for the years 2003, 2010, and 2020, respectively.
2003 PHYSICAL BOUNDARIES (MAP 3.2)
By 2003, Round Rock is expected to annex a significant amount of acreage, particularly
in the southern and eastern portions of the City. In southwest Round Rock, the
addition of the approximately 320 acre La Frontera development and adjacent
properties extends the corporate boundaries to FM 1325 and the southern ETJ line.
The city limits will also be extended to the southern ETJ line east of Interstate 35 as
tracts south of Louis Henna Boulevard are annexed into the City.
The City expects to annex several large tracts that are currently surrounded by city
limits. A number of tracts between Gattis School Road and Brushy Creek and several
tracts bordering Oak Bluff Estates will be annexed within the next five years. With the
exception of the Westview subdivision south of Gattis School Road, the city limits will
then extend uninterrupted to County Road (CR) 122 along Gattis School Road and to
the eastern ETJ line north and east of Oak Bluff Estates.
A significant factor in the anticipated growth of the eastern portions of the City is the
construction of the convention center/stadium complex on the eastern border of Old
Settlers Park. The development of the area will spur the annexation of several large
tracts along the Palm Valley Boulevard corridor. These developments will extend the
city limits just east of CR 122 and north as far as CR 113. The only exception is the
Meadows of Chandler Creek Municipal Utility District along Farm -to -Market (FM)
1460.
Annexations to the north will be driven by the development of the Stonewater
Municipal Utility District located north of Chandler Road between Interstate 35 and
FM 1460. Because Stonewater will be only partially developed by 2003, the only
anticipated annexations are a few tracts south of Chandler Road just west of the Eagle
Ridge subdivision.
Western Round Rock is expected to add the Behrens Ranch, a 580 acre tract north of
FM 3406 and Sam Bass Road.
30
COMMUNITY ANALYSIS
2010 PHYSICAL. BOUNDARIES (MAP 3.3)
Significant road improvements are expected to drive development between 2003 and
2010. Improvements along Ranch -to -Market (RM) 620 and McNeil Road, in addition
to the construction of State Highway (SH) 45 and the extension of Wyoming Springs
Drive, will enable significant development between SH 45 and RM 620. As a result,
Round Rock city limits are expected to extend to RM 620 to the west and SH 45 to the
south, as well as incorporating a tract of land north of the intersection of these two
roadways.
Improvements along Sam Bass Road and the extension of Wyoming Springs Drive
north to FM 1431 will help spur development in northwest Round Rock. By 2010, the
City is expected to annex three large tracts in northwest Round Rock, two along Sam
Bass Road west of Wyoming Springs Drive, and the other tract just west of Chisholm
Trail.
With the continued development of the Stonewater community and improvements to
FM 1460, northeast Round Rock is expected to see significant growth. In addition to
the annexation of the Round Rock Glen subdivision, the City is expected to extend the
city limits east to FM 1460 north of Old Settlers Boulevard.
Round Rock city limits east of Interstate 35 and south of Palm Valley Boulevard are
expected to extend completely to the ETJ line, including the Westview subdivision
south of Gattis School Road and several tracts east of CR 122.
2020 PHYSICAL BOUNDARIES (MAP 3.4)
Between 2010 and 2020, Round Rock city limits are expected to expand in the
northwest and northeast portions of the City. In the northwest, the City is expected to
annex several large tracts north of the Vista Oaks Municipal Utility District and the
Preserve at Stone Oak subdivision. With the extension of Chandler Road,
improvements along Old Settlers Boulevard, and the construction of Arterial A (see
Map 5.2 for proposed location of Arterial A), city limits are expected to extend north
to the Chandler Road extension and east to the ETJ line with the exception of the
easternmost portion of the ETJ.
31
�1
r.5
PHYSICAL
BOUNDARIES
BY 2003
t
1
ra,= ft•"
-" Ll r
1 �
1
,t ti
-----------
f-
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M1
yt
LEGEND
Planning Area
"'- `'
1999 City is �'(^ F F J
Roads
Planning Area Adjustment l"
Out of City Developments
Additions by 2003 i A
Key Road Improvements �'A��
Y
rqa SHIM
9 20M
�.��"' MAP 3.2
" ! ,V
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o-a
PHYSICAL
BOUNDARIES
BY 2010
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LEGEND
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Planning Area
1999 C-.3ty Limits �.'"�'`���^`- 1 M .✓ ' _ a� �a�=a tu,s �n m
P1.f33ds
Planning Area Adjustment
�. 1 {€• €4+�� a*a�# €v C reser§- '+.�a�# t ���
Out of City Developments
Previous City Lit Additions
Additions by 2010 --
Key Road Improvements
5
.. � � -
� na o 2000
-------------------
MAP 3.3
f; M
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d
4:t3:3ngintr-.
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4,11+,44.1
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z
ml,
EXISTING LAND USE
Developing a baseline analysis of current land uses for Ci y planning efforts
4.1 InAtroduction
n analysis of the built environment is fundamental to long range city planning.
Population and employment levels are reflected in the amount of existing
residential, commercial, and industrial land uses. As population and
employment change, so will development within the City. The baseline
analysis of existing land use included in this chapter is an important step in developing
policies that determine the character and content of Round Rock in the future.
The built environment is best described through an inventory of existing structures and
land by specific categories of use. This chapter identifies ten land use categories and
tabulates acreage for the entire City. A similar measurement is also made for ten
zoning classifications. A comparison between the acreage of the major land use
categories and the corresponding zoning districts reveals the extent to which the zoned
land has been developed. Map 4.1 depicts existing land use and is located at the end of
this chapter.
Since issues addressed in this chapter overlap and intertwine with other sections of the
General Plan 2000, the reader is advised to look at the Plan as an integrated whole.
Unless otherwise noted, references to current data reflect information collected for the
year 1998 and cover the Planning Area as defined in Chapter 1. This includes both the
area within the present city limits and Round Rock's extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).
Including roadway and railroad right-of-way, the area within the present city limits
encompasses 23 square miles. The Planning Area, which includes the ETJ,
encompasses approximately 70 square miles. Round Rock's dominant land use is
residential. Single-family residential use comprises over 18 percent, or 8,047 acres, of
all land. Commercial development comprises approximately 2.6 percent, or 1,169
acres. While some of the remaining vacant land within the Planning Area will remain
undeveloped due to various physical constraints (e.g., floodplain, aquifer, slope, etc.), it
is estimated that at least 75 percent of all vacant land, or 13,039 acres, is available for
development.
The following are some general characteristics of Round Rock's existing land use
pattern:
32
• XISTING LAND US!
• Single-family developments account for over 23 percent of the land use within the
corporate limits and approximately eighteen percent within the Planning Area.
The majority of single-family land use is located south of Brushy Creek. A
substantial number of large lot subdivisions are located in northwest Round Rock.
• The community's most intensively developed arterials include: Interstate 35;
Ranch -to -Market (RM) 620; Sam Bass Road; Palm Valley Boulevard; Gattis School
Road; Louis Henna Boulevard; and McNeil Road. In general, commercial, retail,
and related services are located along the frontage of these roads. There is very
little residential land use adjacent to the relatively newer roads such as Interstate 35
and RM 620. However, residential uses do abut such long established roads as
Sam Bass Road, Palm Valley Boulevard, Gattis School Road, and McNeil Road.
• In general, multi -family developments are evenly dispersed throughout the City.
• Approximately 66 percent of the acreage within the city limits is developed.
Within the Planning Area, approximately 35 percent of the acreage is developed.
• Several major roads into the City have substantial undeveloped areas adjacent to
them. This provides opportunities for future land use planning. Farm -to -Market
(FM)1431/Chandler Road, portions of FM 3406/Old Settlers Boulevard, and
portions of FM 1325/Louis Henna Boulevard have large tracts of vacant land
adjacent to them.
• Land uses tend to be segregated by major arterials and highways.
• The oldest single-family developments occur in or near the downtown area.
• Three industrial areas take advantage of the available railroad service in Round
Rock: (1) along Chisholm Trail on the Georgetown line; (2) the junction of the
Georgetown line and the Union Pacific line east of Interstate 35; and (3) along the
Union Pacific line in the downtown area.
• One of the original entryways into Round Rock, Mays Street, has a substantial
amount of older commercial development along it, especially adjacent to the
downtown area. The north end of Mays Street exhibits more recent commercial
development and less residential land use adjacent to it.
• Three notable professional office developments include: (1) Old Town Square
located north of RM 620, between Chisholm Trail and Interstate 35; (2) the
Highland Professional Building on South Mays Street; and (3) Crystal Park located
at the corner of North Mays Street and Old Settlers Boulevard.
• Round Rock has one golf course located in the Forest Creek development on the
east side of the City.
33
• XISTING LAND USE
• The newly developed area east of Interstate 35 and along Louis Henna Boulevard
contains the largest concentration of retail land uses. This area is one of the fastest
growing in Round Rock.
• Most industrial land uses are located in the northern portion of the City.
• Multi -family developments are increasing in the southern portion of the City,
closer to both major employers and north Austin.
4.2 Land Use Inventory
In order to fully analyze and understand existing land use patterns in Round Rock, a
parcel specific land use inventory was conducted and mapped by the Planning and
Community Development Department in December 1998. The analysis within this
chapter and the Existing Land Use Map (Map 4.1) illustrate the results of the
inventory.
The 1998 existing land use inventory delineates ten land uses:
• Single-family • Commercial • Institutional • Agricultural
• Two-family • Industrial • Vacant • Right-of-way
• Multi -family • Parks & Open
Space
With the exception of right-of-way, the land uses fall into six general categories as
shown in Table 4.1, Land Use Categories. Right-of-way is defined as the right one
landowner grants to another to pass over the land, construct a roadway, or use as a
pathway without actually transferring ownership.
34
EXISTING LAND USE
4.3 Land Use Categories
Listed below are descriptions and examples of land uses that appear on the Existing
Land Use Map (Map 4.1). For residential uses, maximum densities are shown. The
examples of associated development are permitted principal uses for the City's existing
zoning district categories.
Table 4.1 Land Use Categories
Land Use Category
Example
RESIDENTIAL
Single-family Detached (1-5 dwelling units/
acre)
Two-family (5-6 dwelling units/acre)
Multi -family (maximum 20 dwelling
units/acre)
COMMERCIAL
General Commercial
Local Commercial (low to medium intensity)
Historic Commercial
INDUSTRIAL
General Industrial
Single-family house, semi -rural residence with
crops or pastures
Duplex
Apartment, condominium, four-plex
Offices, services, retail, amusements,
government, institutional, commercial, places
of worship, and other non -industrial activities,
but no outdoor storage
Offices, neighborhood services, government,
institutional, daycare facilities, schools, and
other commercial and retail activities
conducted within an enclosed building
All general commercial uses excluding various
automotive uses
Light industry which entails unenclosed
operations or storage, and heavy industry with
limited external effects
35
EXISTING LAND USE
Land Use Category Example
Industrial Park
PARKS, OPEN SPACE &
FLOODPLAIN
Parkland or Open Space
Golf course
PUBLIC & INSTITUTIONAL
Government
School
Institutional
Church & Cemetery
VACANT
Vacant
Agriculture
Light industry with no outdoor storage
City/private parks, cemeteries, conservation
areas, outdoor recreational facilities, and
wildlife sanctuaries
Public or private golf course, country dub
Government office and publicly -owned City
facilities
Public or private schools and the surrounding
grounds
Hospital, nursing home, group home, and
housing authority
Religious institutions, cemeteries
Land containing no structures or activities
Rural lands containing crops or pastures
Table 4.2, below, compares current land use with data from the 1990 General Plan. It
is important to note that the current Planning Area defined herein differs from that of
the 1990 General Plan. ETJ acquisitions over the past ten years have increased the
Planning Area beyond what was defined in the 1990 Plan. While this may affect
comparisons between the two time periods, the figures for each plan are consistent to
their respective totals.
Unlike other information in this chapter, the land uses shown in Table 4.2 are listed to
coincide with the 1990 General Plan land use descriptions. This is to facilitate a
comparative analysis between the two plans. For example, institutional land use as
described in Table 4.2 includes hospitals, nursing homes, group homes, and housing
authority properties. It does not include schools, government offices, and churches as
36
EXISTING LAND USE
outlined in Table 4.1. In Table 4.2, these uses have been broken out to easily compare
data between the 1990 General Plan and the General Plan 2000.
Table 4.2 Land Uses by Acreage, 1990/1998
1990 General Plan
Existing Land Use
Land Use
Atm Percentage of Percentage of
Developed Total
Aars Acreage
Ades Perentage of Percentage of
Developed Total
Acres Acreage
Single-family 1,881 34.0% 15.3% 8,047 49.2% 18.2%
Two-family 159 2.9% 1.3% 176 1.1% 0.4%
Multi -family 140 25% 1.1% 246 1.5% 0.6%
Commercial 353 6.4% 2.9% 1169 7.1% 2.6%
Industrial 441 8.0% 3.6% 783 4.8% 1.8%
Government 38 0.7% 0.3% 64 0.4% 0.1%
School 167 3.0% 1.4% 393 2.4% 0.9° o
Church & cemetery 164 3.0% 1.3% 131 0.8% 0.3%
Institutional' - 174 1.1% 0.4%
Parkland 822 14.9% 6.7% 1,008 6.2% 23%
ROW 1,356 24.6% 10.9% 4,170 25.4% 9.4%
Developed Acres 5,521 100.0% 44.8% 16,361 100.0% 37.°°'°
Agriculture2 10,554 23.8%
Vacant' 6,810 55.2% 17,385 39.2%
Total Acres 12,331
100.0
44,300 100.0%
' No information available for the 1990 General Plan.
2 No information available for the 1990 General Plan.
' Includes land with development constraints.
4.4 Land Use Analysis
The predominant land use in Round Rock is residential. By adding the acreage of the
three residential categories together and dividing by the number of developed acres,
Table 4.2 reveals that 52 percent of developed acreage contains housing of which 95
percent is single-family residential. By comparison in 1990, 39 percent of the
developed acreage contained housing of which 86 percent was single-family residential.
37
EXISTING LAND USE
Between 1990 and 1998, the proportion of single-family development increased
relative to total residential development in Round Rock. The amount of two-family
and multi -family development steadily decreased since 1990. The two-family share of
total developed land decreased from 2.9 percent in 1990 to 1.1 percent in 1998. Multi-
family development dropped from 2.5 percent of total developed land in 1990 to 1.5
percent in 1998.
The proportion of industrial land to total developed land decreased significantly. In
1990, eight percent of the developed land contained an industrial land use. In 1998,
that figure dropped to approximately 4.8 percent. Some important facts to consider
when analyzing the industrial figures are:
1. In the mid-1980s, several large industrial sites were developed but not
leased. These once vacant properties are becoming utilized as the City
experiences new demand for industrial properties. Hence, the total
acreage devoted to new industrial sites is relatively modest.
2. Several major industrial firms expanded their operations in the 1990's
without necessarily purchasing additional property. Unless the firms
purchased additional property, industrial expansion is not reflected in the
land use acreage calculations. Some of the large companies that expanded
during this period include SYSCO Corporation, Cypress Semiconductor,
Tellabs Texas, Inc., McNeil Consumer Products, AMP,
Westinghouse/ l'hCO, and Dupont Photomasks.
3. Commercial land use increased its proportion of total developed lands as
the industrial percentage decreased. In the last five years, the strong
response of the commercial sector to market forces outpaced industrial
development Furthermore, the largest employer in the City, Dell
Computer Corporation, is classified as a commercial land use despite its
close connections to industry.
Another notable land use category worthy of examination is parkland. Currently, the
existing percentage of land dedicated to parks and open space exceeds national
standards. In Table 4.3, it is dear that the existing amount of parkland and open space
falls well within the recommended National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)
standard, even when the 440 acre Old Settlers Park is excluded. Old Settlers Park is
excluded in order to evaluate only neighborhood and community parks in terms of the
national standard.
38
EXISTING LAND USE
The NRPA recommends a range of 6 to 10.5 acres of developed parkland for every
1000 residents.
Table 4.3 Paridand and Open Space of Developed Land, 1998
Parkland and Open Space in
Asper 1,000 Residents'
All Parks and Open Space
Neighborhood and Community Parks2
13.6
7.7
' Assumes a Planning Area population of 73,935.
2 Excludes Old Settlers Park at approximately 439 acres.
Generally, parkland and open space are evenly dispersed in areas where most of the
City's development activity has occurred. With a low population density, northwest
Round Rock has few parks and contains most of the City's vacant land. Further
analysis of parkland is included in Chapter 6, Community Facilities, and Chapter 8,
Parks and Open Space Plan.
The amount of vacant land exceeds single-family development in both the city limits
and the ETJ. In fact, the amount of vacant land use actually increases relative to the total
amount of land in 1998. The amount of vacant land within the Planning Area
registered 55.2 percent in 1990 (Table 4.2). In 1998, this figure reached 63 percent.
