Council approves first reading of Valencia PUD amendment, keeps stronger interior fence standard

The Manvel City Council approved the first of two readings on an amendment to the Valencia Planned Unit Development on a 5‑to‑1 vote, directing staff to preserve rot (rock) boards on “good‑neighbor” interior fences while allowing the developer to proceed with additional temporary marketing signs and to pursue permanent directional signage.

Miss Ellie, planning staff, told the council the amendment would not add lots or expand the PUD footprint but would reduce interior rear‑yard setbacks from 15 to 10 feet, add six temporary community signs at intersections near State Highway 288 and Highway 6, and clarify fencing standards for residential and commercial lots. “Staff finds that this reduction will not negatively impact development and provides flexibility for one‑story homes,” she said during the public hearing.

Russ Bynum, general manager for Hillwood Houston and the applicant, said the signage request responds to slower home sales and limited visibility into the development, and he described the interior setback change as intended for interior lots only so perimeter lots adjoining undeveloped land remain unchanged. “Sales are starting to slow…one of the things we heard from our builders was a lack of visibility,” Bynum said, adding the temporary signs would be maintained and removed when homes sell out.

Developers also requested removing the rot (rock) board from interior good‑neighbor fences to reduce costs for buyers. Bynum said that change would save roughly $1,600–$1,800 per lot for those interior fences and that the developer will still use upgraded fences visible from roadways. Several council members and residents urged keeping the rot board for durability and homeowner protection; Councilman Bonner said rot boards help preserve pickets and reduce long‑term replacement costs.

The council directed staff to draft language to (1) retain the rot board requirement for good‑neighbor interior fences, and (2) explore a path to permanent shared directional signage (for example, a city partnership sign program) while allowing Hillwood to temporarily install extra directional signs pending final language and any necessary approvals from TxDOT or landowners. The motion passed on first reading 5‑1. The ordinance will return for a second reading with the discussed changes.