The master plan for the city of West Lake Hills could be getting an update soon.
The comprehensive plan currently in place was adopted in 1979, and although amendments have been made to it since then, significant changes in the community have spurred the city to take a fresh look at the plan, according to city documents shared at a Feb. 12 council meeting.
The overview
The city’s comprehensive plan, which is required by Texas’ local government code, is an independent, long-range plan for use and development of land within the city, according to West Lake Hills’ code of ordinances.
An updated plan, as discussed at the Feb. 12 meeting, would address:
- Housing composition
- Economic sustainability
- Wastewater
- Wildfire prevention
What they’re saying
City Administrator Trey Fletcher shared a presentation regarding an updated comprehensive plan at the Feb. 12 meeting, as well as a timeline for associated city wastewater assessments and reports.
Wastewater infrastructure is a major consideration in the plan. Discussions between Mayor James Vaughan and Austin Water regarding the aging Barton Creek Wastewater Interceptor line partially prompted new work on the plan, with Austin Water now putting forward plans for a MoPac South Wastewater Interceptor line to be created on the western side of MoPac, servicing areas including West Lake Hills.
Given Austin Water’s plans, West Lake Hills will need to be responsive to the city with appropriate wastewater projections, meaning that land use, particularly on the Bee Caves Road Corridor, will need to be assessed alongside the city’s comprehensive plan, Fletcher said.
Once assessments are complete, wastewater reports will be submitted to Austin Water in March 2026, which the city hopes will coincide with the finalization of the comprehensive plan, Fletcher said.
The bottom line
City Council voted to continue work on the comprehensive plan, with more information becoming available as the plan develops.