The increase can be explained through the annexation of undeveloped land and ETJ
acquisitions. If one compares the ratio between developed acres and the total amount
of land between 1990 and 1998, it appears that development in the current Planning
Area lags behind expansion by approximately seventeen percent
The substantial increase in vacant land is one reason it is important to periodically
revise the General Plan. Opportunities for future land use direction in these areas are
numerous. Chapter 5, Future Land Use, addresses these opportunities.
39
EXISTING LAND US!
4.5 Zoning Inventory and Analysis
An analysis of current land use and zoning can help the City ensure a balance between
the amount of land zoned for a particular land use category and the acreage that
currently supports the corresponding land use. At present, Round Rock is separated
into eleven zoning district classifications. The measurement of zoning acreage is not
an exact representation of land use for the following reasons:
• Institutional uses, such as schools, churches, or government facilities, may
be located in a variety of zoning districts. For example, the zoned acreage
calculated for a single-family/standard lot district may include a school site.
Parkland may also be found in several zoning districts.
• Land with development constraints, such as flood -prone areas or areas
with steep topography, is included in all zoning calculations.
• Technically, zoning extends to the centerline of all street rights-of-way.
However, the effective zoned acreage is necessarily less than the total area
within the city limits because rights-of-way cannot contain development.
• A Planned Unit Development (PUD) may include a variety of different
land uses. For example, a particular PUD may include local commercial,
single-family, and multi -family uses.
The following data apply only to areas zoned by the City. The City does not have
zoning jurisdiction over the entire Planning Area. Therefore, all land use figures in the
following analysis are calculated for the city limits only.
In Table 4.5, ten zoning classifications are defined. The eleventh classification, Open
Space, is excluded from the analysis since it covers primarily one property, Old Settlers
Park. Acreage figures are calculated for each defined classification. In addition, the
zoning categories are correlated with the corresponding land use categories except in
the case of PUDs. As stated previously, PUDs may include a variety of land uses.
40
EXISTING LAND USE
Table 4.4 1998 Land Use and Zoning Acreage'
Zoning Classification Land Use Land Petrent of Zoned Percentage
Categoi Use Land Acreage of Zoned
Acreage Use Acreage
Acreage
SF -1
Single-family, large lot
SF -2
Single-family, standard lot
TF
Two-family Residential
MF
Multi -family Residential
c-1
General Commercial
C-2
Local Commercial
C-3
Historic Commercial
1-1
General Industrial
1-2
Industrial Park
PUD2
Planned
Development
Unit
Twos roily
Multifamily
Com mesial
itt>irastrial
PUD2
539 3.6%
3,505 23.3%
6,103 40.9%
167 1.1% 463 3.1%
246 1.6% 486 3.3%
1,878 12.6%
39 0.3%
1,048 7.0%
26 0.2%
1,897 12.7%
672 4.5%
169 1.1%
3,327 22.2%
Totals
15,059 14,927 100.0%
' Land use inventory of city limits.
2 Not a land use category. The associated data represent several land use categories, such as single-family, commercial, etc.
Land use total includes acreage for institutional (541), parkland (931), ROW (2,418), agricultural (607) and vacant (4,924)
land uses.
Mirroring the land use figures, single-family zoning dominates all other zoning
classifications in Round Rock. Within the city limits, approximately 45 percent of all
41
EXISTING LAND USE
zoned land is either single-family/large lot or single family/standard lot. However, it is
estimated that only 23 percent of the City's existing developed acreage supports single-
family land use. The discrepancy between these figures may be explained by the fact
that most institutional uses, such as schools, churches, and parkland occur in
residentially zoned areas. When accounting for these areas, the amount of single-family
use increases to 33 percent, more representative of the 45 percent zoned. Despite the
relatively large amount of land zoned for single-family use, this figure represents a
nineteen percent decrease in the amount of land zoned single-family between 1990 and
1998.
The decrease in land zoned for residential development is more dramatic when
analyzing both two-family and multi -family acreage. Between 1990 and 1998, the
amount of land zoned for two-family use declined 48 percent. Multi -family acreage
decreased by 34 percent
When analyzing these figures, it is important to note that the Planning Area defined in
the General Plan 2000 is approximately seventeen percent larger than the Planning
Area defined in the 1990 General Plan. An apparent decrease of land zoned residential
over that ten-year period could simply be the result of a larger Planning Area. In order
to get a better idea of zoning changes, Table 4.5 examines the net gain of residential
zoned acreage between 1990 and 1998.
Table 4.5 Residential Zoning Changes 1990-1998
Total New acreage Acres gained Loss of acres Net Gain Parent
Acreage through from another to another Change in
1990 annexation c/arrifrcation classification Acreage
SF -1 & SF -2
Two-family
Multifamily
5,391 1,319 25 94 1,250 23%
478 1 19 35 -15
-3%
430 78 39 62 56 13%
Zoning acreage devoted to single-family use increased dramatically in relation to the
two-family and multi -family figures. When analyzing the total acreage for each zoning
classification, single-family zoning increased over 23 percent during the last ten years.
Two-family zoning decreased by three percent while multi -family zoning increased by
thirteen percent.
42
EXISTING LAND US!
The following table illustrates the percentage of zoned land that currently supports the
land use for which it is zoned.
Table 4.6 1998 Land Use / Zoning Comparison
Zoning &
Land Use Categories
Existing Land Use Existing ZoningAcreage Parentage of Zoned
Acreage' Land Utiked
SF -1 & SF -2
Single-family
TF
Two-family
MF
Multi -family
COM
Commercial & Retail
IND
Industrial
3,505 6,642 52.8%
167 463 36.1%
246 486 50.6%
1,048 1,943 53.9%
672 2,066 32.5%
' Land use calculations for city limits only.
The analysis displays that approximately half of the land within the city limits currently
supports a use for which it is zoned. The remaining 50 percent of land is primarily
vacant with the exception of nonconforming uses within various zones. Vacant land is
most prevalent in the single-family/standard lot (1,525 acres), general commercial (651
acres), and general industrial (1,173 acres) zoning districts.
4.6 Summary
Prior to determining what policies and standards Round Rock should consider to
accommodate projected growth, the City must determine a desired general land use
pattern for the next decade. The data and analysis included in this chapter can help
direct this pattern. In Chapter 5, Future Land Use, this information is coupled with
citizen input to create a broad -brush scenario to help guide future land use decisions.
Once a pattern is agreed upon and adopted, the City can determine what
modifications, if any, must be made to existing development regulations. Appropriate
development regulations should help Round Rock achieve the desired character and
land use pattern envisioned by the community.
43
U0pEa13011
FUTURE LAND USE
Guiding orderly and high qualify development through location criteria and development
standards
5.1 Introduction
The designation of future land uses in the General Plan 2000 provides the basic
tool for coordinated, orderly, and efficient development Planning the
location of future land uses is essential in anticipating the ultimate needs of a
community. Land use considerations are important when planning for future
school sites, parks, transportation corridors, fire and police protection, and a host of
other community -related needs. Using land use information, a community can
responsibly plan for future expenditures and maintain or improve its economic vitality.
This section of the General Plan 2000 recommends policies, actions, and criteria
anticipated to guide development and redevelopment within the community. With
these policies, the City of Round Rock can continue to serve as a community that
successfully integrates work, quality of life, and a strong family focus for generations to
come.
The Future Land Use chapter synthesizes the General Plan 2000's baseline analysis
with citizen input gathered during numerous public forums. The goals and objectives
of the Plan are translated into a graphic format using development criteria described
herein. The Future Land Use Map (Map 5.2) located at the end of the chapter
illustrates the planned location and general amount of residential, mixed use,
commercial, business park, industrial, parkland, open space and floodplain lands for
the Planning Area. As defined in Chapter 1, the Planning Area includes both the area
within the present city limits and Round Rock's extraterritorial jurisdiction (E 1j). It is
important to emphasize that the Future Land Use Map is generalized and should not
be construed as parcel specific.
As part of the General Plan 2000 planning process, a vision statement based on citizen
input was developed for the City. This vision statement serves as an overall directive
for the Future Land Use Plan.
44
FUTURE LAND USE
Round Rock is a diverse, historic, and family-oriented community with a
distinct identity as a desirable place to live, work, and play. Residents,
govemment, and business are committed to working together to build a
more viable community.
The Future Land Use Plan is based on the following elements:
• General Plan 2000 Assumptions
• Development Evaluation Criteria
• Plan Features
• Land Use and Population Analysis
• Compatibility Standards
• Location Criteria and Development Standards for Multi -Family Structures
• Future Land Use Map and Map Interpretation Policies
• Plan/Map Amendment Policies
5.2 General Plan 2000 Assumptions
The General Plan 2000 is based on the following assumptions:
1. Round Rock will maintain its position as a major center of economic activity in
Williamson County and the Austin metropolitan area.
2. Based on population estimates generated for the Round Rock Transportation
Master Plan, growth within the Planning Area will continue to increase at a
moderate pace (2.3 percent). A population of 120,361 is expected by the year
2020. At an average rate of 2.4 persons per household, this population increase
will yield approximately 18,910 new households in Round Rock's Planning Area by
the year 2020. At buildout (no estimated date), the population of the Planning
Area will reach 236,000. Buildout refers to the completed construction of all
45
FUTURE LAND US!
phases of development as allowed in all ordinances that regulate an area. The scale
of buildout can be from a single lot to the City's entire jurisdiction.
3. Planned industrial parks will be the preferred industrial development configuration.
4. The City will continue to facilitate Planned Unit Developments (PUD) to integrate
a variety of residential, commercial, and light industrial uses within a physically
compact area.
5. The existing character of the community will be maintained or improved. The
established land use pattern and natural amenities within the community provide
the foundation for the Future Land Use Plan.
6. Multi -family developments will be dispersed along major transportation corridors
in the City to minimize the traffic impacts on existing residential neighborhoods.
Multi -family developments will locate in areas having proper facilities and
locational characteristics.
7. Conflicts between land use activities will be minimized.
8. The Future Land Use Map is not parcel specific and provides an opportunity for
the City to remain flexible in dealing with matters of community design. With this
flexibility, creativity and diversity in land use planning will be encouraged.
5.3 Development Evaluation Criteria
The following is a summary of the general criteria used in formulating the Future Land
Use Plan. The same criteria will be used in the future when evaluating land that has
been annexed or rezoned.
1. The new or proposed uses should meet the goals and objectives established in the
General Plan 2000 or in other adopted studies.
2. The proposed uses should protect the integrity of adjacent residential
neighborhoods.
3. The proposed uses should support an established pattern or trend that is desirable.
4. The proposed uses should be served adequately by public facilities/amenities.
5.4 Plan Features
The Future Land Use Plan proposes the general distribution, general location, and
extent of land uses, where appropriate, for parkland, open spaces, and floodplain,
46
FUTURE LAND USE
residences, mixed use, commerce, business parks, industry, and mining. An additional
feature, the Palm Valley Area Plan, is included to address specific development
concerns for a unique corridor within the City.
The following table summarizes the land use acreage for both the 1990 General Plan
and the General Plan 2000. The percent change of acreage within each land use
category is also presented.
Table 5.1 Land Use Designation Acreage
Land Use
1990 Percent of General Percent of Percentage
General Total Plan 2000 Total of Change
Plan
Parks, Open Space
& Floodplain
Residential
Mixed'
Commercial
Business Park2
Industrial
Milling
2,512 6.9% 3,889 9.3% 54.8%
22,548 61.9% 27,238 64.8% 20.8%
0.0% 407 1.0% 100.0%
2,829 7.8 3,451 8.2% 22.0%
0.0% 1,473 3.5% 100.0%
5,796 15.9% 2,056 4.9% -64.5%
2,728 7.5% 3, 491 8.3% 28.0%
' This land use category did not exist in the 1990 General Plan.
2 This land use category did not exist in the 1990 General Plan.
PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND FLOODPLAIN
This land use designation applies to areas supporting recreational and open space uses.
It also includes designated floodplain areas. Selected city parks and recreational
facilities are shown on the Future Land Use Map (Map 5.2). A complete display of
existing city parks and recreational facilities is shown on Map 6.1 in Chapter 6,
Community Facilities.
Open space is defined as any parcel, tract of land, or water feature that is essentially
unimproved. This designation identifies areas that are scenic in nature or inappropriate
for the construction of buildings. Open space not identified as floodplain or water can
be improved with recreational trails and other open space amenities.
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FUTURE LAND USE
Floodplain refers to land adjoining a watercourse or drainway that is covered by a
specified amount of floodwater in a storm. The floodplain consists of the floodway
and the flood fringe. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sets the
standards for floodplain designation.
The Future Land Use Plan identifies over 3,800 acres of land as parkland, open space,
or floodplain. Within the Planning Area, there are approximately 1,000 acres of land
currently supporting this land use.
RESIDENTIAL
Residential land use primarily supports tracts with dwelling units. The land itself may
be improved or unimproved. The Future Land Use Plan has been designed to protect
and enhance existing single-family neighborhoods and to minimize potential land use
conflicts that may occur with future development
Development permitted in the residential land use category includes:
• Semi -rural single-family housing
• Single-family detached housing
• Two-family housing
• Multi -family housing
• Neighborhood commercial
Neighborhood commercial development is designed to address the commercial needs
of the local population. This usually includes businesses such as daycare facilities and
convenience stores. Within the Future Land Use Plan, neighborhood commercial is
generally located at the intersection of a collector street and an arterial roadway.
Collector streets provide circulation within and between neighborhoods.
Neighborhood commercial is also permitted at the intersection of two arterial
roadways. Arterial roadways are of regional importance and usually serve as the main
roads into the community.
In order to minimize potential land use conflicts between higher intensity land uses and
single-family residential neighborhoods, compatibility standards are induded in the
General Plan 2000. Section 5.6 of this chapter lists and describes the standards.
The Future Land Use Plan designates approximately 27,000 acres of land for
residential development. Within the Planning Area, there are currently 8,469 acres of
land supporting this land use.
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FUTURE LAND US!
MIXED LAND USE
The mixed land use category includes properties on which various uses, such as office,
commercial, business park, industrial, institutional, and residential, are combined in a
single building or on a single site. Mixed land use areas are generally zoned as Planned
Unit Developments (PUD). This type of development offers benefits in energy use
and reduces costs associated with the construction and provision of infrastructure.
Designating a mixed land use category is one method of accommodating the projected
increase in population and commerce in Round Rock, while maintaining high quality
development projects.
A mixed land use site should be an integrated and functional development project with
a coherent physical design. A "single site" may include contiguous properties.
This land use designation is intended to encourage residential development in
conjunction with commercial development or redevelopment. Redevelopment refers
to the construction of new development on previously developed parcels. Higher
densities may be appropriate for locations that are well separated from single-family
neighborhoods and located at the junction of arterial roadways.
The Future Land Use Plan identifies over 400 acres of land as suitable for mixed use
development. One identified area is already moving toward this type of development
The La Frontera mixed use development plan includes over 6,000,000 square feet of
nonresidential space and 900 multi -family dwelling units. Comprehensive
development on this scale not only meets the needs of the existing population, but also
addresses the demands of the larger regional market.
PALM VALLEY AREA PLAN
The Future Land Use Plan supports further study of the Palm Valley Boulevard
corridor through the development of an area plan. This planning corridor generally
encompasses the area north and south of East Palm Valley Boulevard from the
abandoned Missouri -Kansas (MOKAN) railroad right-of-way to County Road 122.
The area includes the future site of the convention center/stadium complex, Old
Settlers Park, Brushy Creek, the historic site of Kenney Fort, the Palm Valley Lutheran
Church and cemetery, historic homes such as the Israel-Telander homestead, several
large lot single-family homes, and large tracts of vacant and agricultural land. The
Future Land Use Map (Map 5.2) delineates the boundaries of the Palm Valley Area
Plan.
With unique physical, historic, cultural, and economic factors affecting the area, special
development considerations are needed along East Palm Valley Boulevard. The
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FUTURE LAND USE
development of an area plan is the first step in determining an appropriate mix of
future land uses and serves as a foundation for the development of regulations specific
to this corridor.
The Palm Valley Area Plan is divided into nine sub -areas for more detailed analysis
(Map 5.1). Each sub -area consists of existing contiguous parcels grouped by common
physical characteristics, likely development patterns, or special uses.
Map 5.1 Sub -Areas of the Palm Valley Area Plan
A
LEGEND
QPlanning Sub -Areas
Parcels
— Proposed Arterial Roadwa
Z.; Palm Valley Area Plan
OFuture site of Convention
Center/Stadium Complex
An inventory of the planning sub -areas includes locational characteristics and special
considerations that may affect future development. Using this information, possible
future land uses and corresponding design recommendations are identified for each
sub -area.
50
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FUTURE LAND USE
In order to incorporate the recommendations from the sub -area inventory and the
future findings of the Palm Valley Area Plan, a special zoning district may be required
to guide development within this region.
Special districts are established within a zoning ordinance to accommodate a narrow or
distinct set of land uses or to address specific purposes. The term can signify any
district beyond the conventional residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural
districts. Cities throughout the country utilize special districts, also known as overlay or
combining districts, to encourage appropriate development in a specified area or to
require additional protection of a particular resource area.
