A diversity in neighborhoods and housing design by amending zoning laws is the way Kyle leaders want to improve future housing developments in the city.
Those changes came after city leaders noticed current housing development patterns seemed to concentrate on the highest density return for land area available.
According to city staff, this pattern led to housing projects that lacked permanence or resiliency, creating a collection of houses rather than communities.
“The concept of ‘Live, Work, Play’ has been subverted in a way that capitalizes on the immediate housing demand, at the sacrifice of the city’s efforts toward sustainable land use planning and a comprehensive plan for quality of life initiatives,” said Howard Koontz, Community Development Director, in a memo to city staff.
The amendment, when fully passed, would establish a style guide for residential developments in Kyle, aiming to create a conditional use process for the platting of new one- and two-family home subdivisions.
The amendment would also enact a staff-level review process for these new structures, in order to ensure consistency with previously approved minimums.
“It’s been discussed here in city hall for some time now, I’d guess more than 18 months,” said Koontz. “Now, with the number of home sites being completed yearly and the anticipated number of homes slated for new construction in the foreseeable future, something needed to be done in advance of the new homes we expect to be built.”
According to Koontz, this method was favorable over trying to create specific zoning regulations.
“There are too many variables in the design and construction process to codify controls for every possible outcome,” said Koontz. “Limiting design theory to only those scenarios for which you’ve planned can stymie innovation, lead to homogeneity of design, and perhaps prohibit an otherwise desirable product.”
If passed, this style guide would provide a reference of concepts for future developments to adhere to.
The concepts within the neighborhood design and layout portion of the guide focus on maintaining naturalized areas and maximizing accessibility to homes, working to establish greener infrastructure by repurposing storm water to irrigate on-site landscaping or parks amenities, and installing amenities that serve a dual purpose.
Other concepts focus on helping to reduce traffic congestion by avoiding cul-de-sacs and establishing the most amount of connectivity possible.
It is unclear at this time how these changes could affect property taxes in the long term, but city leaders and staff are confident that the changes will result in a positive outcome overall for Kyle residents.
“Kyle is hopeful it will result in better, more livable places for our residents,” Koontz said.
