Horseshoe Bay hearing on rock-crushing rules follows OK of temporary site
Atten Hill in Horseshoe Bay. Staff photo by Maci Cottingham
Horseshoe Bay will hold a public hearing in October to consider zoning amendments clarifying restrictions on mining, drilling, quarrying, and rock crushing in the city limits. The hearing comes after a controversial approval of a temporary rock-crushing operation this summer at a construction site in the Atten Hill area.
Residents will have the opportunity to weigh in during the City Council’s regular meeting, which is Oct. 14 at 3 p.m. at 1 Community Drive. The council will follow the hearing with a discussion and possible action on the matter.
Residents also may submit comments in writing before the meeting to City Secretary Kerri Craig at kcraig@horseshoe-bay-tx.gov.
The item was originally on the September meeting’s agenda but was pushed to October to allow for more time to develop policy and gather public input.
The amendments target sections 14.02.402, 14.02.414, and 14.02.421 of Chapter 14 of the city’s zoning code.
Horseshow Bay Mayor Elsie Thurman told DailyTrib.com the proposed amendments are intended to reaffirm and “tighten up” existing restrictions while adding explicit language about rock crushing, ensuring clarity for developers and residents moving forward.
The conversation began this summer when a developer submitted a request to operate a temporary rock-crushing and screening site near the exclusive Atten Hill community during Phase 1 construciton of the Summit Rock development.
The City Council approved a conditional-use permit for the rock crushing with several restrictions in August. Operations are limited to five designated sites within the construction zone and may continue only through March 1, 2026, or within 180 days of the intent to begin work, whichever comes first. Work hours are restricted to between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
In response to residents’ concerns about dust, air quality, and noise, the permit requires the operator to use a manned water truck to control dust, monitor and maintain air-quality standards, and implement sound-reduction measures in compliance with city noise ordinances.
Additionally, the site must be screened from the view of nearby residents and golfers. Truck access is also restricted, with entry and exit limited to Texas 71 for hauling materials to Burnet.
Currently, Horseshoe Bay’s zoning ordinance includes several restrictions on mining and aggregate operations:
- Section 14.02.402 (12): “In relation to oil, gas, and minerals, no mining, exploring, drilling, development, refining, quarrying, or other operations of a related nature” are allowed on any lot in any zoning district.
- Section 14.02.414(c)(L) (Summit Rock communities): Specifically prohibits mining, drilling, or quarrying of oil, gas, minerals, gravel, soil, or rocks.
- Section 14.02.421(c)(9) (The Parks at Horseshoe Bay): Applies restrictions in Zone 18, restating prohibitions from Section 14.02.402.