There are currently two special districts in Round Rock: the Historic Overlay District
and the Planned Unit Development (PUD) District The City adopted the Historic
Overlay District in 1979 to protect the City's historic resources. This special district
includes two classifications, the historic district and the historic landmark. The
development of property in either category is governed by regulations specific to the
Historic Overlay District and by general zoning regulations. For example, a property
with both historic overlay and general commercial zoning may be permitted to operate
general commercial uses; however, the property is further regulated by zoning
provisions pertaining to historic preservation.
The Planned Unit Development (PUD) District was the second special district
adopted by the City. The PUD District was established in 1990 to encourage mixed
uses, allow a more flexible response to the market, encourage innovative subdivision or
site plan design, and to promote superior development that is compatible with adjacent
land uses. One of the principle features in PUD zoning is the ability to restrict or
prohibit land uses. Currently over twenty percent of the City is zoned PUD. This is
largely due to the fact that the PUD designation makes it possible to design a zoning
district that will be compatible with surrounding development by limiting the types of
uses that are permitted.
With a large amount of land within the Palm Valley area currently vacant, the City has
an exciting opportunity to create a unified "gateway" into the community that supports
the goals and objectives of the General Plan 2000. The creation of a Palm Valley
Overlay District (PVOD) will ensure that development in this corridor reflects the
area's historical significance, provides family recreational activities, and emphasizes the
area's unique character.
The PVOD will require additional development standards, such as roadway setbacks,
increased landscaping, and architectural and signage standards, to adequately direct
development within the region. The PVOD may also limit the land uses permitted
within the Palm Valley Area Plan.
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FUTURE LAND US!
COMMERCIAL
Commercial land use consists of development that establishes or preserves enterprises
involved in the buying and selling of commodities and services. Permitted
development in this land use category includes the following
• General Commercial
• Neighborhood Commercial
• Historic Commercial
General commercial development requires that all commercial activities occur within
an enclosed structure. Some examples of general commercial development include
grocery stores, restaurants, and retail establishments. As stated previously,
neighborhood commercial development is restricted to serving the general needs of
the local population. This typically includes businesses such as daycare facilities and
convenience stores. Historic commercial development excludes various automotive
uses and encourages the development of businesses such as law offices and travel
agencies.
In an effort to provide adequate commercial sites with the best locational
characteristics while simultaneously protecting the primary transportation function of
arterial roadways, commercial development will be directed toward the intersections of
major roadways. Nodes of commercial development, (i.e. areas of commercial
activity), may occur at the intersection of two arterial roadways or along the following
Interstate 35, Mays Street, Ranch -to -Market (RM) 620, Highway 79, and future State
Highway 45. Arterial roadways carry both local traffic traveling from small areas to
highways as well as regional traffic.
Examples of large-scale commercial developments that take advantage of major
transportation routes include:
• La Frontera at the comer of Farm -to -Market (FM) 1325 (future State Highway 45)
and Interstate 35.
• Round Rock Hospital expansion and supporting uses along RM 620.
While these developments do not necessarily fall within the commercial categories
above, they do represent change in Round Rock's commercial market. Typically, large-
scale commercial developments provide a variety and depth of goods and services not
available in neighborhood or general commercial shopping areas. The development of
these large-scale projects suggests that commercial businesses within Round Rock are
53
FUTURE LAND USE
serving not only the local population, but also drawing consumers from an area that
extends well beyond the City's Planning Area.
The Future Land Use Plan identifies over 3,400 acres of land as suitable for
commercial development Within the Planning Area, there are approximately 1,170
acres of land currently supporting this land use.
BUSINESS PARK
The business park land use classification is intended to accommodate, in a park -like
setting, a limited group of modem light industrial, research and development, and
administrative facilities subject to development standards. Business park developments
shall be located on lands that have an acceptable relationship to the Round Rock
Transportation Master Plan and other applicable plans.
Some business park developments may be located near residential neighborhoods;
therefore, it is necessary that all activities including light manufacturing and the
assembly of materials be carried out in a wholly enclosed building. All related activities
shall be carried out in a manner that is not injurious or offensive to the occupants of
surrounding properties.
Within land designated as suitable for business park development, limited commercial
support facilities may be permitted. Examples of support facilities include personal
services such as daycare centers and health clubs. Other support facilities may include
branch banks and restaurants.
The Future Land Use Plan identifies over 1,400 acres of land as suitable for business
park development.
INDUSTRIAL
Land designated for industrial use accommodates the manufacture, production, and
processing of consumer goods. Examples of uses permitted in this category include
warehouses, mini -warehouses, food processing, and assembly operations. The Future
Land Use Plan directs the majority of industrial land use along the northern Interstate
35 corridor.
The Future Land Use Plan identifies over 2,000 acres of land as suitable for industrial
development. This represents an approximate 65 percent decrease from the amount
of land designated for industrial development in the 1990 General Plan (estimated at
5,796 acres). Several factors influence this adjustment in the Future Land Use Plan. In
the late 1980's/early 1990's, Round Rock aggressively pursued industrial development
as a means to improve the economic vitality of the community. The goals of the
General Plan 2000 now call for a diversification of the economic base. With only 783
acres of land currently supporting industrial enterprises, the Plan has adjusted the
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amount of land designated for industrial land uses to 2,000 acres. However, the
business park land use designation also allows for some types of limited industrial uses.
MINING
This land use category applies to all activities that involve land excavation for extracting
minerals and similar substances.
Approximately 3,500 acres of land has been designated for mining activities. All of this
land is located in northwest Round Rock along Interstate 35. The amount of mining
acreage identified in the Future Land Use Plan represents no change from the existing
level because of the long-term mining activities of Texas Crushed Stone, Co.
5.5 Land Use and Population Analysis
Based on the population projections from the Round Rock Transportation Master
Plan (Table 5.3), a comparison of land use consumption figures from 1998 to buildout
is presented in Table 5.4. This type of analysis is important because it reflects changes
in the market absorption of various land uses.
Table 5.3 Growth Projections:
Round Rock Planning Area
1998 2017 Ultimate
Buildout
Population
Employment
73,935 114,300 236,000
29,859 45,800 129,700
Source City of Round Rock Transportation Master Plan, 1998.
In essence, a certain number of people need or "consume" a certain number of acres
for residential and nonresidential use. This comparison is usually illustrated by
calculating the acres used per 100 persons.
In addition to showing the acreage for each land use category, Table 5.4 calculates the
ratio of this acreage per 100 persons. An increase in the acres per person in a particular
category indicates that more acres are used or needed relative to the current percentage.
A decrease equates to fewer acres being consumed relative to the current percentage.
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FUTURE LAND USE
Table 5.4 Land Use Related to Round Rock Population
Land Use
1998 Existing Acres Per 100 Ultimate Buildout Acres Per 100
Acres Persons' Future Acres Persons'
Parkland, Open
Space &
Floodplain
Residential
Commercial
Retail'
Mixed
Institutional'
Business Park
Industrial
Mining
1,008 1.4 3,889 1.6
8,469 11.5 27,238 11.5
887 1.2 2,618 1.1
282 0.4 833 0.4
- 407 0.2
762 1.0 -
783
3,491
1.1
4.7
1,473 0.6
2,056 0.9
3,491 1.5
' Estimated population of 73,935
z Estimated population of 236,000.
3 Assumes a Floor -to -Area ratio of .25 and seventeen employees per acre of retail land use. Developed by Dunkin, Sefko
& Associates Inc, for the Round Rock Transportation Master Plan. These data are based on 1997 third quarter Texas
Workforce Commission employment figures.
+ Includes government, school, church & cemetery, and institutional land uses.
Currently, the acreage consumed of retail land use equals approximately 0.4 acres per
100 persons. This ratio is slightly lower than the figure representative of most retail
markets (0.5) and represents a slight imbalance between the existing population and the
amount of retail land use within the City to serve this population. In other words, the
population of the City could support more retail land use than what is currently
estimated. However, when the La Frontera commercial center is developed, with
approximately 1,000,000 square feet of retail space, the ratio of retail land use to
population will increase to 0.5 acres per 100 persons.
This growth trend in retail activity is assumed to continue. At present retail activity is
not tracked separately from overall commercial development so it is difficult to project
future retail growth. This reflects the classification within the existing zoning
ordinance which combines retail and general commercial into one district. As such,
there is no separation of retail from general commercial activity in the Future Land Use
Plan. Periodic tracking of retail development in the future will help the City maintain a
balance between retail activity and the needs of its population.
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FUTURE LAND USE
While an increase or decrease in a land use category generally shows a change in
intensity, it can also represent a change in the character of the market. For example,
the amount of industrial acreage currently consumed is about 1.1 acres per 100
persons. Based on the acres allocated in the Future Land Use Plan, the ratio decreases
to 0.9 acres per 100 persons. Hence, fewer acres have been added relative to the
population. Based on the existing land use and zoning analysis contained in Chapter 4,
Existing Land Use, a reduction of industrial acreage is supported. In addition, with the
designation of the business park category, Round Rock is encouraging future industrial
development to locate in lower intensity planned industrial parks.
5.6 Compatibility Standards
As Round Rock continues to grow, the demand for developable land will increase. As
vacant parcels become developed, it is important to minimize land use conflicts. In
response to the adopted goals and objectives for the community, the Future Land Use
Plan addresses land use compatibility issues affecting existing residential
neighborhoods.
Compatibility standards have been developed for land uses with a greater intensity than
single-family development The purpose of these standards is to protect sing e -family
homes adjacent to nonresidential development from excessive noise, illumination,
odors, visual duffer, traffic, and other objectionable influences to family living. Some
of the standards presented below, such as additional building setbacks and height
restrictions, have been incorporated into PUD zoning ordinances. An amendment to
the zoning ordinance is recommended to include these types of compatibility
standards.
The amending language will apply compatibility standards not only to PUDs, but also
to all types of non-residential development, induding churches, institutional uses, and
multi -family developments in proximity to single-family neighborhoods. These
standards will be applied to properties within 300 feet of a single-family residence.
COMPATIBILITY STANDARDS
1. Screening: Visual screening will be required along every property line which
abuts lower intensity land uses except in the case where industrial land uses abut
commercial properties. Screens must reach a minimum height of six feet. All
required screening walls should be equally finished on both sides of the wall. All
open storage shall be screened from public view. Mechanical equipment, including
roof -mounted units, shall be screened from street view.
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FUTURE LAND US!
2. Recreational Facilities: No intensive outdoor recreational uses (e.g., swimming
pools, tennis courts, playgrounds) shall be located in close proximity to single-
family property.
3. Setbacks and Height Setbacks and building heights shall be specified to prevent
the construction of structures significantly taller than single-family residences. This
requirement is designed to maintain privacy and sustain the outdoor enjoyment
typically provided in single-family neighborhoods.
4. Lighting: All exterior lighting shall be hooded or shielded in such a way that the
light source is not directly visible from single-family properties.
5. Refuse: Dumpsters shall be enclosed on three sides with six-foot walls
constructed of the same materials and finishes as the buildings. Dumpsters shall
not be located in close proximity to single-family property and shall be depicted on
the site plan.
6. Access and Driveways: All driveways shall be sited as to minimize adverse
impacts on adjacent single-family properties.
5.7 Location Criteria and Development Standards
for Multi -Family Structures
Many of the recent concems regarding multi -family development have been related to
design issues and development impacts on single-family homes. In response to the
adopted goals and objectives listed in Chapter 2, the Future Land Use Plan sets forth
measures to protect existing single-family neighborhoods. Location criteria have been
developed to minimize land use conflicts between multi -family developments and
adjacent single-family neighborhoods. Within areas designated for residential land use,
one or more of the following criteria will determine appropriate locations for multi-
family development.
LOCATION CRITERIA FOR MULTI -FAMILY DEVELOPMENT
1. The tract abuts any of the following roadways: FM 1431 /Chandler Road,
Interstate 35, US 79, RM 620, FM 1325/Louis Henna Blvd (future State Highway
45). Multi -family developments along these roadways will be authorized by PUD
zoning only.
2. The tract must be located at or adjacent to general commercial nodes (i.e. areas of
commercial activity). General commercial nodes may be located at the intersection
of two arterial roadways. Multi -family developments at these nodes must be
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FUTURE LAND USE
authorized by either original multi -family district zoning or PUD. Permitting
multi -family complexes at the intersection of two arterial roadways represents a
new opportunity for multi -family development within the City.
3. The tract is located within the Downtown Reinvestment Zone as shown on the
Future Land Use Map (Map 5.2). Only medium density projects will be permitted
within this area. PUD zoning will be required. In general, PUDs may include a
variety of land uses and can encourage infill development. Infill development
refers to "filling in" vacant parcels of land in existing developed areas.
4. Multi -family developments may occur as an element of the mixed land use
category only when substantiated by PUD zoning and a unified plan.
5. The tract has existing multi -family zoning. Recently annexed tracts will be suitable
for multi -family development if either multi -family or PUD original zoning is
approved by the City Council.
Oftentimes, the location of a multi -family development impacts surrounding
properties. In addition, the design of a multi -family development may also enhance or
detract from the appearance of an area. In response to the citizen input gathered for
the General Plan 2000, the following development standards will apply to all new
multi -family construction:
D EVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR MULTI -FAMILY
D EVELOPMENT
1. Transportation: Minimize points of access to the multi -family complex.
2. Landscape Buffers: Increase the amount of landscaped buffers adjacent to
single-family developments.
3. Recreational Facilities: Adequate recreational and open space facilities should
be required as part of a major multi -family development. Recreation areas shall be
screened from public view and designed to minimize the impact on adjacent
single-family units.
4. Parking: Parking in the street yard will be limited for visitor use only. Limit
"tandem" type parking. Tandem parking refers to an arrangement of parking
spaces such that one space must be driven across in order to access another space
or spaces.
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FUTURE LAND US!
5. Setback Increase minimum setback from sing e -family neighborhoods and
roadways where grade or terrain characteristics influence adjacent views and
privacy.
6. Materials & Design: Decrease the amount of exterior wood and replace with
high-quality, long-lasting exterior materials (e.g., stone, brick, stucco, high
definition 25 -year shingles, etc.).
The development standards presented in this section address the physical design
features that will maximize compatibility between neighboring land uses and enhance
the character of multi -family developments and the community.
By means of the compatibility standards proposed in Section 5.6 and the subsequent
multi -family development standards, the City of Round Rock is working toward
creating a community where different land uses blend together harmoniously. Smooth
transitioning between different land uses is emphasized.
5.8 Future Land Use Map and Interpretation
Policies
The Future Land Use Map is adopted as part of the General Plan 2000. It designates
the proposed general distribution, general location, and extent of the uses of land,
where appropriate, for parkland, open spaces and floodplain, residences, mixed use
commerce, business parks, industry, and mining. The Future Land Use Map at the end
of this chapter is a generalized representation of the official Future Land Use Map.
The following policies are recommended to ensure development in accordance with
the Future Land Use Plan to the greatest extent possible:
1. The Future Land Use Map depicts planned land uses for the community. The
map establishes the general pattern of future land use as appropriate to achieve the
community's goals and objectives. The City should implement a gradual but
sustained effort to rezone areas not in compliance with the Future Land Use Map.
2. The Future Land Use Map provides the general description of land use categories
while the text in this chapter provides explanation of essential components of the
Future Land Use Plan. The City should consider revising the existing zoning
ordinance district categories to coincide with the land use categories portrayed on
the Future Land Use Map.
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FUTURE LAND US!
3. The official copy of the Future Land Use Map is plotted at a scale of 1"=1600' and
is available for review at the Planning and Community Development Department
in City Hall, 221 East Main Street The boundaries of land use categories
represented on the official map should be used to determine the appropriate land
use category.
4. In accordance with Section 219.005 of the Texas Local Government Code, the
Future Land Use Map shall contain the following dearly visible statement "A
comprehensive plan shall not constitute zoning regulations or establish zoning
district boundaries."
5.9 PIan/Map Amendment Policies
The Future Land Use Map is not the City's official zoning map. It is a guide for
decisions concerning future land use patterns. The Future Land Use Plan is primarily
implemented through the zoning and subdivision ordinances or through other
approved means which fulfill policy objectives, such as programs that establish capital
improvement priorities, area studies, and neighborhood plans. The zoning ordinance
text and map determine where specific development requirements apply to a particular
property.
The Future Land Use Plan is intended to provide an overall framework for guiding the
actions of the different entities responsible for determining Round Rock's future. The
Future Land Use Plan should be used on a regular basis in order for the City to relli7e
the full benefits of coordinated development over a long period of time. The Future
Land Use Plan is a guide for community development, which is ever broadening and
changing in scope. Therefore, planning for the community is a continuing process.
The following policy is recommended to ensure the integrity of the Future Land Use
Plan:
• Rezoning or other development approvals for land uses not consistent with the
Future Land Use Plan should not be approved until the General Plan 2000 has
been amended as necessary to provide for such land uses.
Because community planning is an ever-changing process, the General Plan 2000
includes an amending process. Amendments may be made to the Plan by the City
Council through its own motion or through a proper application or petition submitted
by any person, firm, or corporation. Of the few amendments approved since 1990, all
have been substantiated by a comprehensive study.
