City of Round Rock to host public open house on Downtown zoning

The City of Round Rock is currently evaluating potential updates to existing downtown mixed-use zoning districts, including revisiting existing building height restrictions, to ensure they align with the needs and preferences of the community heading into the future.

About Downtown zoning

The ongoing evolution of Downtown Round Rock since it became a City Council strategic priority in 2007 has been the result of comprehensive planning, public input and significant infrastructure investments to encourage a mix of retail, dining, entertainment, residential and public spaces in a walkable and historically sensitive environment.

In 2010, the Round Rock City Council adopted the City's first Downtown Master Plan, which included extensive public input and focused on improving streetscapes, enhancing pedestrian accessibility, and encouraging mixed-use development. Three years later, the City adopted its first mixed-use zoning districts downtown. The zoning districts were intended to implement the master plan's vision, and sparked private investments and redevelopment in the area, with dozens of development projects utilizing the new standards​.

Since the establishment of its downtown mixed-use zoning districts in 2013, the City of Round Rock has grown significantly, with its population increasing from 99,887 in 2010 to over 136,000 in October 2024.

Through substantial public investment-exceeding $228 million-the City has executed a series of carefully planned infrastructure projects and zoning updates designed to enhance the downtown area. These efforts include comprehensive streetscape improvements, the introduction of key public amenities, and adjustments to zoning regulations that reflect the City's responsiveness to both residential and commercial interests.

Over the last two decades, investments in Downtown have included Prete Plaza, Centennial Plaza, the new Round Rock Public Library, McConico Building, Allen R. Baca Center, Fire Station No. 2, Prete Plaza, streetscape improvements, roundabouts, Mays Street Gateway, and various road and infrastructure projects. Upcomingand ongoing projects include Heritage Trail West (including renovations to Memorial Park and related ball field), renovations on the Griffith Building (former library), the Lawn at Brushy Creek, and the Town Green Project.

Timeline of Key Policy Updates to Downtown
2010: Adoption of the Downtown Master Plan and completion of a historic resource survey.
2013: Establishment of three downtown mixed-use zoning districts.
2016: MU-2 zoning amended to allow buildings up to 8 stories west of Mays Street.
2017: Mays Street Gateway improvements and establishment of a 12-bar cap in MU-1 District.
2018: Adoption of the Single-Family - Downtown (SF-D) District, allowing renovations and rebuilds while preserving historic character.
2019: Noise ordinance amendments to balance an active downtown with quality of life for residents.
2020: Round Rock 2030 adopted, including strategies for a safe and pedestrian-friendly downtown.
2022: MU-1 bar cap lowered to 11 to encourage commercial diversity.
2023: Adoption of a single-family plat exemption to reduce barriers to downtown housing.

What is being considered?

Since the downtown mixed-use zoning districts were established in 2013, Round Rock has experienced significant growth and changes. The city is now reassessing these zoning districts to ensure they align with the current needs and preferences of the community and market. This could include updates to downtown building height restrictions as part of its broader effort to support a dynamic, sustainable growth model for the area. Building on past discussions, city officials are reviewing the downtown zoning ordinance to potentially allow greater flexibility and density in selected sections of downtown.

What about historic preservation?

Historic preservation remains essential for Downtown Round Rock, which includes 24 historic structures in the National Register District along the 100 and 200 blocks of East Main Street. Additionally, 31 landmarks are designated as historic outside the Register District, and 125 properties over 50 years old qualify for historic designation, with 28 already meeting eligibility criteria without further research. These historic sites contribute to the character and cultural appeal of downtown.

Recent public input - and how you can participate

A September 2024 survey gathered insights from downtown businesses found that 49% or respondents located their business downtown for access to amenities and services, with 26% appreciating its historic charm and 14% valuing its walkability. Businesses noted benefits such as proximity to amenities (37%), pedestrian activity (16%), downtown programming, and the area's sense of place. However, business owners identified several challenges, including the need for parking (34%) and diverse retail and dining options, with some calling for fewer bars. Attitudes toward taller buildings were split, with 69% of respondents supporting increased density for economic development, pedestrian activity, and diverse uses, while 31% raised concerns about traffic, architectural aesthetics, and impacts on Round Rock's "small town" feel. Survey suggestions for improvements included more parking, infrastructure enhancements (such as sidewalks, lighting, and restrooms), and litter cleanup. Business owners also recommended promoting safety, increasing green space, and fostering a variety of businesses that enhance walkability and community engagement.

The City's recent biennial community survey highlighted residents' interest in enhancing public spaces, promoting diverse businesses that reflect local character, improving walkability and bikeability, and offering events that foster community pride. The survey also noted the need for increased parking and traffic flow improvements, as well as promoting public safety and cleanliness.

Public input is ongoing, with an open house for the public planned for Tuesday, October 29 from 4-7 p.m. at the Round Rock Public Library (Rooms A&B), 200 E. Liberty Ave. The meeting will be come-and-go style with no formal presentation. Attendees should be prepared to discuss their thoughts on

Any zoning amendments will be presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission in a public meeting before being scheduled at a future City Council meeting for final review and approval.

[Link]

Learn more at roundrocktexas.gov/downtownzoning. To contact Planning staff about this project, email [email protected].

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