Council approved planned unit development zoning for Hutto Landing at an April 7 meeting.
Planned unit development zoning allows for adjustments to the development requirements included with standard zoning. In the case of Hutto Landing, developer Maverick Development requested a change to the usual landscape requirements for multifamily developments, specifically regarding the required density of trees.
According to Amanda Brown, a representative of design firm Kimley-Horn, the usual requirement for tree density would conflict with Hutto Landing's planned layout, inhibiting the health of the trees and the capacity for open space.
"One of the priorities of our development is to provide some meaningful open space—kind of cleared space where people can go throw a ball—and that's not possible with the current tree planting requirements," Brown said.
The city received several letters from citizens in opposition to the rezoning, mostly opposing the development on the grounds that it would bring multifamily housing next to existing single-family housing.
However, the land was already zoned for multifamily use—the zoning approved April 7 only changed landscape requirements.
Additionally, Brown said the development will utilize a combination of trees and strategically distanced apartment buildings to preserve the privacy of neighboring homes. According to Brown, Kimley-Horn commissioned a sight line study to assure Hutto Landing residents living on upper floors would not have a view into nearby homes or yards.
Council will consider the rezoning a second time at its next meeting April 21.
