Town of Flower Mound

Master Plan

Urban Design

Urban Design Plan 4.0 Adobe Acrobat Required - Click Here to Get Adobe Acrobat!

 

The Town of Flower Mound Urban Design Plan provides for design direction for landscaping elements within and visible from public rights of way as well as architectural standards for non-residential buildings. The intent of the Urban Design Plan is to reinforce the Master Plan Vision Statement, provide linkage between the built and natural environment and acknowledge and sustain the unique nature of the Town's corporate-commercial, suburban and rural lifestyles.

The conceptual structure of the Urban Design Plan (UDP) and its components was developed as part of the Area Plan and Specific Plan elements of the Town of Flower Mound Master Plan. Through community involvement, focus groups provided direction for the UDP including review of the architectural and landscape design elements. The UDP discusses these elements in detail and provides illustrations of intent. Following the adoption of the Urban Design Plan by the Town Council, some of the design elements will be codified in the Land Development Regulations as appropriate.

In 2009, the firm of Teague Nall and Perkins worked with the Town to update the Town's landscape requirements for roadways. A new document, Median and Rights-of-Way Design Guidelines, was adopted to work in conjunction with the standards in the Urban Design Plan.

The Urban Design Plan is structured to establish community-wide architectural standards for non-residential projects and landscape, gateway and intersection treatments in each of the five districts established by the Land Use Plan:

  • Lakeside Business District
  • Long Prairie District
  • Cross Timbers Conservation Development District
  • Denton Creek District
  • Prairie Vista District

Each of these Districts is distinct and in a differing stage of development. The predominantly commercial Lakeside Business District and Denton Creek District share the same guidelines. The extensively developed, suburban Long Prairie District has guidelines intended to strengthen and unify an overall community identity. The Cross Timbers District and the Prairie Vista District have guidelines that reinforce its country atmosphere and natural environment.

Definitions

Articulation: The use of varying depth of wall planes both in the vertical and horizontal dimension to create interest and an aesthetically pleasing appearance in a building facade.

Compatibility Buffer: A 60' min. width Landscape Buffer that includes the use of earthen berms, shrubs, trees and other plant screening elements without suggesting a walled structure. The 60' Compatibility Buffer is located on existing or proposed non-residential or multifamily property.

Curvilinear edge: A curvilinear edge is an undulating line where the planting bed and or groundcover/shrubs meet the lawn area. Curvilinear lines in a natural landscape are considered more aesthetically pleasing.

District Arterials: District Arterials mentioned in the Lakeside and Denton Creek Districts, refers to the four lane; 90' R.O.W. Urban minor arterials from the Thoroughfare Plan.

Drifts: A grouping of trees consisting of two to three different species. This condition is found in natural settings, large shade trees are to be randomly spaced (as a standard) at 15' minimum to 35' maximum.

Earthen Berm: An earthen berm is a small man made earth mound that is usually elongated and natural in shape and character, as a landscape element, a berms primary purpose is to both limit views in a natural way and to enhance the ground plane vegetation.
Gateways: Gateways are referred to the impression upon entering the town limits of Flower Mound. A statement of rural character is emphasized by the use of groves and/or drifts, a standard rural fence or other similar fencing and landscape elements, signage and plantings dependant on which district within which they occur. *Please see the Town's Median and Right of Way Design Guideline for additional information.

Groves: A grouping of trees comprised of the same species. Large shade trees are to be randomly spaced (as a standard) at 15' minimum to a 35' maximum spacing distance.

Standard Rural Fence: A multi-railed or pipe fence, with a minimum of two rails or pipes, with the bottom rail/pipe at least twelve inches (12") above ground for a two-rail/pipe fence, in white, black, dark green, or an earth-tone color used to reinforce the rural and equestrian nature of the Cross Timbers Conservation Development District.

Street Buffer: A landscape screening element located on private property adjacent to the street right of way line.

Town Entrance Landscape: The Town Entrance Landscape is the R.O.W. area in principal arterials located in both Lakeside & Denton Creek districts.

