[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6527018,"mediaKeyId","3660030-6a6add1ae0ee6edaa334d572dd4e2148","parentId",3660030,"title","City’s new zoning‑withdrawal rules explained to ZAPCO; takes effect next day","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",363000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3660030-6a6add1ae0ee6edaa334d572dd4e2148&start=363&end=363","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3660030-6a6add1ae0ee6edaa334d572dd4e2148/thumbnail_363000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6527018/Lakeway/Travis-County/Texas/Citys-new-zoningwithdrawal-rules-explained-to-ZAPCO-takes-effect-next-day","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6527018-6f45a0ad4e12b02dc53a048d24a3078e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771131567&Signature=NhhwSleYqbOQI~Q-FXLs6ZiJ-9L33ndZC53Jp8p~K6fkKAQD7ft5x6O57njQyj1RS51hUNuy67yUsEI7OU2ZBL22mFmR724msdsX0p3mGdtJqbSREWYU2Ug7O4IXRSHnj5QLF-m5rxP2jvwGEyuHbroWfnTz4GQHjLGLhqEbApJHyFbRhJhP6ErZAmDRV2erqRCmmIwJFPHZ3GRN9fhCnku5VZZdQP2MrqR5feCN0AUV3Ojxuh4Bx~vlgqZ5EAU3eN5mMHwlituWPm8KXC90-s~-ox-emFpb8h4hOtSSo-ZYFwmCt4vlYvRMc9jIR5FnXtVgWCouZAOl4H5NPPMM2w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lakeway","date","2025-06-04T00:00:00Z","article","City planning staff told the Zoning and Planning Commission that on the Council agenda (May 19) Council approved an ordinance amending the city’s zoning withdrawal procedures; staff said the amendment takes effect the day after the ZAPCO meeting and explained how the new rules will operate.

Under the new process staff outlined, a publicly noticed application that is withdrawn by an applicant before the hearing will still allow public comment at the hearing, and an applicant may withdraw once and then refile; however, staff said the ordinance sets a limit: after a second withdrawal the applicant must wait 12 months to reapply. Staff clarified that a postponement requested by the commission does not count as a withdrawal and therefore does not trigger the 12‑month pause.

Why it matters: staff said the change standardizes a previously informal practice. Commissioners asked how the 12‑month clock is measured (staff confirmed it begins on the date of the second withdrawal), and asked whether citizens may still comment on withdrawn items (staff said public comment will still be permitted on withdrawn items that are on the posted agenda). Staff noted the amendment will be applied starting with the next day’s agendas.

Ending: Staff asked ZAPCO members to note the new rule when items are posted and said staff will follow up in future agendas to reflect the ordinance change.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lakeway - Zoning and Planning - Jun 04, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Staff told the Zoning & Planning Commission that City Council adopted an amendment to the zoning withdrawal process; once the amendment takes effect, applicants may withdraw once without penalty but a second withdrawal requires waiting 12 months; postponements are not counted as withdrawals.","taxTitle","Lakeway, Travis County, Texas","taxId",69618,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6527021,"ZAPCO approves Service Street Auto monument and building signs; larger frontage sign approved 6‑1",1462,3497000,4959000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3660030-6a6add1ae0ee6edaa334d572dd4e2148&start=3497&end=4959","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3660030-6a6add1ae0ee6edaa334d572dd4e2148/thumbnail_3497000.jpg","/articles/6527021/Lakeway/Travis-County/Texas/ZAPCO-approves-Service-Street-Auto-monument-and-building-signs-larger-frontage-sign-approved-61","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6527021-49ce5c0e50dabc7a385a4d9c3cd987c4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771131567&Signature=LuU7aHyzXSiCRJUzA51INxt3CSjAU0gzHqNjHU7bvrUBjD7Pxp6DTHj2txGQRXR9C-VRj9hTVKUM9e6xEeLcE7PoU9L14~A~Z9~sjMYEFqd0iQ2y8YBUzAuhd6f4gFuxi1AWuFCyZyXITs5gRejH6I8XUpOnK1EMFdBce2i4kstpcmVTeBD25VRxJs5Yq3J-Lfnt6F7IUIUAbjk2nKh8NBIGs7sRLl4UbFNcW1KFCsMWqPDvBWvhiVC-4tYYuvwgXUmlGvMVRwaQWk93H17bFTC2zmC6~5ZUw3Hri3EbS4JnN0YCAn76YVB84J83LyiZnFPQzZP92P~2FuE4fmwPxg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lakeway’s Zoning and Planning Commission approved sign variances for Service Street Auto at 16728 Highway 71 West, allowing two building signs and a monument sign after staff showed scaled renderings and visibility analyses.

Staff reported the monument sign complied with materials rules (stucco/stone/masonry) and the bay‑door building sign was 24.2 square feet, within code limits. The larger frontage sign requested was about 92.6 square feet and prompted extended discussion about readability at highway speeds and the appropriateness of scale relative to nearby Chase Bank and other signage along Highway 71.