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FUTURE LAND US!
5.10 Summary
Ultimately, planning the location of future land uses leads to coordinated, orderly, and
efficient development that accurately reflects the vision of the community and meets
community needs. In addition to connectivity between uses, future land uses should
consider compatibility, flexibility, and adherence to strict development standards.
The first of these, compatibility, ensures that high intensity uses, such as large
apartment complexes or employment centers, are compatible with low intensity uses,
such as single-family housing. The community recognizes that a careful balance of
each is necessary to provide a variety of housing types and employers, respectively, but
that uses must be carefully designed to complement, not detract from or denigrate,
adjacent uses.
The second theme, flexibility, is necessary to provide new opportunities for
development. Currently, land uses are largely segregated. The newly proposed
business park and mixed use designations are attempts to combine traditionally
segregated uses and create a superior development solution for both employers and
residents.
Lastly, strict development standards are a means to protect an area's unique natural and
historic heritage, such as the resources within the Palm Valley corridor. Area plans
help protect those resources and maintain their integrity in the face of rapid
development.
Taken as a whole these initiatives are expected to result in a balanced and well
integrated mix of residential, mixed use, commercial, business park, industrial, parkland
and open space lands that effectively meet community needs and desires.
62
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COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Providing residents with facilities and programs to serve community needs
6.1 Introduction
Community facilities are a major component of Round Rock's physical,
social, and economic fabric. Facilities help define the identity of the City
and contribute to the City's social and economic prosperity.
Facilities most often involve major investments of time and money. As such, new
facilities must be prioritized. These priorities offer some indication of who we are
and what we value as a community. Many of the current concerns were identified
through the citizen workshops described in Chapter 1 and later refined by the City
Council into the goals and objectives contained in Chapter 2. General Plan 2000
goals and objectives are the driving force behind changes to community facilities
and will provide the basis for future policies.
Facilities discussed in this chapter include fire, police, library, parks, the
convention center/stadium complex, and schools. Facilities serve purposes
covering a spectrum that ranges from health and safety to general well being.
Significant population growth necessitates periodic updates to facilities plans. The
first step in the General Plan 2000 update process was an assessment of current
and future community needs given expected demographic trends, including
population growth and land use assumptions. These are described in Chapters 3
and 4, respectively. City, State, and national standards provide the means to assess
whether current efforts adequately meet the needs of the community and to help
guide future facility plans. Using population forecasts and land use assumptions,
affected City departments forecasted department needs through 2020. Each of
the general forecasts will guide future, more detailed, agency plans, which
departments update on a regular basis.
Through facility plans, the City hopes to meet both the needs of the community
and the needs of City employees. Both are critical given Round Rock's explosive
growth. Round Rock is the largest city in Williamson County, which is one of the
fastest growing counties in the nation. Population growth and an expanded
geographic area represent two of the biggest challenges to community agencies.
Facilities, staffing, and equipment must all be planned well in advance to avoid
gaps in services. Along with new construction, adequate attention must be given
to expansion, maintenance, and modernization.
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COMMUNITY FACILITIES
6.2 Fire Services
Department Considerations
The adequacy of fire services is measured primarily by response time to a fire.
The Round Rock Fire Department uses four minutes as the lower control limit
and six minutes as the upper control limit for station response times for both
residential and commercial emergencies. The Department tracks station response
times and annotates reasons for delays. Customer surveys are sent to each fifth
caller. Response times determine State Insurance Services Office (ISO) ratings,
which, in tum, determine the cost of fire insurance. The ISO calculates ratings
every ten years and assigns a rating from one to ten, with one being the best.
Round Rock currently has a four rating. In order to minimize response times, the
City is divided into four fire service districts. Fire service district boundaries
generally use a 11/2 -mile radius from each proposed fire station to meet response
time criteria. The general response rule is modified by the physical characteristics
of each district. Modifying characteristics include highways, railways, arterial
roadways, and creeks. Interstate 35, the Union Pacific Railroad, and the
Georgetown Railroad form substantial barriers to fire responses. Round Rock
also has several natural barriers to fire responses which dictate fire district
boundaries including Brushy Creek, with three all-weather crossings, and Lake
Creek, with four major crossings.
The City will soon begin construction on a fifth fire station at 400 Deepwood
Drive, adjacent to the City recycling center, to serve western Round Rock. Table
6.1 lists City fire stations. Williamson County ambulances are housed in three of
the four current fire stations. Although Williamson County provides ambulatory
services, the City Fire Department retains responsibility as the first response for
medical emergencies. The Fire Department is also contracted to serve the Vista
Oaks and Chandler Creek Municipal Utility Districts.
The Department is organized into four divisions, including suppression,
prevention, emergency management, and training. A fire and 911 dispatch facility
is housed in the Police Department.
To measure its cost-effectiveness, the Fire Department uses cost per capita. Staff
and compensation account for most of the budget. The Department operates on
a two-year budget and five-year funding cycle. Facilities are funded through bond
elections while staff salaries are funded through operations and maintenance
moneys. The Department also manages a replacement program for fire apparatus.
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COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Table 6.1 Fire Facilities inventory
Name
Location
Service District
Central Station
Station No. 2
Station No. 3
Station No. 4
Station No. 5
203 Commerce Boulevard
300 Blair Street
1992 Rawhide Drive
3300 Gattis School Road
400 Deepwood Drive
North
Central
Southwest
Southeast
West Central
Source: City of Round Rock Fire Department
Future Needs
The physical expansion of Round Rock is the determining factor in planning fire
facilities or allocating districts. The continued growth of Round Rock will necessitate
fire stations in areas presently outside the city limits. The City expects an ultimate total
of eight fire stations. In addition to new stations, the City is considering the
construction of a multi -story training facility for use by Emergency Medical Services
(EMS), the Fire Department, and the Police Department. Public safety agencies would
use the facility for both classroom and hands on training. Through these initiatives, the
Fire Department hopes to meet the service challenges associated with a rapidly
growing city and provide cost-effective service for residents.
6.3 Police Services
Department Considerations
The Round Rock Police Department has a wide range of public safety concerns
reflecting the City's unique character and location. Round Rock is a rapidly growing
and largely urbanized city within the larger Austin metropolitan area and is bisected by
Interstate 35, a heavily traveled interstate and international corridor. Each of these
characteristics represents oftentimes divergent issues for the Police Department and
must be considered for adequate police services for City residents and businesses.
The General Plan 2000 goals cite the maintenance of a safe environment for all citizens
and a reduction in criminal activity. These form the basis for Department goals. The
Department uses car patrols, bicycle patrols, and citizen partnerships to ensure safety
throughout the City. Overall, the central component of police protection is a highly
visible police presence. Each police officer is responsible for specific geographic areas
in the City. Response time, therefore, is related to the patrol area rather than the
location of the police station and is dependent on call priority.
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COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Facilities Inventor-
The Police Department is currently served by a central station at 615 East Palm
Valley Boulevard. The facility has 20,000 square feet with the potential for
expansion over the next ten years to approximately 30,000 square feet.
Future Needs
The Department uses both population and population density to assess
community and Department needs. Table 6.2 provides a summary of future
personnel and space requirements.
Table 6.2 Projected Police Needs
Year
City Officers Civilians
Population' (1.78/1,000 (0.5/officer,
residents) with phase-in)
Total
Projected
Personnel
Total Projected
Space
Requirements
(125 sq. ft./person)
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
53,286
63,951
74,615
85,280
95,945
95
114
133
152
171
382
57
67
76
86
133
171
200
228
257
16,625
21,375
25,000
28,500
32,125
Source City of Round Rock Police Department
1Population figures represent linear projections. See Chapter 3 for details.
2The number of civilians listed for 2000 are part of a phase-in period and do not yet
reflect 0.5 civilians per officer.
To adequately serve community needs, the Department has identified a number of
priorities. One of the most important is adequate facilities. As the Department
grows, it requires additional space for both administration and training. The
Police Department anticipates the renovation of the adjacent Parks and Recreation
Department offices and their conversion into police offices and possibly locker
rooms. The Police Department is also considering the purchase of a neighboring
parcel of land for further expansion around 2010. Appropriate facilities should
include space for additional holding cells, evidence storage, and processing.
Through 2020, the Department may develop a few small satellite offices out of
fire stations for routine duties but does not anticipate the construction of large
substations.
Training needs include the construction of a firearms range and a driving track.
As a cost-effective means to meet facilities requirements and encourage
interdepartmental coordination, the Police Department hopes to develop these as
joint -use facilities. Planning and organization for training facilities is expected to
begin in fiscal year 2000.
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COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Maintenance is a significant issue for the Department. The Department has a fleet
of 150 vehicles and may want to hire staff to service vehicles at a dedicated
maintenance facility. Another option is to contract vehicle maintenance to a
private firm.
Procedurally, the Department anticipates an assessment of administrative police duties
to determine if civilian personnel can assume some of them. The Police Department
will also continue to coordinate with abutting jurisdictions to determine who will patrol
specific areas. Lastly, the Department anticipates enhanced partnerships between the
police and residents as a means to enhance the City's quality of life.
Overall, the Police Department is committed to working with the community to
provide personalized service that strengthens the relationship between police and
citizens. Initiatives are designed to enhance police service in the face of rapid
population growth and City expansion.
6.4 Library Services
Department Considerations
Originally organized in 1962, the Round Rock Public Library serves the
educational and research needs of the local community. Materials focus on the
tastes and needs of the average citizen. Library collections do not attempt to
duplicate nearby school or university collections or cover materials of extremely
narrow interest. The library coordinates some of its programs with the State
Library and is part of the Central Texas Library System.
Library staff coordinates and supports a wide variety of programs. Services are
provided for all age groups ranging from daycare site visits, children's story times, and
parenting instruction, to adult literacy and internet usage. Recent program
enhancements include the addition of a computer and a CD-ROM for the library
genealogy collection. The City Council has also been supportive of increased moneys
for library materials over the past two years. Summer is an especially active time for
the library. The library offers one major program each week throughout the summer
for children, teens, and families. Approximately 2,000 children enroll each year in an
eight week summer reading program. To provide better internet training and access,
the number of internet terminals will soon double from three to six, and by 2000 to
eighteen. To manage computer resources, the library will add a computer systems
administrator in late 1999. The administrator will maintain library computer resources,
train staff, assist the public, and keep equipment and software current and in good
repair.
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COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Facilities Inventory
The current two-story facility has 11,000 square feet and houses 89,000 items, in
both print and multimedia format. It was built in 1980 and renovated in 1988.
The current library expansion is scheduled for completion in September 1999.
Initially, all library functions will transfer to the expanded area. The old facility
will then be remodeled and subsequently joined with the new facility. The
expanded facility will have approximately 41,000 square feet of floor space, nearly
quadrupling the current space, and will ultimately house 150,000 items. The
expanded facility will also add private and group study rooms, large meeting
rooms, and a Children's Computer Learning Center. The Children's Computer
Learning Center is a new feature designed to meet the information needs of our
children. While children have used the internet stations in the library, the new
area will include educational software on CD-ROM and filtered internet access.
The expanded facility will also house the relocated Round Rock Volunteer Center.
The Volunteer Coordinator places human service volunteers throughout the entire
City. A self-help research center of the Micro Enterprise Incubator, a Community
Development program, will be located in the library to assist those starting small
businesses. The Adult Learning Center, sponsored by the Literacy Council of
Williamson County, will also be housed in the library.
Future Needs
The current libraty expansion is expected to effectively serve the physical plant needs of
Round Rock until nearly 2010. To gauge space requirements, the American Library
Association (ALA) has established a standard of 0.6 square feet of libraty space per capita.
Using current population projections, library staff determined the following needs:
Table 6.3 Projected Library Needs
Year
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
Population' Staffing Number of Items Required Area
(2 items per resident) (0.6 square feet
per resident)
53,286 31 106,572 31,972
63,951 34 127,902 38,371
74,615 37 149,230 44,769
(47 with branch)
85,280 42 170,560 51,168
(53 with branch)
95,945 48 191,890 57,567
(60 with branch)
Source: City of Round Rock Public Library
' Population figures denote linear projections. See Chapter 3 for details.
By 2010, the library building will need augmentation to adequately serve the needs of
the community. Expansion of library facilities is guided both by the number and the
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COMMUNITY FACILITIES
location of residents. As the City expands and residents become more geographically
dispersed, adequate access for each area may no longer be possible using one central
facility. Branch facilities are therefore anticipated. One ALA measurement states that
a library facility should be located within a ten minute drive from a home. As Round
Rock continues to grow northeast and southeast, ideal branch locations would be in
the northeast quadrant of the City, followed by the southeast. The library branch
could be part of other remote City facilities, such as a recreation building or senior
citizen's center.
In addition to adequate facilities, adequate staffing is critical to meet evolving
community needs. Overall, expanded facilities require additional staff supervision.
The library staff would also like to add programs to fill existing program gaps. As
the community becomes more diverse, the library foresees broadening its role
from providing programs for preschool through middle school aged children to
expanding programs for teenagers, the elderly, and younger toddlers. To address
the needs of teens and seniors, a Special Services Librarian is proposed.
Populations such as entrepreneurs and businesses will also be targeted for
specialised services.
Each library initiative is designed to provide community building services. It is
expected that current residents will take full advantage of additional library offerings
and new facilities. While new facilities and offerings may meet the latent demand for
services, population is expected to rise unabated, creating an even greater demand for
library services. Such factors, therefore, indicate that increased staff levels and future
expansions will be necessary.
6.5 Parks & Recreation
Department Considerations
Parkland and open space are essential elements in the urban environment. Parks
provide public space suitable for competition, play, or relaxation. Parks also
provide a retreat from an oftentimes congested environment. The park system
provides the public with a range of park types and facilities designed to serve the
varied needs of City residents, young and old alike.
The foundation of the current parks system can be traced to 1982. In 1982, the
City Council adopted a Parks Development Guide. The 1982 Guide, revised in
1996, addressed goals and accomplishments, inventoried land and facilities, and
designated an overall policy for parks and recreational development. Since the
development of the first Guide, the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD)
has created numerous parks within the City including the 439 acre Old Settlers
Park at Palm Valley. At present PARD is developing a Parks and Open Space
Plan as an update to the Parks Development Guide. The Plan will use the goals
and objectives of the General Plan 2000 and citizen input to assess current
69
COMMUNITY FACILITIES
facilities and develop plans to meet future community needs. It will serve as a
master plan for the City's parks system and, upon completion, the City will
incorporate it into the General Plan 2000.
Historically, residents have used City parks for outdoor recreation. Outdoor
recreation takes into account a variety of uses, both active and passive. Facilities
are also used year round for PARD sponsored activities, both indoor and outdoor.
These include recreational instruction classes, aquatics, youth athletics, adult
athletics, special events, and senior programs. For Fiscal Year 1996 (FY 96), the
period October 1, 1995, through September 30, 1996, there were approximately
74,000 participants in PARD sponsored activities. For FY 97, the number rose to
89,000, a twenty percent increase. At the same time, the number of residents rose
by only six percent. As PARD constructs new facilities and acquires additional
properties, and as the City's population grows, PARD expects similar annual
increases in participation.
Facilities In`ntory
NEIGHBORH000 PARKS
Neighborhood parks are the basic element in the City park system. They provide
recreation facilities within walking distance of most residents. In addition, a
number of small private parks with various amenities are operated by homeowner
associations. These private facilities usually center on a swimming pool
maintained through homeowner association fees. Round Rock has nineteen
neighborhood parks, covering over 77 acres. These offer facilities for all age
groups and include playgrounds, play fields, and passive recreation areas.
Neighborhood parks are generally acquired through the subdivision process. The
City plans to continue to receive land dedications to develop neighborhood parks.
Neighborhood parks may also be developed in conjunction with school sites. The
combination of neighborhood scale parks and school sites allows a variety of uses
and equipment at a lower cost to the community than separate facilities. In order
to jointly develop park and school sites, close cooperation is required between the
City and the Round Rock Independent School District as school sites are selected,
acquired, and developed.
COMMUNITY PARKS
Community parks are generally larger than neighborhood parks. They are
intended to meet the needs of several neighborhoods and provide facilities for all
age groups. Facilities may include tennis courts, sports fields, picnic areas,
swimming pools, and playground equipment. These parks generally range in size
from ten to thirty acres. Round Rock has ten community parks, which account
for 202 acres. Community parks serve a substantial number of people and should
be sited with good pedestrian, bicycle, and automobile access.
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COMMUNITY FACILITIES
SPORTS FIELDS
City sports fields serve a variety of users and are often located within community
parks. The City has six sports sites. These sites account for an additional 80 acres
of PARD facilities. Table 6.4 lists the number of existing sports fields by type.
