Georgetown · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Georgetown public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Annexation of Property
25 acres on Rabbit Hill Road near I-35 would come into city limits as Intensive Industrial, setting up four office/warehouse buildings. Annexation means the city gains property tax revenue and regulatory control over land that's currently in the ETJ.
Belford Condominiums multifamily proposal near San Jose neighborhood
A developer wants to put about 150 condos in three buildings on 8 acres near S College and Pine Streets, next to the historic San Jose neighborhood. Staff says no, partly over the 55-foot building height and traffic through Pine Street. The commission's recommendation goes to City Council, which makes the final call.
Eminent Domain Litigation Concerns
Memorial Drive is being rebuilt and widened from River Chase Boulevard to Wolf Lakes Drive. The council authorized eminent domain for a drainage easement on nearby raw land so stormwater from the wider road can reach the floodplain.
Bluffview Public Improvement District Assessment Ordinance
The Heirloom PID moved to final steps: assessments were levied on properties in the district to repay bonds funding streets, utilities, drainage, and park improvements. No one spoke at the public hearing.
Serenity Ranch ETJ MUD consent agreement
A 112-acre mixed development east of I-35 near County Road 150 won first-reading approval 4-2 after a motion to deny failed. Supporters point to County Road 150 widening and a future arterial segment; critics question $61 million in MUD debt (about $57,000 per lot) and whether an ETJ project delivers real benefit to the city.
Southwestern University 560 & Customer Service Center Groundbreaking
The city's two contact centers handled over 143,000 interactions last year. Staff are working on dropped calls, after-hours support, live chat, and AI that hands off quickly to a real person.
Storefront Door and Trim Replacement at 216-224 W. 8th Street
The commission is reviewing a proposal for a new internally illuminated blade sign for The Draper at 216 W. 8th Street. While internal illumination typically conflicts with Downtown Area I design guidelines, staff notes the small size and muted golden glow fit well enough with surrounding properties.
Historic Home Expansion and Demolition at 1409 Olive Street
Nathan and Marietta Flood are requesting a Certificate of Appropriateness for a garage addition, window replacements, and deck updates at their 1885 Folk Victorian home, which was once the residence of Judge Harry N. Graves. The project requires a 10-foot encroachment into the required garage setback.
Accessory Structure Construction and Setback Exception at 308 E. University Avenue
Kendra and Scott Irvine are seeking approval for new accessory structures, fencing, and a 5-foot garage setback encroachment at their Old Town property. The site features a 2009 reconstruction of the historic Booty House alongside an 1890 detached garage.
Parmer Ranch Development Agreement Amendment (2026-2-DA)
An amendment to the Parmer Ranch development agreement proposes converting a 21.8-acre tract at Williams Drive and Parmer Ranch Boulevard from single-family residential to commercial and multi-family uses.
Wolf Ranch Center Concerns
Residents Pam Romero and Bonnie Cleghorn plan to address the board regarding concerns related to the Wolf Ranch Center development.
Economic Development Negotiations (Projects Hay, Pulse, and Z Star)
The corporation went into closed session to discuss a secret business prospect and possible incentive deal. If an incentive is offered, it could involve public money to attract or keep a company in Georgetown. The company's identity and the terms weren't disclosed.
Pro-Glass Special Use Permit
An application to rezone two parcels on South Austin Avenue and West 24th Street from neighborhood and local commercial to general commercial to bring an existing auto repair and glass business into code compliance and permit its expansion onto an adjacent lot.
Commission Training and Education
City planning staff held training sessions to help board members understand their roles, voting procedures, and local development rules.
Housing Advisory Board Annual Orientation and Program Review
New and returning board members will receive training on affordable housing goals, the Home Repair Program, and how federal CDBG grants are used in Georgetown.
Exterior Renovation and Additions at 205 E. University Ave. (Texas Municipal Center)
The Texas Municipal League is undertaking a major renovation of the 1961 building at 205 E. University Ave., adding new facades and two additions while respecting the mid-century modern architecture. Local residents and officials support the thoughtful design, which promises to enhance the downtown district.
Woodside MUD Amendment and Sun City Expansion
Council approved expanding Sun City by 143 homes through a Woodside MUD amendment, sparking debate over whether the community's infrastructure can handle more residents.
Main Street Facade Grant for 102 E University Ave
The board is reviewing a facade grant application for exterior improvements at 102 E University Ave. The applicant is seeking funding for eligible repairs such as roofing, stucco, painting, and structural maintenance.
