Why now?
Marcus Pacheco, Hays County development services director, said the development regulations have been amended multiple times in the past 15 years, and, in the latest effort to do so, staff realized the scope of necessary changes was too extensive for minor amendments.
He added that the county’s growth and evolving needs since the creation of the regulations require updated practices, policies and procedures to properly manage development, ensure water conservation, address floodplain concerns and protect the community.
How it works
“What's happening right now is the Freese and Nichols team, along with county staff, is looking at diagnosing the existing regulations and other supporting documents and standard operating procedures to see, essentially, what's working and what's not working, but also taking feedback from key stakeholder groups and the community,” Pacheco said.
The county held four different meetings across the various precincts on Sept. 2 to gather community recommendations. Pacheco said approximately 85-100 people attended each open house.
What residents are saying
Pacheco said key concerns included:
- Water availability: There was widespread backing for “One Water” principles, such as rainwater harvesting and water reuse, as well as protecting local groundwater from overuse by various strategies—such as limiting private wells—particularly amid growing water shortages.
- Water quality: There were suggestions of green infrastructure and land-use limits in recharge zones.
- Stricter flood plain management: Residents advocated for limits on impervious cover and increased conservation to buffer flood-prone areas.
- Transportation needs: Some requested improved road conditions, public transit expansion, and the ability to walk and bike.
- Financially savvy development: Citizens urged the county to ensure development helps fund both new and existing infrastructure.
- City and county collaboration: The community emphasized the need for coordination among municipalities to align development goals.
Hays County and Freese and Nichols are finalizing a diagnostic report on current regulations.
Pacheco said public and commissioner feedback will guide the proposed changes for the rewrite, which will begin after the report is brought to the court. Pacheco estimated that, if all goes as planned, it will be completed by late 2026.
Ongoing public engagement and updates will be shared on the county’s website, which is also where residents can submit feedback at this time.
