Council allows alternatives to underground irrigation for commercial landscapes amid water supplier limits

Council approved an amendment to Chapter 14 (zoning) to allow approval of landscape materials that are not irrigated by mechanical underground irrigation systems when the city’s water supplier does not permit separate irrigation meters. Staff said Texas Water Company (as referenced in the meeting) has stopped issuing separate irrigation meters because of drought conditions and the ordinance change will let applicants submit a landscape architect‑sealed alternative showing compliance without an irrigation meter.

In practice, staff said the amendment provides a compliance path—such as xeriscaping or other low‑water designs—so that commercial projects are not blocked from receiving certificates of occupancy solely for lack of a separate irrigation meter. Council moved and approved the ordinance after brief discussion.