Accessory Dwelling Units at 1503 S. Elm Street
The commission reviewed a special use permit request for existing accessory dwelling units at 1503 S. Elm Street, which has drawn considerable public interest and neighbor opposition regarding density and rental usage in the Old Town area.
High-Density Multifamily Development
Georgetown's getting a huge new development, basically a 'mini city,' from an Austin developer. This massive project is poised to significantly alter the local landscape.
Downtown Overlay District Capital Projects
A homeowner sought an 8-foot solid fence where the code allows only 4 feet and 50% transparency at street side setbacks. The commission weighed historic-district character against a real privacy problem created by new two-story construction across the street.
Williams Drive Enhancement Project
Big changes are coming to Georgetown in 2026 with major development projects set to begin. Get ready for some construction and potential traffic headaches as the city grows.
Contractor Oversight and Resident Protection
A resident raised concerns about property damage caused by city contractors and the difficulty of seeking compensation. He suggested adding fee-shifting clauses to city contracts to protect residents.
Customer Billing Concerns
Georgetown is planning to increase fees for new construction projects. On top of that, your monthly trash bill could be going up soon too. So, if you're thinking about building or just need your garbage picked up, expect to pay more.
Storefront Modifications at 109-115 W. 9th Street
The applicant proposed removing non-historic features and updating windows, doors, and awnings for a commercial building located in the Courthouse National Register District.
Relocation and Infill of Historic Klattenhoff Farmhouse
The commission was scheduled to review a plan to disassemble and move a historic 1896 Victorian farmhouse from Hutto to a vacant lot at 302 W. University Avenue. The project aims to preserve a significant regional structure while activating a downtown property.
Texas Municipal Center Planned Unit Development Rezoning
A proposal to rezone properties near East University Avenue and Church Street to create a PUD supporting the headquarters and corporate offices of the Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool.
Alma Spanish Immersion School Special Use Permit
A special use permit was approved for a group day care at 1205 Walnut Street, allowing up to 12 children under five with a staggered drop-off schedule to manage traffic.
8th and Forrest property deliberations
The board discussed a piece of real estate at 8th and Forrest behind closed doors but made no public decision. Whatever is being considered there — a purchase, sale, or development deal — remains unresolved.
4B Sales Tax Expenditures and Transportation Projects
GTEC plans to spend up to $8.5 million in 4B sales tax money on roads and parking serving the SU560 development — Paideia Way, Golden Poppy Drive, Story Tree Lane and University Avenue. The public hearing was the state-required step before these costs land in the FY27 budget.
Demolition of Clark Residence Hall at Southwestern University
A 1962 dorm listed as a Medium Priority historic resource is coming down. The university says fixing asbestos, mold, HVAC, and ADA issues would cost about $14.4 million with no realistic payback. The site will be open green space for now, with athletic courts and parking possible later.
Shell Spur PUD Annexation and Multi-Family Development
City Council had approved the Shell Spur project 6-1 with amendments, but the applicant has decided not to move forward — so the project is off the table for now.
Grant Program Language
The board discussed potential changes to the language of the Facade & Sign Grant Program. This could affect how businesses apply for and receive grants for building improvements in the future.
Carport Construction and Setback Reduction at 203 S. Main Street
The property owner proposes building a 288-square-foot detached carport at the rear of 203 S. Main Street, requiring a 1-foot encroachment into the side setback.
Residential Addition and Setback Variances at 403 S. Myrtle Street
A conceptual review examined residential expansion plans and setback encroachments for a historic property on South Myrtle Street.
2026-2027 Main Street Work Plan Implementation
The advisory board reviewed its operational blueprint and strategic goals for the upcoming year to guide downtown revitalization and community events.
New Housing Development
Heads up, Georgetown! A huge new neighborhood is coming to the north side, packing in 425 homes and some shops. Get ready for some major changes!
2026 Fundraising and Work Plan
The Main Street Advisory Board is planning its fundraising strategies and updating its annual work plan for 2026. This involves brainstorming new ideas for merchandise and events to support downtown initiatives and setting future goals.
Housing Affordability
Georgetown is trying to tackle the housing affordability crisis by reviewing its zoning laws. They're considering changes to building regulations and neighborhood rules to make housing more accessible.
Facade Additions and Garage Construction at 602 S. College St
Property owners requested approval for exterior modifications, including a rear porch conversion, dormer addition, and a new detached garage in the Old Town Overlay.