Council approved an amendment to the zoning plan clearing the way for a residential focused neighborhood and setting a public hearing on a related financing district.
What’s happening?
City leaders selected a residential-focused plan that devotes 90% of the site to housing and 10% to retail and services.
Two scenarios were presented for the mixed-use project, each outlining different mixes of housing and commercial space.
Council members voted 5-2 with council members Evan Porterfield and Aaron King in opposition.
Planning manager John Byron said the project—previously approved in 2024 as a 50-50 mix of residential and industrial uses—was revised to a 90-10 layout that emphasized housing while keeping space for small-scale retail and community amenities.
“The applicant is wishing to amend that previously approved PUD going to the 90-10 development,” said Byron.
Byron said this option aligned with Hutto’s SOAR 2040 Comprehensive Plan, emphasizing walkability, diverse housing types and community amenities.
Under the updated plan, about 75% of the property will be single-family homes, 15% townhomes and 10% multifamily units, totaling about 2,000 residential units at full buildout.
Commercial sites are planned along the major roadways, with possible space for a school or small local businesses catering to the needs of residents.
The plan also includes trails, parks, wider sidewalks and drought-tolerant landscaping. Multifamily buildings will be capped at three stories when adjacent to single-family homes to preserve privacy.
Seth Mearig, CEO of Gray Civil Engineering and representative for the developer Waymaker Ventures, said design work is underway and the first phase of construction plans have already been submitted for review. Mearing said that construction will depend on completion of the East Wilco Highway extension.
Also on the agenda
In a separate action, council voted to accept a petition from developer WMV Hutto 390 DE to create a Public Improvement District for the same site.
The PID would allow the developer to finance an estimated $100 million in roads, utilities, drainage and park space through special assessments on property within the district.
The exact amount each property owner would pay has not yet been determined—that will come later when the city considers the district’s service and assessment plan.
Council scheduled a public hearing for Dec. 4 to take comments and decide whether to formally establish the district.
