By Megan Wehring
DRIPPING SPRINGS – Approximately 3.209 acres of land will be annexed and zoned for the new Dripping Springs Community Library.
On Sept. 6, the Dripping Springs City Council unanimously approved the annexation of approximately 3.209 acres out of the Philip A. Smith Survey, located at 501 Sportsplex Drive, for the library. The council also approved a zoning map amendment from Agriculture (AG) to Commercial Services (CS) for the same acreage.
The benefits outweigh the detriments of annexing the property. Benefits include the landscaping and lighting ordinances that apply, land use control and compliance with building codes.
“The only downside we identified is a potential increase in impervious cover,” said Tory Carpenter, senior planner.
The Dripping Springs City Council, Planning & Zoning Commission and city staff have been discussing the project for some time.
• July 19, 2022: The city council authorized staff to negotiate the services agreement and proceed with annexation
• Aug. 23, 2022: The P&Z Commission conducted a public hearing and voted unanimously to recommend approval of the zoning amendment to CS.
• Sept. 6, 2022: The city council held a public hearing, considered an annexation ordinance and considered the municipal services agreement for the annexation of the property. The council also conducted a public hearing and considered the proposed zoning amendment.
Before this year’s conversations, the Dripping Springs Community Library staff knew that it was time to expand the facility back in 2017 as they stacked books on crowded shelves. Missy Atwood, Dripping Springs Community Library District (DSCLD) Board of Trustees President, said at the time that a larger facility could meet the needs of a growing community – she hoped to see a new library built in 2021.
As the new facility is still in its planning stages, there are no construction timelines at this time.