Architectural Standards

The following standards for non-residential architecture throughout Flower Mound are intended to reflect the Town's Master Plan goal of creating development of "enduring and exemplary quality and design." Their purpose is to encourage building design of meritorious quality throughout the Town and prohibit franchise architecture.

The Central Business District (CBD) is a unique mixed use development, as such buildings within the CBD shall not be required to conform to the following standards, but rather buildings within the CBD shall be required to conform to the Mixed Use Architectural Standards set forth later in this section.

  1. Design Review

    1. Determination of a proposed building design's compliance with these standards will be made by the Town's staff and/or Planning and Zoning Commission and Town Council.
    2. In considering conformance to these standards, the Town will evaluate suitability of meritorious design that might not comply exactly with these standards, but that is of exceptional enough design quality that it would be a desirable addition to the Town.

  2. Franchise Architecture

    1. To ensure that the character and quality of retail and commercial buildings or structures contribute to desired community character objectives, franchise architecture is prohibited. The term "franchise architecture" means the design and construction of buildings for which the tenants and/or uses are readily recognizable solely by the buildings' architectural elevations, colors, materials, other architectural elements and/or the arrangement thereof.

    Examples of Compliant Architecture:

    Examples of Non-Compliant Architecture:

  3. Facade Articulation of Low-rise non-residential buildings (one to two stories)

    1. Each building elevation of 80 linear feet or less may be a single plane.

      2. Examples of Compliant Façade Articulation of non-residential buildings 80 linear feet or less:

      Examples of Non-Compliant Façade Articulation of non-residential buildings 80 linear feet or less:

    2. Each building elevation greater than 80 linear feet up to a maximum of 250 linear feet should have a minimum of two planes, offset by a minimum of two feet.

      3. Examples of Compliant Façade Articulation of non-residential buildings between 80 and 250 linear feet:

      Examples of Non-Compliant Façade Articulation of non-residential buildings b/t 80 and 250 linear feet:

    3. Each building elevation greater than 250 linear feet should have a minimum of three planes, each offset by a minimum of two feet.

    Examples of Compliant Façade Articulation of non-residential buildings greater than 250 linear feet:

    Examples of Non-Compliant Façade Articulation of non-residential buildings greater than 250 linear feet:

  4. Facade Articulation of non-residential buildings of three stories or greater.

    1. Each building elevation should have a minimum of two offsets in vertical and horizontal planes, with each plane being offset by a minimum of two feet.

      2. Examples of Compliant Facade Articulation of non-residential buildings of three stories or greater:

      Examples of Non-Compliant Facade Articulation of non-residential buildings of three stories or greater:

  5. Facade Materials

    1. Elevations of low-rise non-residential buildings (one to two stories) should be a minimum of 50% masonry, excluding doors and windows, consisting of stone, brick or finished tilt-wall concrete, or a mixture of those materials.

      2. Examples of Compliant Façade Materials:

      Examples of Non-Compliant Façade Materials:

    2. Elevations of non-residential buildings of three stories or greater should be a minimum of 40% masonry, excluding doors and windows, consisting of stone, brick or finished tilt-wall concrete, or a mixture of those materials.

      3. Examples of Compliant Façade Material of non-residential buildings three stories or greater:

      Examples of Non-Compliant Façade Material of non-residential buildings three stories or greater:

    3. At least 80% of each building elevation, excluding doors and windows, should be primary masonry, consisting of hand-laid brick or stone, or of finished tilt-wall concrete. Up to 20% of each building elevation may be secondary masonry, consisting of concrete block, e.i.f.s., or stucco.

    Examples of Compliant Primary Façade Material:

    Examples of Non-Compliant Primary Façade Material:

    Outward facing mirrored glass may not be used.


  6. Facade Colors

    1. Colors comprising at least 80% of each elevation of the building should be primarily natural and earth tone colors. The range of tones include, but are not limited to: ochre, brown, umber, rust, olive, beige, taupe, sepia, white, off-white and slight variations. Further definition of building colors is provided in the Town's Land Development Regulations.