Applicant representative Maureen (4D Sign Works) presented comparisons showing how a 24‑square‑foot permitted sign would appear from Highway 71 at speed and said the smaller sign would be “very tiny” and difficult to read; she proposed a larger intermediate size as a compromise if the full request was denied. Staff showed visibility metrics (letter height vs. required readability at posted speeds) to explain why a larger sign would improve legibility for drivers.

Commission discussion: Commissioners weighed the need for readable signage on 71, the monument sign’s setback from the highway, and the precedent of recent approvals. Commissioner Hook and others noted existing large signs on 71 and argued the frontage sign was proportionate to the building and site; Commissioner Cobb raised the possibility of approving a reduced size if members preferred a compromise.

Votes and outcome: The commission approved the monument sign and the smaller bay‑door sign in a single motion (7‑0). A second motion to approve the larger frontage sign carried 6‑1.

Next steps: The owner may pursue permits for sign construction and electrical work; staff and commissioners discussed the need for a broader sign‑code review in a future code update to clarify measurement rules and aesthetic guidance.

","The commission approved a monument sign and a smaller bay‑door building sign unanimously for Service Street Auto and later approved a larger frontage building sign after discussion of visibility and comparables; staff and applicant showed visibility analyses and scale renderings.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6527024,"Commission approves two sign variances for Jovi in Town Square; blade sign draws split vote",1427,2069000,3496000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3660030-6a6add1ae0ee6edaa334d572dd4e2148&start=2069&end=3496","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3660030-6a6add1ae0ee6edaa334d572dd4e2148/thumbnail_2069000.jpg","/articles/6527024/Lakeway/Travis-County/Texas/Commission-approves-two-sign-variances-for-Jovi-in-Town-Square-blade-sign-draws-split-vote","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6527024-9d2c07aabe9a05af2e34f30ddb0f5ab6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771131567&Signature=fWFN58SO07TmrtoQfgmC-wuQEIj8x5OA6HQzPUlKsCDEGyNBhhawIpRAYpqVLIJpCdBKwyvbf5xa8Y8kenyYAaP2tWa3RkXfFyG1gn-shuQ1vD4dnxwIwnPscNJD2vQYyDNfLA1twkAZYwvZxNtFiZAH-VHntxM~pJ6Kpgr-F3rVD0b5VD00jrtLLn0lzBDc9g1Yv7t4OSithvm5aM-dLsTIJOa~tnbIKtjp9A0WyD6C1FFhFYW81D778q3~8ysmfPOm4JUXxgNcRW3Q93zheoH7HiPqi6KIeWiP2o8bA3vrV~0mYcA4hfP9pEHXqvWdNtIdHzPGkPymIyYFJ13ssA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Zoning and Planning Commission approved two separate sign variances for the Jovi development on Lomond’s Crossing Road, granting a monument sign unanimously and approving a larger “blade” building sign after a divided vote.

Staff told the commission the development is part of the mixed‑use square project and that the blade sign’s copy area is about 18–19 square feet, although the requested mounted sign exceeds the city’s ordinary by‑right building sign dimensions. Terry Sherhart of Executive Signs, representing the applicant, said the letters would be 28 inches tall and back‑halo lit to keep evening illumination minimal and noted the blade sign was placed to improve visibility over retaining walls and trees.

On the monument sign: Commissioners voted 7‑0 to approve the monument sign. The commission treated that request as compliant with code after the applicant adjusted location and documentation: staff confirmed the monument material met masonry requirements.

On the blade sign: The commission split over whether a tall blade sign suited the site and whether the decision would create precedent. Commissioner LeBlanc and others worried about applying a tall blade sign to a residence‑oriented building, arguing it might not match local character; other commissioners said the building’s scale and the mixed‑use “town square” context made the blade sign proportionate. After motion and second, the blade sign passed 6‑1.

Why it matters: Commissioners said each sign request must be judged on its context; staff noted a variance approval does not automatically set precedent and that each future request would be judged on its merits. Commissioners also discussed how the ordinance measures sign size (text box area rather than total blade area), how visibility from nearby roadways factors into readability, and whether future code updates ought to narrow current standards.

Next steps: Approvals allow the applicant to proceed with permit applications and sign construction, subject to standard permitting and electrical reviews.