Table 6.4 Sports Fields
Type Number
Adult Softball 2
Football Fields 3
Soccer Fields 11
Youth Baseball 16
Youth Softball 4
Total: 36
Source: City of Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department
OLD SETTLERS PARK AT PALM VALLEY
Old Settlers Park at Palm Valley is the largest City park with 439 acres. It is
located along US 79, a main east -west arterial. It serves as a regional park and is
designed to provide a range of activities to the entire City. Recreational facilities
include sports fields, playground equipment, a trail, pavilions, fishing lake, disk
golf course, festival area, and picnic areas. The site features historic cabins along
with a large hall, known as the "Tabernacle," used for social functions and City
events. The park was acquired in 1987 in large part through the efforts of the Old
Settlers Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of
Williamson County's history and heritage.
GREENBELTS
Round Rock has an abundance of creeks and small reservoirs suitable for use as
greenbelts. As part of an ongoing process, the City works with developers and
utility companies to incorporate lakes, creeksides, and large utility easements into
the City's greenbelt system. Currently, PARD has 98 acres in its greenbelt system.
In the future, some sections of the greenbelt system may link parks.
GOLF COURSE
The City owns the eighteen -hole Forest Creek Golf Course, located east of
County Road 122 within the Forest Creek subdivision. The course was completed
in the Fall of 1990 and has been one of the highest rated daily fee courses in the
State. The course is run by a management company and is self supporting. It
features a driving range, pro shop, and snack bar.
SWIMMING POOLS
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COMMUNITY FACILITIES
The City maintains two swimming pools, Micki Krebsbach, located adjacent to the
Round Rock High School on Deepwood Drive, and Lake Creek Pool, located in
the Lake Creek Park off Park Lane. Micki Krebsbach Pool is the larger of the
two. It was opened in 1996, covers 10,190 square feet, and has a 644 -person
capacity. It features three types of pools: a competition pool, a plunge pool with a
tower slide, and a leisure pool with water features. Lake Creek Pool covers 4,634
square feet and has a 345 person capacity. It is a traditional L-shaped pool with
one and three meter diving boards. A separate wading pool for toddlers covers an
additional 400 square feet and has a capacity of thirty children.
CLAY MADSEN INDOOR RECREATION CENTER
The Clay Madsen Center, to be located in Greenslopes Park on Gattis School
Road, is a new PARD facility scheduled for completion in April 2000. Originally
designed as a somewhat smaller center, plans were expanded after the community
indicated a desire for a larger facility. The $4.8 million center was funded through
1996 General Obligation Bonds, 1998 Certificates of Obligation, and a Local
Parks Grant. The center totals 50,000 square feet and features an indoor six -lane
lap pool, two gymnasiums, four racquetball courts, exercise facilities, a game
room, a meeting room, an arts and crafts room, and a full kitchen. The center will
accommodate both scheduled and walk-in activities. PARD will offer both family
and individual membership plans.
Future Needs
Trends indicate that Round Rock's steady growth will continue. The City
anticipates the development of most privately held vacant and agricultural lands
within the next twenty years along with associated increases in population. As the
City grows, so will the demand for park facilities. Citizens and the City Council
have identified several parks objectives in the General Plan 2000 update process.
The forthcoming Parks and Open Space Plan will build on these objectives.
Using citizen input, it will assess community needs, evaluate priorities, and
establish implementation plans. Citizens and staff have already identified several
issues including the development of a trails system, the preservation of scenic
open spaces, the revitalization of current parks, a reorientation of the
transportation system to better serve the parks system, an increase in the number
of recreational facilities and fields within the City, and increased staff levels.
TRAILS SYSTEM
In light of urbanization, General Plan 2000 goals and objectives cite the
development of a trails system and open space plan as a means to protect and
utilize the City's unique ecological features and help maintain the City's current
quality of life. As stated earlier, the City uses parkland dedications during the
subdivision process as the main device to fulfill park needs. Coupled with
parkland dedications, the City anticipates the firm delineation of desired trail
parcels and the purchase of those parcels by the City. A developed trails system
would provide recreational opportunities within the City, connections between
72
COMMUNITY FACILITIES
neighborhoods and services, links between smaller neighborhood parks and larger
parks, and links with neighboring communities. Within the City, links to the City
Sidewalk Plan would ensure trail access for all City residents. Existing natural
features would be utilized whenever possible. In addition to natural features, trails
could connect residents to the new convention center/stadium complex and
Round Rock's historic areas, including Downtown, Chisholm Trail, and Palm
Valley.
The City expects trails to benefit the community in a number of ways. According
to a study sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the community
benefits in a broad range of areas including transportation, recreation, economics,
education, environmental protection, historic preservation, cultural enhancement,
access, planning, and quality of life.
OPEN SPACE
Round Rock has a diverse natural heritage including native prairie lands,
woodlands, and creeks. These areas are home to a number of sensitive plant and
animal species. The Parks and Open Space Plan will enhance the character of the
City, protect property values, and provide buffers to roadway expansions while
creating unique recreational venues. Open space preservation should focus on
floodplains to preclude degradation of water sources and costly engineering
solutions during development. The potential also exists for a parklands
interpretive and education center. Such a center could be the focal point for
environmental education within the City and provide access to local trails.
REVITALIZE EXISTING PARKS
In conjunction with the development of a trails system and the construction of
sidewalks in the City Sidewalk Plan, the City should continue the revitalization of
its existing parks. Revitalization ensures all residents have access to adequate and
inviting facilities. As with trails, park facilities should utilize existing natural
features to the maximum extent possible. Besides significant natural features,
other means to entice residents to visit park facilities include planted trees and
landscaping, comfortable areas to rest, connected pathways, and adequate
facilities. Park use can also be increased through the creation of a connected
system of transportation options including sidewalks, trails, and bike lanes.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation is a critical component of any park system and helps determine
park usage. Current links primarily emphasize the automobile. A more balanced
transportation network would include pedestrian and bicycle links between
residences, schools, and parks. These links ensure safe access, particularly for
children, and preclude parents from rigidly scheduling each park trip.
Additionally, pedestrian and bicycle links ensure continued foot traffic, which
helps keep parks safe, and could be used by Police bicycle patrols. Round Rock
has the opportunity to incorporate several transportation modes to link origins
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COMMUNITY FACILITIES
and destinations within the City as it implements its Transportation Master Plan.
New construction and expansions to existing facilities should consider
pedestrians, cyclists, and accessibility, particularly for children and the elderly.
RECREATION
Already PARD maintains an ambitious recreation program. To meet increasing
demands for recreation, PARD anticipates the continued development of
recreational venues through 2020. One of the greatest needs is youth and adult
athletic fields. PARD will continue to develop fields in conjunction with schools
and parks as a cost-effective means to meet demands. The forthcoming Parks and
Open Space Plan will help identify the needs of the community and will drive the
location and number of facilities.
STAFF LEVELS
Staff level increases are necessary to effectively manage any increase in facilities
and properties. With few exceptions, staff levels have remained relatively static
over the past decade despite significant increases in PARD managed properties
and programs. To effectively fulfill its obligations, PARD expects to hire
additional staff throughout the ensuing decades. In October 1998, the
Department hired its first parks planner and urban forester. The parks planner
provides expertise in the design and maintenance of playground equipment,
athletic fields, and parks. Other duties include project management and public
relations. The urban forester manages the natural resources of the City and
outreach programs. Both positions provide in-house expertise and demonstrate a
renewed emphasis on public outreach and interdepartmental coordination.
SUMMARY
Round Rock has the opportunity to develop an enviable parks system. An
abundance of significant natural features, a rich historical heritage, a significant
residential population, and the potential for links throughout the City, indicate that
the enhancement and development of the City parks system would be successful
and well received. Goals identified through citizen and City Council efforts
indicate that adequate parks and recreation facilities are important to the
community. The City's commitment is demonstrated by the development of the
forthcoming Parks and Open Space Plan, which will identify those areas deemed
most important to the community. In conjunction with the Parks and Open
Space Plan, a campaign should be initiated to identify funding sources including
private donations and the leveraging of City funds with private, State, and federal
moneys. Also important are increases in staff levels to effectively manage PARD
facilities and programs. Such a strategy shows the promise of meeting the needs
of a growing and diverse population.
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COMMUNITY FACILITIES
6.6 Convention Center/Stadium Complex
Facility Description
The convention center/stadium complex is located along US 79 and is expected to
be complete by April 2000. The complex will seat 7,500 and is intended to be
used year round for events such as tournaments, clinics, camps, conferences,
meetings, retreats, receptions, trade shows, and concerts. For sporting events, the
complex includes an overflow grass berm, which can accommodate an additional
2,500 people. The complex is expected to accommodate 10,000 people at
concerts.
Initially proposed in 1998, the convention center/stadium complex represents a
major investment by the City and a diversification of the economic base. The
complex is a joint project between the City of Round Rock and RSR Sports,
Incorporated. The complex is anticipated to cost approximately $15 million and is
financed through both private investment and City revenue bonds. Revenue
bonds will be repaid through hotel occupancy taxes. The City expects the
complex to increase local revenues, lead to further development in the Palm
Valley area, and provide a venue for family entertainment.
In keeping with the historic and natural heritage of the Palm Valley area, the
complex is designed using natural materials and with attention to nearby natural
features and historic sites. Palm Valley Lutheran Church and Cemetery, the Israel-
Telander homestead, and Kenney Fort are historic sites near the complex.
Future Considerations
To enhance the Palm Valley area and support the City's investment in the
complex, the Planning and Community Development Department is developing a
Palm Valley Area Plan. Ultimately, the Area Plan will recommend standards, uses,
and roadway designs to preserve and enhance the natural and historic nature of
the area. Given the large number of people expected at various events, transit is
another critical consideration for the continued viability of the complex and the
adjacent neighborhoods. Chapter 5, Future Land Use, contains a more detailed
description of the Palm Valley Area Plan under Section 5.4, Plan Features.
6.7 Schools
District Considerations
The City of Round Rock and most of its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) lie
within the Round Rock Independent School District (ISD). Portions of the
Round Rock ETJ are served by the Georgetown, Hutto, and Leander ISDs. While
75
COMMUNITY FACILITIES
the Round Rock ISD is the primary focus of this section, the issues cited are
applicable to all districts represented in the Planning Area.
The Round Rock ISD serves Round Rock along with portions of Austin, Cedar
Park, and Georgetown. The District is responsible for all decisions affecting
schools and facilities. While school decisions are made by the District, the
location and size of school sites and facilities are related to elements of the
General Plan 2000.
The Round Rock ISD currently has twenty-three elementary, seven middle, and
three high schools. Of these schools, twelve elementary, four middle, and one
high school are within the Planning Area as defined in Chapter 1. The District is
currently building a 24th elementary school, Caldwell Heights, on Chandler Road,
and a 4th high school, Stony Point, on Bowman Road next to Hopewell Middle
School. Both Caldwell Heights Elementary and Stony Point High School will
serve City residents. Caldwell Heights is scheduled to open in October 1999, and
will provide enrollment relief for Double File Trail, Forest Creek, and Robertson
Elementary Schools. Stony Point is scheduled to open in August 1999 and will
relieve Round Rock High School.
The Planning Area contains adequate undeveloped land for future school
construction. Schools are constrained, however, due to the State's school
financing scheme. Texas has specified a maximum of $1.50 taxation per $100 of
property valuation for school maintenance and operations. District debt for
construction is unlimited, so that new schools can be built, but once they open,
schools cannot be staffed or supplied with utilities, due to the maintenance and
operations restrictions. Increases in property values offer no relief, as State
funding is decreased as tax revenues climb. If property values rise high enough,
the District would be required to send some property taxes back to the State for
redistribution to low revenue areas. Although the State gives the District a stipend
for every new pupil, these funds do not offset the loss of other State funds due to
increased property valuations. The net result is a loss of funds each year. At the
same time, enrollments are rising at the fastest rate in the District's history. These
factors have contributed to enrollments for the 1998-1999 school year above
permanent building capacity levels at twelve of the seventeen schools within the
Planning Area. To meet student demands, the District employs measures such as
boundary modifications and the installation of portable classrooms. The District
currently maintains approximately 200 portables, which account for approximately
400 classrooms. Student demands are also met through early site selection and the
construction of schools with the potential for expansion. These methods offer a
cost-effective means to meet future enrollment demands.
Despite enrollment pressures, all facilities are well maintained and contain
comparable features. Consistent facilities across the schools are due in large part
to a 1994 bond issue. The 1994 bond issue raised money for upgrades to older
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COMMUNITY FACILITIES
facilities. Elementary schools were most affected. All elementary schools,
regardless of age, now feature science, art, and music rooms, along with mini -gyms
and computer labs. A larger bond issue in 1996 financed additions to several
schools, classroom technology upgrades, several new roofs, and the construction
of Caldwell Heights Elementary School and Stony Point High School.
To keep abreast of changes in school enrollments, the District hired a
demographer in the mid-1980s. The demographer develops projections for
school enrollments based on the number of current and projected houses and
apartment units. Enrollment projections are used to assess the adequacy of
current facilities and to guide expansions and new building construction. The
demographer coordinates on a regular basis with the Planning and Community
Development Department staff and reviews proposed developments within the
Planning Area. Communication between the City and District officials ensures
consistency between land use, transportation, and facility siting plans. District
officials also periodically coordinate with developers to reserve space within new
developments for school sites, when appropriate, and consider the development
of joint school/park facilities as a cost-effective solution to facility needs.
Facilities Inventory
Table 6.5 Elementary Schools1
Name
PermanentBuilding
Capacity
Enrallm
«anuary 7
ent Capacity
999) Percentage
1. Berkman
2. Bluebonnet
3. Brushy Creek
4. Caldwell Heights
5. Deepwood
6. Double File Trail2
7. Fern Bluff
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Forest Creek2
Gattis
Great Oaks
Old Town
Robertson
Voigt
500
460
600
750
420
680
500 (1998-1999)
852 (1999-2000)
750
420
750
620
400
640
513
652
598
413
735
619
922
676
597
812
448
615
102.6 %
141.7 %
99.7 %
98.3
108.1
123.8 %
72.7
122.9 %
160.9
79.6%
131.0
112.0
96.1
Source: Round Rock Independent School District
I Only those Round Rock ISD schools in the Planning Area, as defined
2These schools will gain enrollment relief after the opening of Caldwell
in Chapter 1, are listed.
Heights.
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COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Table 6.6 Middle Schools+
Name
Permanent Building
Capacity
Enrollment
January 1999)
Capacity
Percentage
1. Cedar Valley 900 (1998-1999) 1,049
1,300 (1999-2000)
2. Chisolm Trail 900 1,009
3. C D Fulkes 800 739
4. Hopewell 900 931
Source: Round Rock Independent School District
I Only those Round Rock ISD schools in the Planning Area, as defined in Chapter 1, are listed.
116.6 %
80.7 %
112.1 %
92.4 %
103.4 %
Table 6.7 High Schools1
Name
Permanent Building Enrollment
Capacity January 1999)
Capacity
Percentage
1. Stony Point
2. Round Rock'
1,700
2,337 3,501
149.8 %
Source: Round Rock Independent School District
I Only those Round Rock ISD schools in the Planning Area, as defined in Chapter 1, are listed.
2 Round Rock High School will gain enrollment relief after the opening of Stony Point.
Future Needs
Meeting the future needs of a rapidly growing district is a formidable challenge.
Since the late 1980's the District has seen an average annual enrollment increase of
over 900 students per year. Enrollment growth is likely to continue for the
foreseeable future given the strong employment growth in Central Texas and the
construction of thousands of homes.
To meet these challenges the District solicits the involvement of several entities in
decision making. While the District and City staffs coordinate on a regular basis
for school issues, citizen committees are a vital part of any expansion or
construction decision. When the need arises, several different citizen committees
are formed to study the needs of the District, develop proposals, and make
recommendations to the School Board. These proposals, along with citizen input,
help guide School Board decisions. Citizens active in the Parent Teacher
Association (PTA) have also lobbied for the reform of the State's school financing
scheme. Because of the efforts of the PTA and other concerned parties, several
bills have recently been proposed in the Texas legislature to relieve some of the
financing pressures on high growth areas.
School planning efforts culminate in the development of a District Capital
Improvement Plan (CIP) each year. The CIP provides enrollment projections for
78
COMMUNITY FACILITIES
the next five years and specifies the timetable and location of future facilities.
Among other things, current plans recommend land purchases for future schools,
the construction of a fifth high school, and the construction of one or two middle
schools within the District. Future considerations include the expansion of Gattis
Elementary School. While not an implementation plan, the CIP provides a
starting point for more focused efforts by future citizen committees.
Through the years, the District and community have successfully met the
educational needs of the community in the midst of rapid population growth.
While enrollment pressures are not anticipated to level off in the near future, the
framework is in place to handle these pressures in a consistent and effective
manner.
6.8 Summary
Overall, analysis of community facilities indicates that population pressures and steady
development will continue during the next twenty years. Population growth and the
steady expansion of the City represent formidable challenges to community agencies.