      2. Examples of Compliant Façade Colors:

      Examples of Non-Compliant Façade Colors:

    2. Accent colors may comprise the remaining 20% of each building elevation, and should relate to the base tones. Decorative canopies, special elements, including patio umbrellas and signage can be more contrasting in color as appropriate.

      3. Examples of Compliant Façade Accent Colors:

      Examples of Non-Compliant Façade Accent Colors:

  7. Pedestrian Scale

    1. A pedestrian scale is desired near entry points of buildings to relate to the users. This scale can be achieved through the use of arcades, porte-cocheres, loggias and entry gardens which help buildings transition to a pedestrian scale environment.

      Examples of Compliant Pedestrian Scale:

      Examples of Non-Compliant Pedestrian Scale:

  8. Building Entry Points

    1. Buildings should have a recognizable main entry, which should directly relate to the primary street address of that building.

      2. Examples of Compliant Building Entry Points:

      Examples of Non-Compliant Building Entry Points:

    2. These entry points should have an identifiable design presence through a change of materials, variation of wall planes and roof features.

      3. Examples of Compliant Building Entry Points:

      Examples of Non-Compliant Building Entry Points:

    3. Building entry points should have site design features such as special paving, landscaping, pedestrian lights, pedestrian benches, earth forms, water fountains / displays and other furnishings.

      Examples of Compliant Building Entry Points:

      Examples of Non-Compliant Building Entry Points:

  9. Unified Design Theme

    1. A grouping of buildings (3 or more) should have a unified design theme for all buildings within the development. This design theme may be unique to the development, but should maintain a standard of high-quality construction and should respect the contextual setting of the development within its district.

      2. Examples of Compliant Unified Design Theme:

      Examples of Non-Compliant Unified Design Theme:

  10. Building Orientation

    1. Highly visible locations from major and minor arterials need to reflect an architectural prominence, with particular attention being paid to architectural quality on the facades, rooflines and elevations visible from these thoroughfares.

      2. Examples of Compliant Building Orientation:

      Examples of Non-Compliant Building Orientation:

    2. Buildings near natural features and view sheds should respond to them in a manner that respects and preserves the feature, in such a way that the environment can be a marketable element of the development.

      3. Examples of Compliant Building Orientation:

      Examples of Non-Compliant Building Orientation:

  11. Massing and Form

    1. Building massing (elevations & floor plate configurations) should vary to avoid monotony and linear forms. Strip or linear retail development is not desirable.

      2. Examples of Compliant Massing and Form:

      Examples of Non-Compliant Massing and Form:

    2. Building floor plans should be sited in order to create definable pedestrian spaces: courtyards, pocket areas, larger sidewalks, variations of outdoor space, etc., which are all desirable design attributes that should be taken into consideration in the overall site design plan.

      3. Examples of Compliant Massing and Form:

      Examples of Non-Compliant Massing and Form:

    3. Building Form (articulation, scale and proportion) should be contextual. Buildings should be in a harmonious relationship to each other to promote an atmosphere of consistency of form rather than style relationships only.

      4. Examples of Compliant Massing and Form:

      Examples of Non-Compliant Massing and Form:

  12. Roofs and Parapets

    1. Roofs of non-residential buildings 15,000 square feet or less are to reflect hip and/or gable styles that replicate residential scale and pitch, provided that the Town Council may approve, upon recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission, a waiver request to this requirement for buildings within SPA 5 or SPA 6, consistent with the requirements in Section 3.0 (m) of SPA 6 and Section 3.0 (a) and (o) of SPA 5. In designing a residential scaled roof for non-residential buildings 15,000 square feet or less, the goal shall be a roof that provides for characteristic roof pitches/slopes of residential homes in the Town of Flower Mound (6/12 to 9/12 slope) and high steeply-pitched and/or expansive roof pitches/slopes shall be avoided.

      2. Examples of Compliant Pitch Roof:

      Examples of Non-Compliant Roof:

    2. Buildings of one or two stories over 15,000 square feet may have a flat or low-slope roof, but should use a parapet wall or mansard roof along the building perimeter, so that the flat or low-slope roof and any roof top mounted mechanical equipment is not visible from the public right-of-way or from neighboring residential buildings.

