West Lake Hills

History

The City of West Lake Hills was founded and incorporated as a village on September 9, 1953 by a small group of people who wanted to preserve the lifestyle of the hills. The City then included approximately the same area as the City boundaries do today. On December 3, 1957, the village was changed to a city to achieve broader powers. The City grew at a rather slow rate and in 1967-70 its legal status was in limbo due to litigation with the City of Austin over boundary disputes. The litigation was settled in 1970, at which time the Courts established the current boundaries and the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) of West Lake Hills. The City today is comprised of 2,560 acres (four square miles) with approximately 40 miles of public streets. The population is 2,542 (1990 Census figure).

In Texas, until a city’s population exceeds 5,000 it is classed as a General Law City, which means that the Legislature controls by statute and determines its authority and power. For example, in most cases West Lake Hills cannot annex territory in its ETJ unless a majority of the registered voters of the area to be annexed sign a petition seeking annexation.

West Lake Hills has a Master Plan the projects a maximum population of 6,000. The only commercial development permitted will be in certain areas along Bee Cave Road and Loop 360 and at the intersection of Westlake Drive and Redbud Trail. The City’s Master Plan established the following goals:

PRESERVE PROTECT PERMIT PROVIDE PROMOTE PROMULGATE

West Lake Hills is unique is many ways. The citizens and their elected and appointed officials are all dedicated to preserving the rural environment and maintaining the natural beauty of the area. Growth is inevitable, but every precaution is taken to ensure controlled growth, which is compatible with the City’s ideals. The City Council has passed strict ordinances limiting lot size to one-acre minimum, setbacks for building, and other zoning and building restrictions to insure minimum disturbance of the environment. The primary duties of the Council and the City Administration are to provide public safety and to control development in a manner that will preserve the natural environment and protect the health and welfare of the citizens.