The development agreement for Driftwood Golf and Ranch Club, a proposed development that will include single family homes, a golf course, clubhouse, park land and open space, was approved unanimously Jan. 8 by Dripping Springs City Council.

The community will be located southeast of the FM 1826 and FM 967 intersection in Dripping Spring’s extraterritorial jurisdiction.

Mayor Pro Tem Bill Foulds said residents have raised concerns about other activities, such as music and sporting events at night, taking place at the development.

Applicant Don Bosse said that some sports fields are proposed as part of the development’s clubhouse, but the fields will not be lit. Lighting at the development will also follow the city’s dark sky regulations.

“[Dark skies are] a very important part of our DNA,” Bosse said. “One of the things we want to market about that community is the dark skies. It’s dark now and we’re going to keep it that way.”

City Council also approved a retail water and wastewater service agreement with the developer and the Driftwood Conservation District. Through the agreement, the developer will construct facilities that will improve service.

“This year you’re going to see a lot happening [at the development],” Bosse said.



City Council also approved requests for three other developments.

Cobb Ranch Estates


A variance request to reduce the size of a required water quality buffer zone for Cobb Ranch Estates was approved, per the recommendation of city staff.

The future subdivision, located at 1840 Reunion Ranch Blvd., Dripping Spring, will include 5 residential lots and a new community road.

According to the city staff report, the water quality buffer zone reduction will not compromise water quality. The development will also utilize rainwater collection on properties and vegetation strips downstream to maintain water quality.

Esperanza


A one-year construction extension was given to the Esperanza subdivision. The development, located at 4900 Bell Springs Road, Dripping Springs, will bring 104 residential lots to the 107-acre property. The developer has also agreed to make improvements to Spring Lane, which would see increased traffic from the project.

Plans for the project had been approved by the city in the past, but are set to expire. A subdivision application has been resubmitted to the city and will be reviewed by the City Council on Feb. 12, according to the city’s website.

Headwaters Commercial


City Council approved a request to split a 39.8-acre plat into three plats for the Headwaters Commercial development. According to the city staff report, one of the lots will be used as a detention pond to improve water quality on the property. Other plans have not yet been approved.