To meet these challenges, community agencies will respond in some cases with new
construction, expansions, modernization, and increased maintenance. 2010 will be a
critical year for facility expansions. Shared facilities and joint projects represent cost-
effective methods to meet some of these demands. Other common themes among
community agencies are the need for increased staffing and the need for additional
programs to adequately serve a growing population. Crafting solutions is a labor
intensive process for City staff and growth initially involves an increased workload for
numerous City employees. At a certain point, augmentation is necessary to manage
increased workloads. Response to growth also takes the form of internal disruption
and evolution in the way we operate as a City. The City anticipates new relationships,
partnerships, and communication channels between agencies, along with the
communication infrastructure to handle these initiatives. Agency connections and
relationships ensure a consistent response to community needs, particularly those not
currently integrated into the physical, social, or economic fabric of the community.
Attention to these issues ensures a consistent quality of community services for all
residents.
79
Extraterritorial Jurisdiction
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Providing residents with access to work, services, and recreation through a
transportation system with options to walk, bike, or drive
7.1 Introduction
Transportation touches many facets of life. In addition to access to work,
schools, and services, it provides links to other neighborhoods, creates a venue
for exercise, and can become a community space that facilitates interaction
with neighbors. Transportation facilities also have negative impacts, such as
noise, vibration, air pollution, water pollution, and congestion, which can reduce
residents' quality of life and lead to serious health problems. Overall, an effective
transportation system facilitates access while minimizing these detrimental effects. The
Transportation Master Plan, along with the General Plan 2000, represents policy
determinations by the local community to address these challenges.
The goals and objectives of the General Plan 2000 seek a connected City
transportation system to serve the needs of all residents. Transportation options
should include pedestrian, bicycle, and automobile facilities along with a recreational
hike and bike system. Facilities should be designed to enhance safety while providing
adequate buffers. The City should adopt effective land use policies that ensure
continued access to work and services. As roadways function as City gateways, they
should be designed with adequate aesthetic standards including screening, landscaping,
and civic art.
7.2 Transportation Master Plan
Throughout the General Plan 2000 update, many citizens cited traffic congestion and
transportation as important issues. Round Rock surveys conducted in the Spring of
1998 confirmed the concerns of both the City Council and the City staff that traffic is
the key growth related problem affecting the City. To meet the transportation needs of
the community, the City contracted with Rust Lichliter/Jameson, now Earth Tech,
Incorporated, to develop a transportation master plan. The study began in November
1997 with the following objectives:
• evaluate the existing transportation network;
• identify current and future land uses and travel patterns, as well as population and
employment forecasts;
80
TRANSPORTATION
• identify environmentally sensitive areas;
• develop roadway design standards;
• facilitate public awareness and incorporate citizen participation into the City's
planning process;
• identify the necessary transportation network improvements to provide efficient
and safe travel in Round Rock; and
• develop a prioritized improvement plan to serve the transportation needs of the
community for the next twenty years and beyond.
The resultant Transportation Master Plan, adopted by the City Council on January 14,
1999, delineates a system of roadways for 2007, 2017, and for an ultimate buildout.
While the General Plan 2000 establishes transportation goals and objectives, the
Transportation Master Plan utilizes technical data to support those goals and
objectives.
The Transportation Master Plan uses travel demand models to estimate existing and
future traffic volumes. While traffic modeling is a useful tool for planning future
roadways, it is but one of several inputs and does not take the place of sound policy
judgments. It remains, however, a useful input. To be effective, models must be
regularly updated to reflect development and land use changes. Such changes could
produce high volumes of traffic that overwhelm a roadway's capacity. One serious
modeling limitation is that models merely calculate future automobile movements but
do not consider pedestrian or cyclist trips. As such, modeling offers no indication of
which traffic control devices will facilitate pedestrian and bicycle trips or enhance
pedestrian and cyclist safety. Subsequently designing roadways without consideration
for cyclists or pedestrians can lead to unsafe conditions for all users of a facility.
Adequate attention must be paid to pedestrian and cyclist design features, such as
crosswalks, sidewalks, and bike lanes. The City anticipates designs sensitive to the
needs of all users as roadways are developed.
The Transportation Master Plan also includes a number of maps, which should be
used to plan and construct future roadways. The first map identifies potential
hazardous sites that could impact roadway construction. Another displays floodplains,
wetlands, and the boundaries of the Edwards Aquifer. These features should be
avoided whenever possible to limit degradation of water sources and habitat. The
three arterial roadway maps are an essential part of the Transportation Master Plan.
The first displays the ultimate arterial roadway buildout for the City. The last two show
anticipated phased roadway construction for 2007 and 2017. While a bicycle plan was
initially included in the Transportation Master Plan, it was removed so that it could be
coordinated with the City's forthcoming Parks and Open Space Plan. The Parks and
81
TRANSPORTATION
Open Space Plan will address and develop a unified trails system along with a bike lane
system for City arterials.
In addition to an Ultimate Roadway Plan for the City, the Transportation Master Plan
includes documentation governing desired alignments, typical cross-sections, and
ultimate rights-of-way. Table 7.1, found at the end of this chapter, lists these
specifications. This document should be used to ensure compatibility between
roadways and proposed developments. Developments must include adequate rights-
of-way and roadway designs responsive to City standards. The Transportation Master
Plan, however, should not be construed as a static document. The General Plan
amendment process recognizes that conditions may change which require changes to
the Transportation Master Plan. The General Plan amendment process is outlined in
Section 11.200 of the Zoning Ordinance. It allows amendments to the General Plan,
including the Transportation Master Plan, to accommodate changed conditions.
7.3 Right -of -Way Protection
It is desirable from the standpoint of both circulation and maintenance costs for the
City to develop all arterials to adequate standards. However, itis not necessary to
initially construct them to their full capacity, if full capacity is not required for several
years. As mentioned earlier, the Transportation Master Plan delineates the anticipated
construction schedule for the City's Arterial Roadway System for 2007, 2017, and
buildout (see Table 7.1). Improvements should be made and coordinated in
accordance with this overall schedule and with the anticipated needs and capacity of
the roadways. All required rights-of-way should be designated early in the
development process, preferably with the preliminary plat phase of the subdivision
process. By designating arterial rights-of-way, the City is preserving adequate space
prior to streets being developed. The Plan helps property owners identify the City's
intention to develop the arterial system, and may prevent conflicting uses which
interfere with the efficient functioning of the system.
7.4 Functional Roadway Classification
The street system provides the basic framework around which the City is built The
street pattern determines, to a considerable extent, the distribution of residences,
schools, industries, shopping, and emergency services, along with urban design. Few
of the physical facilities of the City are as permanent as the streets, and once buildings
are erected on abutting properties, any change in the location or width of roadways is
likely to be difficult and expensive. Since approximately 25 percent of the developed
area of the City is devoted to streets and their associated rights-of-way, proper planning
for the development of these facilities is a prime planning concern.
The purpose of planning a street system is to ensure access, mobility, and safety for all
modes of travel. A clear understanding of the functional relationships between various
82
TRANSPORTATION
travel modes and types of streets is essential_ The function of each street, along with
topography and other existing features, determines its location, alignment, grade,
width, and relationship with other streets.
Roadways also affect land use decisions for areas adjacent to roadways. The greatest
automobile traffic volumes within the City are created by trips from residential areas to
places of employment and shopping, and by the transportation of materials to and
from business, commercial, industrial, and construction areas. Street system design
and classification depend on the type of user and the volume, direction, and distance
the expected traffic must travel The functional classification system includes freeways,
arterials, collectors, and local streets.
FREEWAYS
Freeways are limited access highways intended to move high volumes of automobile
traffic at relatively high speeds over long distances. They are direct links between
major automobile traffic generators and have controlled access to maximize
uninterrupted automobile traffic flow and automobile safety. Frontage is provided
along adjacent service roads or from intersecting City streets. Freeways connect the
local area with cities outside the region. They are not intended to serve local traffic
needs. They are the only road facility that does not serve pedestrians or cyclists.
Interstate 35 is the only freeway that serves the Round Rock area.
ARTERIALS
Arterials are continuous routes intended to serve the high volume needs of both the
local area and the region. Access is controlled by planning the locations of intersecting
streets, left turn lanes, and signalization. The function of these streets can be protected
through ordinances regulating the number and location of median breaks and driveway
cuts. Due to high automobile speeds, protective measures should be made for cyclists
and pedestrians along these routes. US 79, RM 620, FM 1431, and FM 1325 are the
primary arterials in Round Rock.
COLLECTORS
Collectors provide access and movement within residential, commercial, and industrial
areas. Operating speeds are slower than arterials and turning movements are expected.
The City normally discourages the fronting of residences on collectors. Streets should
be designed for medium volume, low speed traffic.
LOCAL STREETS
Local streets provide access to relatively small areas. Streets should be designed for
low volume, low speed traffic. The length of the street and the number of dwelling
units fronting the street are limited.
83
TRANSPORTATION
7.5 Relationship of Land Use and Transportation
Land use and transportation are inextricably linked, although the relationship is difficult
to define. Transportation decisions have implications for land use, and land use
patterns affect transportation plans. Transportation planning is an attempt to resolve
these relationships and determine optimal transportation solutions. But while
transportation planning is a critical tool, it is merely one of a package of government
tools. It is essential that transportation planning works in concert with social,
economic, environmental, and land development policies to define overall government
policies and priorities.
Presently, the dominant social and economic force in the transportation system is the
automobile. For the majority of residents, the automobile offers unparalleled mobility.
Mobility exacts a price, however, in the form of significant government outlays and
adverse environmental consequences. Environmental consequences include air, water,
and noise pollution, vibration, and reduced safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
Automobile mobility can also have land use implications and lead to a decentralized
City shape, segregated land uses, and diminished access for the young, the elderly, and
those with special needs. Conversely, close proximity of different land uses can help
limit the length and frequency of certain automobile trips, preclude the need for the
automobile in certain instances, encourage bicycle and pedestrian trips, and limit
congestion. City policies should reflect an analysis of resultant transportation/land use
effects in designing roadway systems and in addressing the needs of all travel modes.
One of the analytical tools employed by transportation planners is a traffic impact
analysis (TIA). TIAs gauge the increase in traffic generated by new development.
Development approval should be conditioned on compliance with reasonable
measures by the developer to accommodate increases in traffic. Such requirements
ensure that public health, safety, and welfare are protected and that the City is not
burdened with developments having inadequate infrastructure. Conversely, TIAs
ensure that developers pay only for those improvements attributable to their
developments and that the City does not exact unfair concessions from developers.
The relationship between land use, transportation, and City policies is brought together
by the actions of various City departments. Close cooperation and coordination is
required among the Planning and Community Development Department, the Public
Works Department, and the Parks and Recreation Department. Each department has
a role in the orderly development of the City. Road specifications, sewer and utility
connections, sidewalks, easements, landscaping, and park dedications are all
considerations for new developments. City policies regarding these areas should
support the goals and objectives of the General Plan 2000. Explicit requirements set
forth in ordinances offer the City and the community an opportunity to work with
developers to tailor roadway plans to the needs of specific developments and integrate
those plans with existing developments and roadways. Overall, public and political
discussion during the development process offers some indication of the values of the
84
TRANSPORTATION
City. Thorough analyses and discussions identify the expected costs and benefits along
with those who will benefit or bear some burden. Ultimately, the City hopes to
increase the overall welfare of the community without unduly burdening any one
portion of the populace.
7.6 Multimodal Concerns and City Identity
Throughout the General Plan 2000 update process, the citizens and the City Council
have dearly identified a desire for a transportation system that gives citizens the option
to walk, bike, or drive throughout the City. They have also indicated a strong desire
for measures to strengthen and enhance the City's identity and visual appearance. Two
planning workshops specifically addressed these concerns: Transportation/Roadway
Implications for Development and Community Identity and Appearance. City policies
are expected to respond to these concerns and create a transportation system
responsive to community desires.
The consideration of safety is paramount for all users of transportation facilities. While
automobile users are relatively protected within the confines of an automobile,
pedestrians and cyclists have no such protection. The Institute of Transportation
Engineers (111h) confirms these concerns. According to the 11E, pedestrian and
bicycle injuries increase markedly in collisions with automobiles travelling above twenty
miles per hour. Above 35 miles per hour, injuries usually endanger life or are fatal.
Injuries result not only from the initial impact with a vehicle but from secondary
impacts with the ground. It is therefore imperative that road designs provide adequate
and appropriate space for nonmotorized travelers, such as cyclists and pedestrians.
Separate bike lanes for experienced cyclists should be developed adjacent to
automobile lanes while sidewalks should be separated from roadways by landscaped
buffers. Crosswalks should be clearly marked and designed to minimize pedestrian
walking distances across roadways. Larger roadways should feature separated grade
crossings, particularly near schools, and landscaped medians. Landscaped medians act
as a refuge for pedestrians and cyclists when crossing wide streets. Roadway designs
should also preclude excessive automobile speeds. Since typical roadway designs allow
cars to safely travel fifteen percent faster than posted speed limits, roadways should
feature sufficient visual cues to keep automobile drivers within posted speed limits and
to ensure pedestrian and bicycle safety. Crosswalk markings are one means to help
achieve these goals. Crosswalks can be identified through paint markings, bricks, or
textured concrete. Trees along the right-of-way can also help slow motorists. Studies
have shown that trees not only enhance roadway aesthetics and contribute to a "sense
of place," they also diffuse and buffer traffic noise and create a visual and psychological
calming effect, which slows traffic (Planning Advisory Service Report 456).
85
TRANSPORTATION
7.7 National and Regional Context
Although the General Plan 2000 and the Transportation Master Plan deal with local
transportation decisions, transportation policies must also consider how Round Rock
functions within a larger regional context Both national and regional forces help
shape our transportation policies. A major influence is the Transportation Equity Act
for the 21' Century (TEA -21) signed into law by the President on June 9, 1998. TEA -
21 authorizes highway, highway safety, transit, and other surface transportation
programs for six years.
One of the key provisions of TEA -21 is the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality
Improvement Program (CMAQ). CMAQ provides a funding source to State and local
governments to meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act CMAQ provisions are
significant for Round Rock given that the Austin metropolitan area, of which Round
Rock is a part, faces the prospect of being designated by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) as a non -attainment area for ozone in mid -2000. Ozone
poses a serious health threat, especially to children. When inhaled, even at low levels,
ozone can cause acute respiratory problems, aggravate asthma, decrease lung function,
cause inflammation of lung tissue, impair the body's immune system defenses, and lead
to hospital admissions and emergency room visits.
Non -attainment status carries with it sanctions, penalties, and the potential loss of
highway funds. In response to these air quality problems in the Austin metropolitan
area, the Clean AIR Force was formed. The Clean AIR Force is an independent, non-
profit coalition comprised of representatives from government, environmental, and
business organizations. It formulates and promotes a community -wide campaign for
air quality improvement. The City of Round Rock is a member of the Clean AIR
Force, along with Austin, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, San Marcos, and fire
county commissioner courts.
Optimally, the Clean AIR Force hopes to reduce vehicle emissions voluntarily to avoid
designation as a non -attainment area. There is also a "transitional" classification for
areas that met the previous standard for ozone, but that violate the new standard. The
transitional designation would be in lieu of a non -attainment designation and promises
more flexibility in developing plans to come into compliance with the new ozone
standard. To be eligible for the transitional classification, areas must have developed
and begun implementing an air pollution control plan by the time the EPA makes non -
attainment determinations in mid -2000.
Another important provision of TEA -21 legislation is an effort to coordinate the
actions of State officials, local officials, and transit operators to formulate a regional
transportation plan. The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO)
is the local organization responsible for formulating the regional transportation plan.
Round Rock is a part of the CAMPO planning area and the mayor of Round Rock is a
member of the CAMPO Policy Advisory Committee, a group of elected and
86
TRANSPORTATION
appointed officials from the metropolitan area. CAMPO develops both a twenty year
long range plan and a three year Transportation Improvement Program to meet
regional transportation needs. TEA -21 allocates some transportation funds to
CAMPO. The CAMPO Policy Advisory Committee has total discretion over these
funds and uses public input to decide public transportation policies.
7.8 Future Regional Concerns
In 1986 citizens decided in a ballot measure to refrain from participating in the Capital
Area Metropolitan Transit Authority (Capital Metro). At the time of the 1986 election,
the City population was estimated at 26,725. That figure has nearly doubled to the
April 1,1999, estimate of 52,040. Along with increases in population, the City now
features large employment centers, such as Dell, conducive to transit The City should
therefore study the feasibility of various transit systems. Possible systems could be
implemented at a variety of levels ranging from limited shuttle service to a larger scale
commitment such as light rail transit While Round Rock does not yet have the
population density to warrant a comprehensive local bus system, the potential already
exists for links to neighboring cities via light rail transit, bus transit, and commuter rail.
Capital Metro is studying a light rail transit line, which would connect Round Rock to
central Austin. Light rail would provide links to the University of Texas, The State
Capital Complex, the Austin Central Business District, and the new Austin -Bergstrom
Airport Subsequent rail lines could provide regional links with the Round Rock
convention center/stadium complex.
As part of another initiative, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is
studying the feasibility of High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes along Interstate 35.
