Round Rock City Council approved a planned unit development, or PUD, Dec. 18 at the intersection of SH 45 N and Meister Lane, which paves the way for a new housing development as well as retail and office space.

A PUD is a site-specific zoning district tailored to a specific location and use. The development in a PUD must exceed what is required by standard zoning. PUDs can provide greater flexibility in development, according to city documents.

According to city documents the new subdivision, called Northfields, would occupy 44.9 acres of land on two parcels along Meister Lane. The housing development will be constructed by Meritage Homes, which specializes in energy-effecient houses.

The first parcel, to the north bordering Gattis School Road, would consist of 10,000-square-foot lots, according to city documents. The second parcel would consist of 6,500- and 4,500-square-foot lots.

Also in the new development plan for the area is 3.8 acres dedicated to limited commercial use.

According to city documents, the commercial use will not allow drive-thru eating establishments and auto service facilities and body shops. The city documents also indicate 18.5 acres will be dedicated to a business park.

The PUD also reserves about 5 acres of land to be dedicated to the city of Round Rock to satisfy parkland dedication requirements, according to city documents. A community association, according to the plan, will also maintain a half-acre private park.