Friday, March 29, 2024

City Plans Open House For Land Use Plan Update

“Why are they building a restaurant there?” “How do City leaders make their decisions?” Those are just some of the land use questions the City Council and City leaders hear from Southlake citizens, especially when a new development is proposed.

Answering those big picture questions is the focus of an open house updating City’s Land Use Plan, specifically the State Highway 114 Sector Plan.

This open house will be the first of several public meetings designed to share information and accept public input on the City’s future development aspirations, which will eventually be adopted as the Southlake 2035 Land Use Plan.

Land Use Plan Open House

  • Wednesday, April 19, 2017
    Third Floor Conference Rooms, Town Hall
    1400 Main Street
  • 5:00 – 6:30 pm Open House
    6:30 pm – 7:00 pm Plan Presentation with Q&A

“The Land Use Plan (LUP) is the cornerstone of the City’s comprehensive master plan,” said Ken Baker, Senior Director of Planning and Development Services. “It will serve as a policy guide for Council as our elected officials make zoning decisions, and it also provides the basis for the preparation of other City master plans.”

The American Planning Association states that the goal of land-use planning is to “further the welfare of people and their communities by creating convenient, equitable, healthful, efficient, and attractive environments for present and future generations.” In Southlake, the LUP is a policy document with an accompanying map, clearly identifying desired land use for parcels within the City.

City leaders have used land use plans as a blueprint for City development since the 1960s. Updates have been made over the years, as required by the City Charter, to reflect changing conditions.

“The original LUP reflected a planned build-out population of more than 50,000 residents, had a strong industrial component, and contemplated significant commercial development,” explains Baker. “Things have changed over the years, and today the LUP defines the City’s ultimate development quite differently. For example, Southlake’s expected build out population is now estimated at 34,000. It’s important to regularly review it, and the public’s participation is essential for getting it right.”

The following chart shows the current mix of uses, as reflected in the Southlake 2030 Land Use Plan.

2017-4-7 land use

Consolidated Land Use Plan Percentage Area By Land Use Category

For more information about the Open House, the process for adopting the comprehensive Southlake 2035 Plan (including the LUP), or to submit questions or comments, please visit the City’s website, or call the Planning and Development Services Department at (817) 748-8621.

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