December 30th, 2010
Dripping Springs passes comprehensive plan

STAFF REPORT

The Dripping Springs City Council voted earlier this month to adopt a revised comprehensive plan.

The couyncil also authorized the appointment of an implementation committee that will work with city staff to review and recommend changes to the plan’s implementation schedule.

The city’s first comprehensive plan was created and adopted in 1985 and later updated in 1995. An interim plan was adopted in 2004.

The process to update the interim plan began 19 months ago with a community survey and several town hall meetings to gather public feedback on such topics as demographics, community vision, land use, historic preservation, parks and recreation services, downtown revitalization, housing, and community and economic development.

Building on work by a steering committee with help from Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRS) planner Chris Holtkamp, the city produced a plan that was approved by its Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) in November.

The updated plan totals more than 200 pages, addressing specific local issues and priorities. One of the most vocalized concerns was the public’s overwhelming desire to maintain Dripping Springs’ rural characteristics. This ideal has been set as a cornerstone throughout the plan, according to city officials.

Dripping Springs Mayor Todd Purcell said the plan presents useful information regarding core values of the community including economic opportunities, future land use, environmental stewardship and historical preservation.

“The comprehensive plan is essential to provide context when making decisions regarding these areas,” Purcell said.

A copy of the adopted comprehensive plan is posted on the city website at http://www.cityofdrippingsprings.com.