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Officials with the City of Dripping Springs say recent land clearing tied to a proposed Target development is occurring largely outside the city’s authority, limiting what local leaders can regulate despite community concerns.
In a public statement issued April 28, Mayor Bill Foulds acknowledged residents’ concerns about tree clearing and the impact on the area’s natural landscape but emphasized that most of the property is not within city jurisdiction.
“We understand the concern many in our community have regarding site clearing of land associated with a coming Target retail store near the City of Dripping Springs,” Foulds said. “Our community and City Council care deeply about our natural landscape, especially our heritage trees, and the character of our Hill Country home.”
According to the city, the majority of the project site falls outside its boundaries, with only a small portion located within the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ), where regulatory authority is limited. A map included with the statement shows the ETJ area in blue, with the cleared portion outside city limits.
“It is important for residents to know that the majority of this property is not within the City of Dripping Springs’ jurisdiction, and we have no control of what is done in areas such as these,” Foulds said.
City officials said no development is currently proposed within the portion of the land that does fall under the ETJ.
The city has not received any permit applications related to the project, and local ordinances, including tree preservation rules, do not apply outside city jurisdiction, according to the statement.
“The City has not received any permit applications related to this project or the area within our ETJ, and City ordinances, including tree preservation, do not apply outside of our jurisdiction,” Foulds said.
Instead, the development is being reviewed at the county level.
“This development is being reviewed at the Hays County level, and based on coordination with the County, it will include a new Target store and possibly other retail,” Foulds said.
City leaders also noted they do not have authority over lighting or signage for the project, despite Dripping Springs’ designation as an International Dark Sky Community.
“While we do not have oversight of lighting plans for developments outside our jurisdiction, City staff have proactively reached out to project representatives to open a dialogue about the importance of responsible lighting and preserving our night skies,” Foulds said.
Foulds said the city will continue to work with regional partners where possible but encouraged residents to direct questions or concerns about the project to Hays County, which is serving as the reviewing authority.
“We remain committed to protecting the character of Dripping Springs within the areas where we do have authority, and we will continue to work collaboratively with regional partners whenever possible,” he said.