      3. Examples of Compliant Flat Roof:

      Examples of Non-Compliant Roof:

  13. "Big box" and warehouse/industrial development

    1. The development of "Big box" retail, as defined by the Town's Land Development Regulations, and warehouse/industrial development shall follow the above architectural standards except as follows:
      1. Generally, buildings should avoid long, monotonous, uninterrupted walls or roof planes. The location of required building wall offsets, including projections, and recesses should be in context with the length of the building and used to add architectural interest and variety, and to relieve the visual effect of a simple, long wall. Roofline offsets should be provided in order to provide architectural interest and variety to the massing of the building and to break the roof into smaller scale components. Concentrating articulation for "big box" retail and large scale warehouse/industrial buildings at entry points and the corners of the building may be acceptable if other architectural details/accents and enhanced landscaping are used to mitigate the expansiveness of the wall.

        2. Examples of Compliant "Big-box" and warehouse/industrial articulation:

        Examples of Non-Compliant "Big-box" and warehouse/industrial wall articulation

      2. Tilt-wall concrete that is used to meet the minimum masonry requirement of 80% on any elevation should include details and patterns that provide interest to the tilt-wall component. Such detail can be accomplished by patterned scoring, casting, texturing, or other finishing treatment.

        3. Examples of Compliant "Big-box" and warehouse/industrial finished tilt-wall detail:

        Examples of Non-Compliant "Big-box" and warehouse/industrial tilt-wall:

  14. Open Space and Amenity Areas

    1. Open space and amenity areas as required by the Master Plan or as proposed for a Planned Development District should have the following elements:
      1. Open space and amenity areas should be integral to the development and include a plaza, park, linear greens, environmental preserves, or public square that serves as a prominent visual enhancement for the development, and provides amenities for employees and shoppers, is effective with the first phase of development, and adds value to nearby buildings;

        2. Examples of Compliant Open Space and Amenity Areas:

      2. Open space and amenity areas should include enhanced landscape plantings and landscaped features and may include water elements that are connected to the development by sidewalks;

        3. Examples of Compliant Open Space and Amenity Areas:

      3. Open space and amenity areas may include the preservation of existing wooded areas, view sheds, water bodies, topography, and stream corridors in a natural and contiguous state.

        4. Examples of Compliant Open Space and Amenity Areas:

    Redevelopment

    • Buildings / sites planned for redevelopment are subject to the above architectural standards of the Urban Design Plan. In each case, amendments to a building's elevations and/or site plan should meet each requirement above or be in substantial conformance thereto. If complete conformance to the above standards cannot be practically achieved, substantial conformance is demonstrated by illustrating that the proposed changes to the elevations and/or site plan have moved the building / site closer to conformance with the standards and increased the building's enduring quality and design as applicable within the Town's Master Plan.

    Mixed Use Architectural Standards

    • The following standards shall apply to all buildings and structures within Mixed Use Developments and the Central Business District in lieu of the Architectural Standards section above.

    Franchise Architecture

    • To ensure that the character and quality of retail and commercial buildings contribute to the desired objectives for the District, franchise architecture, as defined in the Arcitectural Standards section above, is prohibited.

    Building Façades

    • Building projections are encouraged. However, parts of each individual building's elements such as bays, show windows, balconies, canopies, awnings, colonnades, etc., need to be considered as a whole along the length of a block in terms of their scale, rhythm, and relationship to one another.
    • Building facades employing offsets in the exterior wall plane in order to highlight the movement of sunlight across the building face are encouraged, along with elements such as cornices, spandrels,window sills, lintels, and building projections which visually break down the scale of the façade into more human scale components.
    • Buildings should vary in their levels of detail, richness of material, and overall complexity of design. Buildings at significant sites, for example at corners, mid-block locations, and vista terminations, will utilize massings that are more varied and/or incorporate a higher level of detail.
    • The quality of building facades shall reflect the hierarchy and relative importance of spaces which they face, marking a progression from principal streets, secondary streets, alleys, and interior block spaces.