HOV lanes would provide buses, carpools, and vanpools with dedicated routes as an
alternative to congested general purpose lanes. Park and ride facilities or transit centers
could provide Round Rock residents access to HOV facilities. While Round Rock
does not have a comprehensive local bus system, both public and private shuttles
could provide transportation between HOV facilities and major activity centers within
the City. Pedestrian, bicycle, and automobile facilities could provide links between
HOV facilities and private residences.
A third measure, proposed by the Austin -San Antonio Corridor Council, is a 110 mile
commuter rail line from Georgetown to San Antonio. The line would feature 12 stops
and possibly share Union Pacific freight rail lines. Such a system is envisioned to serve
not only work related trips, but an increasing number of recreational, shopping, and
educational trips throughout the travel corridor.
As part of separate studies, TxDOT is analyzing two new highway facilities, State
Highway (SH) 45, which would run east -west along the southern border of the City,
and SH 130, which would run north -south east of the City. Each facility is planned as
87
TRANSPORTATION
a toll road. While the City's Transportation Master Plan depicts the six lane SH 130 on
an eastern alignment along FM 685, TxDOT is still considering a western alignment,
developed in 1985, through various City neighborhoods. TxDOT plans to elevate
several portions of SH 130 along the westem alignment immediately adjacent to single
family homes. In addition to debilitating effects on the human environment, the
western alignment is in direct conflict with the City Transportation Master Plan, as it
precludes the City from building two major north -south arterials, Arterial A and
Double Creek Boulevard. The City has identified north -south arterials as critical to
local transportation needs. As a toll facility, it is unlikely that local residents would use
SH 130 for short trips through the City. Local traffic would therefore be funneled
onto a limited number of arterials, such as Arterial B/FM 1460 and CR 122, increasing
congestion. Due to congestion, these remaining arterials would likely require
expansions beyond the levels already specified in the Transportation Master Plan. In
addition to pronounced congestion effects, degradation of City neighborhoods,
denigration and destruction of historic sites, and destruction of local floodplain and
other natural features, SH 130 would form a barrier to east -west travel within the City
and a unified City development pattern. Such a barrier would divide school service
areas and increase emergency vehicle response times. Lastly, the construction of SH
130 along a western alignment might require the City to move a major water storage
facility and wastewater collection line at City expense. In response to these and other
concerns, the City Council passed a resolution on February 25, 1999, endorsing an
eastern alignment for SH 130.
Unlike SH 130, SH 45 is an integral part of the City Transportation Master Plan. The
roadway will serve the southern portion of the City and facilitate east -west movement
for southern Williamson County from Cedar Park to Round Rock. The SH 45
corridor features major employment and commercial complexes which will benefit
from the roadway. These uses are compatible with a roadway of SH 45's magnitude.
A large portion of the right-of-way is already reserved for the project and the roadway
features access roads, which offer viable transportation alternatives for City residents.
In addition to connections to major employers in Williamson County, SH 45 provides
viable connections to west Austin.
7.9 Summary
In summary, the City seeks a balanced transportation system featuring pedestrian,
bicycle, and automobile links, which offers residents access to both work and non
work related destinations. Due to the permanence of transportation improvements,
each should be planned to avoid costly retrofits in the future. Consideration should
also be given to the future maintenance of the system. Overall, roadways should
feature designs compatible with current land uses, include multiple modes, feature
adequate buffers and landscaping, and reflect residents' desires. Using such an
approach, the City hopes to meet the future transportation needs of the community in
an effective manner.
88
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3
UTILITIES
Providing efficient and cost-effective utilities to City residents and businesses
8.1 Introduction
0 ver time, the supply of basic utilities for the City of Round Rock has
expanded along with the City's population. Adequate provision of utilities
is important for the City as it strives to maintain a desired level of service for
residents and businesses. Utilities represent substantial financial outlays. As
such, utilities must be planned well in advance to meet projected peak community
demands and must be commensurate with City financial capabilities.
One of the most difficult periods for City utilities was the 1970's. From 1970 to 1980,
the population of Round Rock rose by 353 percent, from 2,811 in 1970 to 12,740 in
1980. The rapid rise in population placed tremendous pressures on City utilities and, in
1978, City wells ran dry. The 1978 crisis prompted the City to expand its water
resources and aggressively plan for future growth.
Population growth continued unabated through the 1980's. To ensure adequate
service for a burgeoning population and prevent the reoccurrence of the 1978 water
shortage, a study of the basic utility structure and community needs was undertaken in
1986. The resultant 1986 City of Round Rock Master Water and Wastewater Study
now forms the basis for utility planning in Round Rock. The 1986 study has been
subsequently evaluated and updated to meet current growth needs.
8.2 Water
System History
Much of the current water system can be traced to the early 1970's. During the 1970's,
the City initiated the construction of water wells, ground storage, and standpipe
facilities to provide adequate water supplies and storage for a growing population.
Prior to 1982, the sole water source for Round Rock was the Edwards Aquifer. In
1981, the City began construction of a six million gallon per day (MGD) water
treatment plant that took water from Lake Georgetown. The first phase of
construction was completed in 1982. Major plant improvements occurred in 1988 and
1997. Additional plant improvements are scheduled for 1999 through 2000. Since the
first phase of construction in 1982, the plant, as of December 1998, has been expanded
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to 24 MGD. Major storage and pumping facility improvements occurred in 1987, and
additional storage improvements are scheduled for 1999 through 2000. Table 8.1 lists
the capacities of Round Rock facilities as of December 1998.
Table 8.1 Water System Capacities
Type Facility
Number Total Capacity
Ground Storage Tanks
Elevated Storage Tanks
Pump Stations
5 7.93 million gallons
10 4.17 million gallons
5 38,700 gallons per minute
(firm capacity)
Source: City of Round Rock Public Works Department
The City also entered into several agreements to guarantee sufficient future supply.
The first is with the Brazos River Authority (BRA) to take surface water from
Stillhouse Hollow Lake. Another agreement with the City of Austin allows Round
Rock to draw water from Austin's Martin Hill Tank in northern Austin on an
emergency basis.
Pressure Zones
The topography of Round Rock requires the establishment of several water pressure
zones to provide consumer service within desired maximum and minimum water
pressure limits. The existing water system service area is divided into five water
pressure zones based on topography (see Map 8.1 below).
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UTILITIES
Map 8.1 Pressure Zones
Source: City of Round Rock Public Works Department
Water Supply Design Criteria
The Public Works Department uses the following guidelines for the City water supply
system:
WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM
• Average Daily Demand - 218 gallons per capita
• Peak Daily Demand - 2.5 times average daily demand
• Maximum Daily Demand - 450 gallons per capita
• Minimum Pressure Requirements - 35 pounds per square inch (psi) at flow rates not less
than 1.5 gallons per minute (GPM) per connection; 20 psi under fire flow with 1.5
GPM per connection
• Metering- Accurate metering devices at each service connection
• Valves - Sufficient number of valves to allow repairs, pressure division, and flushing
without undue service interruption
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UTILITIES
• Circulation - Minimal number of dead ends and maximum number of circulation
loops; limits of no more than 50 connections on dead end lines with provisions, as
practicable, to ultimately connect them for circulation
PUMP STATIONS
• For areas with less than 200 gallons of elevated storage per connection - Two or more pumps
at each station with a capacity of two GPM per connection or a total capacity of
1,000 GPM and the ability to meet peak hourly demands with the largest pump out
of service, whichever is less
• For areas with at least 200 gallons of elevated storage per connection - Two pumps at each
station with a minimum combined capacity of 0.6 GPM per connection
MINIMUM TEXAS STATE BOARD OF INSURANCE FIRE
FLOW REQUIREMENTS
• Principal mercantile and industrial areas - 3,000 GPM
• Light mercantile areas -1,500 GPM
• Dense residential areas - 750 GPM
• Scattered residential arras - 500 GPM
All City design criteria exceed the minimum State criteria established by the Texas
Natural Resource Conservation Commission.
`Fater, Demand
Current water demand per capita varies from a low value of approximately 150 gallons
per day (GPD) to a high value of 375 GPD, depending on the season. Variation is due
to pronounced increases in water usage for landscaping and other special purposes
during hot, dry periods.
Although estimates of future water demand depend largely on population forecasting,
large recreational, commercial, and industrial users also affect system demands. Once
demand projections are made, the Public Works Department explores alternative
methods of obtaining appropriate water supplies and more effectively utilizing current
supplies. Overall, future water supplies should be readily accessible, sufficiently
reliable, and efficiently used to meet water demands. Table 8.2 shows population
projections and projected demands. Forecasted population figures denote the
population for the entire Planning Area. Ultimately, the City expects to serve everyone
in the Planning Area, either through direct City service or through contracts with
neighboring governmental agencies.
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UTILITIES
Table 8.2 Water Demand Requirements
Year
Population Estimate/Pmjection' Average Daily System Demand1(MGD)
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
78,394 17.1
89,230
99,836
110,213
120,361
19.5
21.8
24.0
26.2
Source: City of Round Rock Public Works Department
1 Population figures denote the entire Planning Area. See Chapter 3 for details.
2 Average Daily System Demand is based on 218 gallons per capita.
`Yater Supply
WELLS
Wells that draw water from the Edwards Aquifer are one source of City water. Water
from these wells is treated through gas chlorination prior to pumping into ground
storage tanks and the water distribution system. Existing City water wells have a
combined capacity of 13.5 MGD, but only 4.5 MGD can be counted on during
drought conditions as a "safe yield" rating.
SURFACE WATER
Because the amount of water that can be taken from the Edward's Aquifer is limited,
additional water supplies are provided by surface water reservoirs. Surface water
sources include both Lake Georgetown and Stillhouse Hollow Lake.
Round Rock's dependence on well water was alleviated in 1982 with the completion of
the water treatment plant, which draws water from Lake Georgetown. The treatment
plant is located near the intersection of Westinghouse Road and Interstate 35 at the
extreme north end of the City. An intake structure at Lake Georgetown draws raw
surface water and pumps it approximately nine miles to the plant where it is treated,
stored, and ultimately pumped into the City's distribution system. Treated water is
temporarily stored at the plant in two large chambers, or clearwells. A booster pump
station is located at the plant to deliver treated water to the distribution network, as
needed. The water treatment plant capacity was expanded to 24 MGD in 1997.
Round Rock has a supply contract with the Brazos River Authority (BRA) for 9 MGD
from Lake Georgetown. This contract allows a peak diversion of 30 MGD. All water
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UTILITIES
in Lake Georgetown has been comtnitted by the BRA and no additional capacity is
available.
Stillhouse Hollow Lake is approximately 35 miles north of Round Rock. Round
Rock's contract with the BRA will allow Round Rock to draw 16.2 MGD from the
reservoir on an average annual basis with a peak diversion rate of 81.0 MGD.
Ultimately, the City expects the construction of two 36 inch lines from Stillhouse
Hollow Lake to Lake Georgetown, where the City can readily access the water. The
City expects completion of the lines in 2002. Round Rock, Georgetown, Jonah,
Leander, and the Brushy Creek Municipal Utility District (MUD) will fund the
construction of the lines.
INTERCITY AGREEMENT
Round Rock has an emergency use agreement with the City of Austin to draw a limited
amount of water from the Martin Hill Tank, located in northern Austin.
The total raw water supply is shown in Table 8.3.
Table 8.3 Raw Water Supply
Source
Average Yield (MGD) Peak Yield (MGD)
Wells (Drought Yield)
Lake Georgetown
Stillhouse Hollow Lake
4.5 4.5
9.0 30.0
16.2 81.0
TOTAL'
29.7 115.5
Source: City of Round Rock Public Works Department
1 Round Rock can also draw a limited amount of water from Austin's Martin Hill Tank on an
emergency basis.
8.3 Wastewater
astewater Collection
The City of Round Rock's existing wastewater collection system is based on the
concept of aligning major wastewater interceptors along creek beds to allow service
through gravity mains for all areas within a particular creek's watershed. This concept
is the most cost-effective in terms of minimizing areas which must be served by lift
stations due to the varying ground elevations in and around the City.
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UTILITIES
There are four main creeks within the City of Round Rock: Brushy, Chandler, Lake,
and Onion. Currently, major development exists in all of these watersheds. Major
wastewater interceptors are installed along all four creeks. The interceptors in Brushy,
Lake, and Onion Creeks flow by gravity to the existing wastewater treatment plant
located along Brushy Creek. Flows from the interceptor in Chandler Creek are
pumped to the wastewater treatment plant by a wastewater lift station. The lift station
is scheduled to be retired by 2001 as the Chandler Creek interceptor is extended to the
wastewater treatment plant
System History
The City's original wastewater system was constructed in the late 1930's under the
Works Progress Administration (WPA), a depression era government agency. The
system serviced the original downtown area and the residential area immediately
adjacent to the downtown.
Major improvements to the City's wastewater system were made during the 1970's and
1980's in response to increased demands for wastewater service. To meet increased
demand, the City extended wastewater collection lines in the Lake Creek Watershed
and the Chandler Creek Basin. As mentioned above, a lift station was constructed to
pump the Chandler wastewater flows over a drainage divide into the Onion Creek
Basin. The wastewater then gravity flows to the City's wastewater treatment plant
Numerous improvements were made to the City's wastewater collection and treatment
facilities under the 1977 and 1981 Capital Improvements Programs. These
improvements included wastewater treatment plant expansions to a capacity of 1.4
MGD in 1977 and 3.0 MGD in 1981. The 1977 Capital Improvements Program also
included the construction of additional wastewater interceptor lines in Lake Creek.
Since 1981, the planning and construction of major wastewater improvements have
been extensive. A 42 inch diameter interceptor was constructed in the Chandler Creek
watershed in 1986 and a 36 inch interceptor was completed in the Lake Creek
watershed in 1988. Map 8.2 shows the major wastewater lines and drainage basins in
Round Rock.
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UTILITIES
Map 8.2 Drainage Basins & Major Wastewater Lines
Source: City of Round Rock Public Works Department
Regional \X astewater Plan
In response to increasing development within the Brushy Creek watershed, various
municipalities and governmental agencies have implemented a regional wastewater
system. The system was first conceived in the early 1980s but only recently enacted.
The regional concept affects the Upper Brushy Creek Watershed. The regional plan
provides wastewater service to those entities in and around the Watershed that want
the service and are willing to contribute funds to construct the required facilities.
Customers include Round Rock, the Brushy Creek MUD, Austin, and Cedar Park.
Under the regional system, an Alliance of the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA)
and the BRA is responsible for the treatment of all wastewater in the Brushy Creek
basin. To this end, ownership of the City's two wastewater treatment plants passed to
the Alliance in 1997. The City recognized that a regional sewage system was best
handled by a river authority that had control over an entire basin. The regional system
is a means to get small, less effective wastewater plants off our creeks to improve the
water quality and protect the environment. Currently, each municipality treats
wastewater in separate municipal facilities and discharges the treated water into nearby
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UTILITIES
creeks. Under the regional plan, all wastewater will be treated at the regional plant in
Round Rock and safely discharged from a single location.
The regional wastewater treatment plant is at the confluence of Brushy and Chandler
Creeks in the City of Round Rock. Wastewater will reach the plant via wastewater
interceptors along Brushy Creek. Segments connecting Cedar Park to Round Rock
will be complete by 2001. The total area currently served by the regional plan is
approximately 140 square miles. The regional wastewater treatment plant will have an
ultimate capacity of 52 MGD, and will be capable of serving 520,000 people. The
Alliance owns the two wastewater treatment plants in Round Rock, a major wastewater
collection line along Brushy Creek, and a regional collection line in the Brushy Creek
drainage basin. Round Rock controls the remainder of the City wastewater collection
system.
Demand Calculation
The amount of wastewater service required by an area depends primarily upon the
development and population density of that area. To facilitate the sizing of wastewater
mains, the Public Works Department converts land area into living unit equivalents
(LUE). An LUE is defined as that unit of development which produces the same peak
wet weather wastewater flow as is produced by a single-family dwelling using 350
gallons per day average flow. It should be noted that a given number of LUEs within
an area does not necessarily reflect the actual population that resides within the area.
Commercial, industrial, and recreational areas may have elevated LUE numbers even
though these areas have no permanent residents. To compare dissimilar land uses,
Public Works uses a corresponding LUE conversion factor for each of six land use
categories. (See Table 8.4).
Table 8.4 LUE Conversion Factors
Land Use
Living Unit Equivalents'
Single Family
Duplex
Multi -Family
Commercial/Industrial
Open Space'
1.0 per unit
0.9 per unit
0.7 per unit
Building Area (square feet) x 6 x Land Area (acres)
Land Area (square feet)
0.9 per acre
Source: City of Round Rock Public Works Department
A unit refers to a single-family residence, half a duplex, or one apartment unit.
2 Open space encompasses parks, greenbelts, and floodplains. Open space is assumed to
add 0.9 LUE per acre due to stormwater inflow and infiltration.
RESIDENTIAL
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There are three residential land use categories: single-family, duplex, and multi -family.
Single-family homes are calculated as one LUE. Duplex units are calculated as nine
tenths of an LUE. Multi -family units are calculated as seven tenths of an LUE.
