City Council approved amendments to its downtown zoning ordinances July 11.

The new zoning classifications will divide most of the downtown area into three areas with defined commercial and residential uses.

The zoning changes were considered a matter of need by City Council for the future development of downtown.

"Growth is going to come whether we want it or not," Councilman Carlos Salinas said. "It is not a question of whether we can control it from happening, but can we manage it?"

Some residential areas will now allow for mixed-use development including restaurants, offices and more.

Details of the zoning changes can be found on the city's website at www.roundrocktexas.gov

Mixed-Use Historic Commercial Core [MU-1]:

Allows restaurants, government facilities, entertainment facilities, residential/work units, offices, parks, retail sales and service and upper-story condominiums

Mixed-Use Downtown Medium Density [MU-2]:

Allows restaurants, government facilities, entertainment facilities, residential/work units, multifamily housing, offices, overnight accommodations, parks, retail sales and service, single-family detached homes and townhouses

Mixed-Use Limited [MU-L]:

Allows conversion of single-family residential structures into bed and breakfasts, offices, personal service businesses, artisanal product manufacturing and boutique shops