","ZAPCO approved a monument sign unanimously and later approved a taller ‘blade’ building sign for the Jovi mixed‑use project; commissioners debated aesthetics, visibility and precedent before votes of 7‑0 (monument) and 6‑1 (blade).",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6527026,"Zoning OK’d for Serene Hills site to allow Lake Travis Fire & Rescue station",1509,489000,1998000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3660030-6a6add1ae0ee6edaa334d572dd4e2148&start=489&end=1998","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3660030-6a6add1ae0ee6edaa334d572dd4e2148/thumbnail_489000.jpg","/articles/6527026/Lakeway/Travis-County/Texas/Zoning-OKd-for-Serene-Hills-site-to-allow-Lake-Travis-Fire-Rescue-station","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6527026-e86df7eabb54c582dd3d6e81a1f2a838/orig.mp4?Expires=1771131567&Signature=l6RqHylZ8-YjspBw05vY7rh9QDRZN9rrD7jRYZqKMmgRRws9ZpFqImIkOQMtOfFGvavnAj21w0hXKuD2eIFvejmo9Ncj79i-AUcb9k6XnR0Ju4T4PBnUrCps25Uz1y14XLPs1cSoKPDqakMrWd1iKTIIWPl798ebT6C42N9BQrCqWbhZYBrleFoJD1G7f9Rme-8KhCz-ryVcf9KgUCXq8lrU0yQwF~PqruHjEcQOHUc0RH-sOtV8nxb7zCuvENlNVRUxxH0HyotgD1-NiRb5z96hU0gf6bykMtjfdbQtQOyY2YUiGSDgND3BfCWPH4Di-24Niy6Xs6nbJ4AUxEviJg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lakeway Zoning and Planning Commission on Wednesday approved an ordinance rezoning roughly 3.182 acres on the west side of Serene Hills Drive so Lake Travis Fire & Rescue can build a new fire station that staff said would serve nearby subdivisions and apartments.

Commissioners voted 7‑0 to change the property’s zoning from R‑3 (0 lot line single‑family) to GUI (government/utility/institutional). The parcel is described in staff materials as TCAD property ID numbers 805249 and 827481 and was reported as owned by Water District 17; staff said the district carved out the piece to sell to the fire authority.

The approval follows a staff presentation saying the planned station would serve an area of Lakeway that includes “262 single family residential houses and 300, and 2 apartment units,” and that the site is consistent with the city’s future‑land‑use map and comprehensive plan. Staff also showed how far existing Lake Travis stations are from the location: about 4.1 miles to Bee Cave, 4.7 miles to a Lakeway station, and 5.8 miles to Spicewood; staff said the new station would reduce response gaps in the area and the department places the Flint Rock Road station about 2.9 miles from the proposed site.

Why it matters: the rezoning clears the way for a public safety facility in an area residents and commissioners said has heavy morning and afternoon congestion. Several commissioners and a resident asked how the fire service will safely exit the site onto Serene Hills Drive and whether traffic projects planned in the thoroughfare plan will be timed with the station’s construction.

During citizens participation, resident John Wickens, who lives in Bee Cave but owns property in Lakeway, urged clearer, larger rezoning notification signs and urged the city and the fire district to coordinate station construction with planned Serene Hills widening. “That is an extremely congested road, especially in the morning ... [it] is single lane road that is very difficult to get that ... fire truck out of that fire station and make a left hand turn to go down the hill,” Wickens said.

Commissioners pressed staff on timeline and alternatives. Erin (staff), who led the staff presentation, said the fire authority is in the design phase and is assembling a site‑development plan; she told commissioners the district expects the Serene Hills station to be built “in the next two years” while the Flint Rock Road station is planned “four or five years out.” Commissioners and staff noted the site plan shown to ZAPCO was conceptual: “they literally took a plan from another fire station and dumped it in that lot to see if it would work,” staff said, adding geotechnical work and driveway alignment stay subject to later design review.

Commissioner questions and legal limits: commissioners asked whether the city could require the fire authority to place the station elsewhere. City counsel explained a longstanding legal principle — citing a 1970s case involving Austin ISD and the City of Sunset Valley — that a municipal zoning body generally cannot dictate the location choices of another governmental entity; a city may inspect and condition site details for life‑safety compliance but not direct a governmental agency where to locate its core facilities.

Outcome and next steps: the rezoning (agenda item 9) passed 7‑0. Staff said additional development steps remain: the fire district must complete design, submit a site‑development plan and other construction permits, and work with city engineering on driveway alignment and required life‑safety features. Commissioners repeatedly requested that staff and the fire district address ingress/egress design and automatic warning measures (for example, emergency lights or traffic signal coordination) before final engineering approvals.

Ending: With the rezoning approved, Lake Travis Fire & Rescue can proceed to design and permitting for the Serene Hills station; staff said it will continue coordinating timing with transportation planning and county/state partners for any major roadway improvements.

","The Lakeway Zoning and Planning Commission voted 7-0 to rezone about 3.182 acres on Serene Hills Drive from R‑3 single‑family to GUI (government/utility/institutional) to allow Lake Travis Fire & Rescue to build a new station; neighbors and commissioners pressed for coordination on road improvements and warnings for emergency vehicle egress.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City’s new zoning‑withdrawal rules explained to ZAPCO; takes effect next day

ZAPCO approves Service Street Auto monument and building signs; larger frontage sign approved 6‑1

Commission approves two sign variances for Jovi in Town Square; blade sign draws split vote

Zoning OK’d for Serene Hills site to allow Lake Travis Fire & Rescue station