    Façade Materials

    Exterior Building Finish materials shall consist of:

    • Masonry, which is defined as brick, stone, cast stone, terra cotta, glass fiber reinforced concrete, precast concrete, and split face concrete masonry units
    • Stucco, including synthetic stucco (exterior insulation finishing systems – EIFS).
    • Glazed ceramic and porcelain tile.
    • Fiber reinforced plastic (with the exception of plastic or vinyl siding) – used for exterior building components including but not limited to: cornice and entablature elements, decorative columns and pilasters, storefront trim, railings and balustrades, spandrel panels, and similar elements.
    • Painted steel and aluminum, cast iron, bronze, copper, and zinc.
    • Roofing materials (visible from any public right of way): copper, factory finished painted metal, slate, synthetic slate, terra cotta, cement tile, glass fiber shingles
    • Materials other than those used above may be used for architectural trim and accent applications including but not limited to: cornices and decorative brackets, frieze panels, decorative lintels, shutters, and porch or balcony railings.
    • The aggregate surface area of the primary façade material of building facades that front onto a public right-of-way or private streets shall be at least eighty percent (80%) masonry and may be up to twenty percent (20%) stucco/EIFS.
    • The aggregate surface area of the primary façade material of building facades that front onto allies, vehicular block breaks and pedestrian block breaks shall be at least sixty percent (60%) masonry and may be up to forty percent (40%) stucco/EIFS.
    • The aggregate surface area of the primary façade material of building facades that front onto the Block Interior shall be at least fifty percent (50%) masonry and may be up to fifty percent (50%) stucco/EIFS.

    Notwithstanding the foregoing, the indicated maximum percentages may be exceeded on a per building basis provided they are maintained in the aggregate for any street side of a sub-district. For example, a single building may have a façade
    that is 100% stucco fronting onto a public right-of-way, provided that the aggregate area for all facades fronting that street, in that sub-district do not exceed 20%. Further, notwithstanding the foregoing, the limitations on the percentage of stucco/EIFS shall not apply to stucco or EIFS that is applied to a masonry or concrete substrate.

    Building Entrances

    • The design and location of building entrances shall be easily identifiable as primary points of access.
    • Primary building entrances shall be defined and articulated by massing, or architectural elements such as lintels, pediments, pilasters, columns, porticos, canopies, overhangs, railings, balustrades, and other similarly appropriate elements. Building elements employed at entrances shall be compatible with the architectural style, materials, colors, and details of the building as a whole.
    • Primary building entrances to lobbies for upper level uses shall be clearly identifiable and integrated into the design of the overall building façade.

    Building Orientation

    • Buildings shall be oriented toward the major street front with a primary entrance located on that street.
    • The design of buildings on corner lots shall address both streets; however, where the cross street is a less important street, the façade design may change to reflect the relative importance of that street.
    • Along major arterial roads, retail buildings may be oriented towards surface parking only if they are not adjacent to another major street.

    Building Massing

    • A building's massing and scale shall relate to its site, use, and the character of its neighborhood.
    • Along any given block, building facades should align with each other at the primary exterior wall plane in order to create a consistent street edge.
    • Buildings shall be built close to or up to the edge of the sidewalk. Exceptions can be made for the creation of entry courts within the length of a single façade or setbacks deemed appropriate for civic or institutional buildings.
    • Building heights should vary along the length of a block. Adjoining buildings of the same story height should, where practical and not in conflict with their overall architectural expression, have offsets in their adjoining parapet or cornice heights.

    Roofs and Parapets

    There is no required type of roof for particular building types, however, roofs shall be appropriate to the architectural style of the building. Roof mounted equipment shall be screened from public rights-of-way.

    Utilities

    There will be no overhead utility lines within a Mixed Use Development or within the Central Business District.

    Rights-of-Way Landscaping Elements

    The Town of Flower Mound Urban Design Plan provides for design direction for landscaping elements within and visible from public rights-of-way. These standards are to be implemented in conjunction with the Median and Right-of-Way Design Guidelines.

    The landscaping standards related to rights-of-way include the following elements:

    • Cross Timbers Conservation Development District
    • Lakeside Business District and Denton Creek District
    • