Southlake City Council approves Liberty Commons residential development with new tree requirements

The Southlake City Council meeting on May 20, 2025, focused on significant zoning changes and development plans, particularly concerning the Liberty Commons project and the Dakota's steakhouse and event center.

The council approved the zoning change and development plan for Liberty Commons, which includes 14 single-family residential lots on approximately 10.72 acres. The approval mandates that each residential lot must have at least two trees planted, with corner lots required to plant three. This initiative aims to enhance the area's green space and tree canopy, which is currently at 43.25% but falls short of the 60% requirement. The council discussed strategies to meet this requirement, including additional tree plantings in open spaces.

In addition to residential developments, the council addressed the Dakota's steakhouse and event center, located at the intersection of Westbound State Highway 114 and West Kirkwood Boulevard. The proposed changes include amending the building orientation and refining the site plan to accommodate additional parking. The council noted a significant reduction in required parking spaces from 200 to 50, based on a new calculation method that considers seating capacity rather than floor area.

The meeting also highlighted concerns regarding traffic management, particularly U-turns near school zones. The council agreed to install a no U-turn sign on South Peyton Bridal Avenue during school hours to improve safety.

Overall, the council's decisions reflect a commitment to balancing residential development with environmental considerations and community safety. The approved plans will now move forward, with further evaluations required for any future developments in the area.