The City of Rockwall City Council on Oct. 6 approved an ordinance to rezone a 105.285-acre tract at the south side of State Highway 276 west of FM 550 from agricultural to a planned development district for single-family (SF-1) uses. The applicants revised plan calls for a 54-lot subdivision with 44 lots of at least one acre and 10 lots of 1.5 acres; the developer intends on-site septic systems for lots (OSSF). The ordinance passed unanimously after the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval 7'0.

Planning staff told council the applicant had returned to address earlier concerns. The developer added larger lots, increased anti-monotony standards (limiting repeat building elevations), added more substantial entry monumentation, and incorporated a garage-orientation requirement to allow side-entry garages. The PD now includes two covered pickleball courts and sets an anti-monotony limit of one building elevation per 25 homes; with only 54 lots, the revised PD restricts repetition of elevations in close proximity.

Planning and Zoning Chair Dr. Conway reported the commission had considered the project again on Sept. 30 and voted 7'0 to recommend approval after the applicant met conditions requested by the commission.

Sita Ravi, appearing for the applicant, said the team "took the comments the last time" and that the changes were incorporated: "We took the feedback. We corrected it, and we are here for the approval."

Council members praised the applicant and the planning commission for the quick follow-up and for producing a lower-density product the council said suits Rockwall. The council read the ordinance and voted to adopt it; no amendments were made at second reading.

The approved PD ties the new exhibits and standards into the city Unified Development Code; the ordinance imposes standard enforcement provisions and a penalty fine not to exceed $2,000 per offense.

Staff noted the subdivision will provide 20% open space and a gross density of about 0.513 dwelling units per acre (0.6 on the net). The development idea will return to the city through standard platting and permitting steps before any construction begins.