Existing duplex developments average 7.0 LUE per acre and multi -family
developments average 14.0 LUE per acre.
COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL
Single story commercial and industrial uses which are not heavy water users result in
approximately 2.4 LUE per acre.
OPEN SPACE
Open space is assumed to add 0.9 LUE per acre due to stormwater inflow and
infiltration.
Stonnwater Inflow and Infiltmtion
Future wastewater treatment demand is calculated using an average daily wastewater
demand of 100 gallons per capita per day. Stormwater inflow and infiltration can
substantially increase wastewater treatment demand. Accordingly, a program to
minimize stormwater inflow and infiltration into the wastewater system has been
implemented to reduce operations costs and keep utility rates low.
Industrial and Hazardous aSte
The treatment of wastewater is adversely affected when certain industrial or hazardous
materials are added. Because Round Rock's wastewater treatment system capacity
exceeds 5 MGD, federal law requires the development of a wastewater pretreatment
program for industrial wastes. The purpose of the pretreatment program is to ensure
that discharged industrial wastes do not interfere with the operation of the treatment
system and can be treated properly by the City's system. The City's pretreatment
program has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
8.4 Regional Stormwater Detention
It is the general policy of the City of Round Rock to encourage a regional stormwater
detention system rather than provide small on site detention facilities. Regional
stormwater detention is provided by several U.S. Soil Conservation Service (SCS)
reservoirs located throughout the Planning Area, quarry structures west of town, and
channelization. SCS Dam Number 14, located north of Old Settlers Boulevard and
east of Settlement Drive, is an example of a regional detention site. The use of a
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UTILITIES
regional stormwater detention system provides centralized control of stormwater
flows, reduced space requirements, and reduced maintenance requirements.
8.5 Solid Waste Collection and Recycling
Round Rock Refuse, an independent contractor, provides solid waste collection for
Round Rock. Round Rock Refuse deposits the waste in the Williamson County
landfill, which is located outside the Round Rock extraterritorial jurisdiction north of
Hutto. Recycling is provided by a drop off center on Deepwood Drive as well as a
voluntary curbside subscription program offered by Round Rock Refuse. The City has
operated the recycling center since 1991. The curbside program started in 1999.
Recycled materials include newsprint, magazines, steel cans, aluminum cans, plastic
milk bottles, plastic soda bottles, oil, and antifreeze. Each year approximately 640 tons
of these materials are recycled that would otherwise have been dumped in the landfill
Recycling helps fill the landfill at a slower rate, extends the life of the landfill, precludes
early construction of new landfills, and keeps garbage rates low. Although recent
recycling efforts in Round Rock have increased slightly with the enactment of a
curbside recycling program, the potential exists for much higher levels of recycling in
the City.
8.6 Future Considerations
Water Conservation
Water treatment and supply is driven by the City's peak demand. Peak demand is the
most intense one-time use that the water system will ever experience. The City must
plan and build new facilities based on peak demand even though average use is
substantially less. Conservation measures are a means to flatten the peak demand and
more efficiently utilize existing facilities. A lower peak water demand extends the life
of current facilities before costly upgrades or new facilities are required. Delaying new
construction and better utilizing current capacity helps keep water rates low.
The City of Round Rock, in partnership with the City of Austin and other Central
Texas cities, participates in two water conservation programs. The first of these is a
voluntary water conservation program. Based on the last two digits of their street
address, residents are asked to water their lawns only on days and at times specified by
a regional calendar. The second program is a Drought Management Program, which
features three drought response stages. The program recognizes that drought is a
recurring event in Texas. The three stages represent a phased response to droughts
based on drought severity. While each municipality follows the same actions within a
particular stage, neighboring cities might not announce stages at the same time. Stages
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are driven by both the severity of the drought and a municipality's ability to meet
demands during a drought
Reuse Water Utility
The City is exploring a water reuse utility as another conservation measure. Water
reuse would entail building separate water lines for treated wastewater effluent and
using the water for golf course, park, and stadium irrigation. Water reuse offers a low
cost alternative to the unnecessary use of fully treated water for irrigation and
landscaping. Water reuse limits the burden placed on water treatment plants, preserves
their capacity, and offers an opportunity to efficiently use what is becoming an
increasingly scarce resource.
8.7 Summary
Round Rock's steady population growth is not expected to subside in the near future.
The City of Round Rock, therefore, anticipates the need for increased capacity coupled
with strong conservation initiatives to meet the peak demands generated by a growing
population. The City anticipates the completion of the regional wastewater facility to
meet much of the wastewater treatment demand and various agreements to meet water
supply needs. When taken together, capacity improvements, consistent system
monitoring and upgrades, usage projections, and initiatives to promote the efficient use
of existing supplies are expected to provide cost-effective and dependable utility service
for residents and businesses into the next century.
100
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
9.1 Parks and Open Space Plan
To be inseriethpon a vole on bytbe Parks and on Deparftent
101
NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING
Strengthening the City's commitment to collaborative neighborhood improvement
10.1 Introduction
Neighborhood Planning in Round Rock has its roots in the 1990 General Plan.
The 1990 Plan recognized that a home is the single largest investment most
individuals make in their lifetime, that neighborhoods are the building blocks
of a community, and that the City needs to take measures to strengthen this
basic structure of our community. The 1990 General Plan specifically stated that "older
residential neighborhoods have a unique character and neighborhood identification
should be protected." The goals and objectives of the General Plan 2000 reinforce the
recommendations made in the 1990 Plan by emphasizing that Round Rock should
establish policies and programs that strengthen and preserve neighborhood integrity.
Objectives to achieve this goal specify that the City should:
• reinvest in the infrastructure of the City's older areas;
• ensure strong, consistent code enforcement to maintain neighborhood
integrity;
• investigate methods and incentives to bring existing developed properties
into conformity with new ordinances;
• ensure compatible land uses adjacent to neighborhoods;
• avoid the creation of large concentrations of apartments in any one area of
the city; and
• continue the Neighborhood Planning Program.
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NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING
10.2 Neighborhood Planning Program
The Neighborhood Planning Program has become an established program within the
Round Rock Planning and Community Development Department This collaborative
program includes representation not only from residents in a particular neighborhood
but also from businesses and institutions within the neighborhood. Since 1994, the
Planning Department has coordinated three neighborhood planning efforts with
neighborhood representatives and City department representatives. While the goals for
these efforts have been unique to each neighborhood, each resultant program shared
similar long-range goals of strengthening the identity of residential areas, stabilizing and
improving property values, and helping guide change within the neighborhood.
The downtown neighborhood was the first group to request a Neighborhood Plan.
The City was very eager to respond to this request to demonstrate a commitment to
protecting the character and history of the older downtown area. A Neighborhood
Planning Team (NPT), comprised of citizen representatives from the neighborhood,
was appointed by the City Council in March 1994 to identify problems and concerns
ranging from non -conforming uses to maintenance of architectural character within
the downtown area. Meetings were held over a period of eight months with the NPT
working through and discussing problems and concerns with representatives from
various City departments. During this time, City staff was also preparing a study to
help derive solutions to the problems identified by the NPT. Solutions and
recommendations were then proposed by the NPT to implement the plan. The City
Council adopted the Downtown Plan in December 1994.
The Greater Round Rock West NPT began its work with the Planning Department
staff in June 1996. Representatives from six residential areas of the Round Rock West
subdivisions met over a period of six months to discuss neighborhood issues and
concerns. Among other issues, the Greater Round Rock West Plan addresses traffic
problems, recommends locations for new sidewalks, and calls for greater
communication between the neighborhood and the City. The Plan was adopted by
City Council Resolution in February 1997. As with the Downtown Plan, the Greater
Round Rock West Plan contains an Implementation Plan that sets deadlines for
addressing the concerns of the NPT.
The Northeast Neighborhood Improvement Process (NIP) is the most recent
neighborhood planning effort (1998). This program differed from the previous efforts
in two respects. First, an NPT was not established but, rather, residents from the three
northeast neighborhoods, Egger's Acres, Mesa Ridge, and Mesa Village, were all
invited to attend. This change from previous formats was brought about due to the
complete buildout of the area to be studied. Second, rather than producing a plan for
the whole neighborhood, specific improvement plans were developed by the residents.
To identify the necessary improvements for the neighborhood, staff facilitated a
brainstorming session. The NIP was completed within a twelve -week period. At its
conclusion, a sidewalk plan and street lighting plan were recommended. Both plans
103
NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING
were presented to the City Council and have since been incorporated into the City's
Sidewalk Plan and into the City's and TU Electric's future street lighting plans,
respectively. In addition to the improvement plans, a "Neighborhood Guide to City
Services" was also produced. The purpose of the guide is to help neighborhood
residents identify key persons who can assist them in addressing neighborhood issues,
concerns, and problems. It will be a resource in future planning efforts.
10.3 Implementation Plans
Actions and Deadlines Implementation Plans have been adopted by Council resolution
for the two Neighborhood Plans: the Downtown Plan and the Greater Round Rock
West Neighborhood Plan. The Actions and Deadlines have been developed during
the NPT process to address the concerns that are prioritized during the planning
process. Team members and City department head representatives each take
responsibility for completing actions on items that are directly related to their areas of
concern and expertise. From the date of Neighborhood Plan adoption, short term
actions are to be implemented within 1-2 years, medium term actions within 2-3 years,
and long term actions within 3-5 years. These plans which are reviewed on an annual
basis function as advisory documents and help guide actions affecting the
neighborhood. The Planning and Community Development Department coordinates
the annual review and a report is then presented to the City Manager.
10.4 Future Adoption Process
Citizen participants in the General Plan 2000 revision process were particularly pleased
with the efforts made to date in the Neighborhood Planning Program. In fact,
included in the General Plan 2000 goals and objectives is a statement indicating
support for the program. However, the program is still growing and a legal framework
is needed to ensure that there is a clear understanding of the relationship between the
General Plan and the Neighborhood Planning element of the Plan. Figure 10.1.
depicts this relationship.
As in any system or process, each step is important. Citizen communication with the
City and neighborhood involvement in the decision making process is improved by
initiating a Neighborhood Plan. Neighborhood residents have first hand knowledge of
problems in their neighborhood that the City may not be aware. However,
acknowledging and identifying the problems is only the beginning. Participation in the
Neighborhood Planning Process also includes an Action Plan which allows everyone
to collaborate in solving problems. Some problems are better addressed by the
Neighborhood Association while others require the City's attention. After City review
of the Neighborhood Plan, it is implemented through an amendment to the General
Plan. This solidifies the connection between the General Plan and the Neighborhood
Plan and reinforces the goals and objectives from the planning process. To further
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NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING
implement the Neighborhood Plan, it may also be necessary to amend the City's
zoning and subdivision regulations as well as the Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan
amendments insure that required actions are put into the City's timetable and workplan
and that there is accountability for addressing problems.
Figure 10.1: Neighborhood Planning & General Plan
GENERAL PLAN 2000
• General Plan sets goals for the City
and for neighborhoods
• Neighborhood Planning element
describes neighborhood planning
program that results in comprehensive
and collaborative neighborhood plans
RESOURCES
• City and Planning
Surveys
• Neighborhood Guide
• Planning and Design
Workshop Summary
Report
NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN
• Neighborhood Inventory
and Analysis
• Identification of Issues
and Concems
• Issue -specific Action Plan
• Department Review
• Planning and Zoning
Review
• City Council Review
and Adoption
IMPLEMENTATION
1 -
COLLABORATION
• Residents
• Businesses
• Institutions
• City Government
• General Plan
Amendment
• Zoning
• Subdivision
• Strategic Plan
105
NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING
10.5 Community Development Programs
In addition to the Neighborhood Planning Program, the City has other opportunities
to implement revitalization programs for neighborhoods. These programs are funded
through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) annual
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and are coordinated through the
Office of Community Development in the Planning and Community Development
Department The CDBG funds community development activities that include
conducting neighborhood revitalisation strategies. The City has been able to fund
some of the necessary park improvements identified in the Downtown Plan and the
Northeast Improvement Process through the CDBG program.
Strategies for neighborhood revitalization are very clearly defined within the HUD
process. Neighborhood revitalization strategies may be submitted as part of the City's
Consolidated Plan, the five-year HUD Plan which outlines the City's priorities in
housing, community development, and economic development When applicable,
HUD's approval of the Consolidated Plan will also state its approval of the
revitalisation strategy either as part of the Consolidated Plan or as an amendment to it.
HUD's approval of a neighborhood revitalization strategy must be expressly stated
prior to either funding or activities.
Neighborhood revitali>ation strategies seek to create partnerships or collaborations
among the City, the private sector, community organizations, and neighborhood
residents. The City recognizes the necessity of collaborating in problem -solving in
order to achieve success in revitalization efforts. Successful neighborhood
revitalisation strategies bring together neighborhood and community stakeholders to
forge partnerships that achieve the following
• obtain commitments to neighborhood -building;
• make neighborhoods attractive for investments, thereby creating a market for
profits;
• generate neighborhood participation to ensure that the benefits of economic
activity are reinvested in the neighborhood for long-term community
development;
• support the use of neighborhood intermediary institutions such as
Community -Based Development Organizations (CBDOs), Community
Development Corporations (CDCs), Community Development Financial
Institutions (CDFIs), and religious institutions to bridge gaps between
government, business, community groups, and residents; and
• foster the growth of resident -based initiatives to identify and address their
needs.
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A neighborhood revitalization strategy is designed to provide for the economic
empowerment of the low- and moderate -income residents of a particular
neighborhood and other long-term improvements within a reasonable period of time.
Therefore, the strategy should dearly describe how it meets the following criteria:
• Boundaries: The grantee has identified the neighborhood's boundaries for which the
strategy applies. All areas within those boundaries must be contiguous;
• Demographic Criteria• The designated area must be primarily residential and contain a
percentage of low- and moderate -income residents that is not less than 51 percent;
• Insu/ation: The grantee must describe how the strategy was developed in
consultation with the area's stakeholders, including residents, owners/operators of
businesses and Financial institutions, non-profit organizations, and community
groups that are in or serve the neighborhood;
• Assessment- The strategy must include an assessment of the economic conditions of
the area and an examination of the opportunities for economic development
improvement and the problems likely to be encountered;
• Economic Empowerment: There must be a realistic development strategy and
implementation plan to promote the area's economic progress focusing on
activities to create meaningful jobs for the unemployed and low- and moderate -
income residents of the area (mcluding jobs created by CDBG assisted efforts) as
well as activities to promote the substantial revitalization of the neighborhood; and
• Performance Measurements: The strategy must identify the results (e.g., physical
improvements, social initiatives, and economic empowerment) expected to be
achieved, expressing them in terms that are readily measurable.
Neighborhood revitalization strategies should be designed to achieve substantial
improvements in the delineated neighborhood area to create meaningful levels of
economic opportunities for residents during the time frame of the City's approved
Consolidated Plan. However, HUD does not require that a neighborhood be fully
revitalized within that five year period, but that the level of improvements be
substantial. Once HUD approves a revitalization strategy, the City may assume that
this approval is in effect for the full time period of the strategy, as long as reasonable
progress is being made in its implementation. HUD requires each revitalization
strategy to include baseline needs information for the area and to set benchmark
projections for the activities to revitalize the area.
The benchmarks should be readily measurable with specific results and should clearly
represent positive steps toward the desired ultimate outcome: economic revitalization
of the designated area. Each year following HUD's approval of the strategy, the City
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will need to identify in its annual Community Development Action Plan the outputs to
be achieved by the end of that year.
The benchmarks should include measures of outputs to be achieved with the CDBG
funds together with other resources. An example of outputs would be the number of
new businesses formed or the reduction, by a certain number or percentage, of persons
on welfare. Since the benchmarks are to reflect the expected level of accomplishments
at the end of each program year, they must be measurable at such times.
10.6 Summary
Cities nationwide have been successful in improving the quality of life in their
communities through Neighborhood Planning. The Neighborhood Planning Program
in Round Rock is a collaborative program that seeks to provide neighborhood
residents with the assistance and coordination that is necessary to promote
neighborhood stability and improvement. The NPT Neighborhood Plans, NIPs, and
HUD Neighborhood Revitalization programs are all programs that have been
successful in this effort. With the goals and objectives of the General Plan 2000 as the
guiding policies and the more specific Action Plans and ordinances as the
implementation tools, Neighborhood Planning will continue to be a successful
planning tool for the entire community.
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ORDINANCE
11.1 Ordinance
To be inserted upon completion of the adopting ordinance for the General Plan
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DATE: June 4, 1999
SUBJECT: City Council Meeting, June 10, 1999
ITEM:
9.C.1. Consider an ordinance adopting the Round Rock General Plan 2000. (First
Reading) The Round Rock General Plan is the official policy document guiding
long range planning and community development in the City of Round Rock. It
provides the legal basis for the city's zoning and subdivision regulations as well
as all other development regulations. The Plan sets forth the major goals and
objectives that guide physical growth and community development in Round
Rock and provides guidance for decision making. Staff Resource Person: Joe
Vining, Planning Director.
On May 5, 1999, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended adoption of the Round Rock
General Plan 2000.