Council expands downtown design district, requires new lines to be placed underground

City staff proposed and the council approved an amendment to Title 9, Chapter 14 of the Weatherford code to expand the Downtown Design District and require new overhead utility installations within the expanded area to be placed underground.

Matt Leppler (speaker 17) told council the change clarifies that Chapter 14 applies to all public rights-of-way within Weatherford — including TxDOT-maintained roadways inside city limits — and expands the district slightly to the west and south of existing boundaries to protect primary gateways into downtown. Leppler said staff coordinated with TxDOT and that the department supports local ordinances provided they do not conflict with state requirements.

Council members supported the change, noting prior investments to underground utilities around the courthouse and the desire to avoid visual reversion. The council voted to approve the ordinance; staff said there are no new property-owner obligations tied to the district expansion beyond existing standards.