Horseshoe Bay delays development amendment decision due to concerns about barns, over building, and livestock
Silver Rock development, where the amendment regarding Stillwater and Falcon Senior Living Center, are located. DailyTrib graphic, City of Horseshoe Bay image
Horseshoe Bay City Council postponed a decision on a proposed amendment to the Silver Rock development following debate over requested changes that they believe could open the door for unwanted construction and land use in the future.
The amendment, discussed during the May 19 council meeting, combines requests from two sections of the planned Silver Rock development, Stillwater and Falcon Senior Living Center. The council’s discussion centered on concerns over how future residents could interpret or potentially misuse the amended regulations, particularly regarding animals, accessory structures and the number of casitas and pool houses allowed.
Council voted to continue the public hearing on zoning changes for Silver Rock until its June 21 meeting to allow for further discussion and additional information.
“I know the original owners will probably be awesome, but down the road we are concerned about who does what,” Mayor Jeff Jones said during the meeting.
The proposed changes for Stillwater, an eight-lot section made up of five-acre tracts, would expand permitted accessory structures to include casitas, pool houses, barns and animal enclosures while prohibiting breeding, kenneling and exotic animals.
An additional change would allow accessory structure size from a minimum of 1,000 square feet to a maximum of 5,000 square feet, with a total aggregate of 10,000 square feet. It would also allow detached garages or barns for tractors and RVs if screened from neighboring properties and roadways. It also prohibits subdivision of the single-family lots.
“Staff feels that this is actually appropriate. On a one acre lot, you don’t have all the room to do this. But on a 5 acre lot, you’ve got room for a barn and some horses. You’ve got room for some accessory structures,” Senior Planner Sandra Nash said.
Requests from Falcon Senior Living Center drew little discussion. The development requested covered parking structures and a taller entryway structure to accommodate emergency vehicles.
Residents also raised concerns about the Texas 71 entrances to the development, traffic impacts and the timeline for planned highway improvements tied to the project.