The Bee Cave Bee

In conjunction with its emergency order yesterday that deferred landscape installation requirements, the City of Lakeway issued a moratorium today on new swimming pool construction as long as the drought exists.

The city has ceased issuing permits for the construction of swimming pools effective immediately. Staff will continue to review and approve swimming pool construction plans, but pool permits will not be issued until the city’s water supply returns to normal conditions and the emergency order is lifted. Violators of this order could incur fines of up to $2,000 per day per infraction.

“The City of Lakeway is taking a strong stance on conserving our water supply,” Lakeway City Manager Steve Jones said. “As the declaration of a new drought of record is imminent, non- essential uses of limited potable water must be curbed.”

Jones elaborated on the city’s deferral of landscape installation requirements.

When the emergency order is lifted, those projects for which deferred installation has been required will be notified and will be provided with a reasonable timeframe within which to complete landscaping installation.

“Based on the emergency order Lakeway Mayor Dave DeOme issued May 19, new development and construction projects must postpone landscaping installation until the severity of the drought diminishes,”

Jones said. “In the meantime, the city will require stabilization of disturbed areas through other means in order to prevent erosion and silting.

• All requirements for installation of landscaping associated with residential construction are deferred until the emergency order is lifted. A certificate of occupancy will not be withheld, dependent upon approval of a compliant landscape plan for the property. Disturbed areas shall be stabilized through the use of erosion control devices and materials as specified by Lakeway Building and Development Services.

• All requirements for installation of landscaping associated with subdivision and site development and with nonresidential and multifamily construction are deferred until the emergency order is lifted. A certificate of acceptance will not be withheld, dependent upon approval of a compliant landscape plan for the project. Disturbed areas shall be stabilized through the use of erosion control devices and materials as specified by Lakeway Building and Development Services.

For information, call Lakeway Building and Development Services at 512-314-7540.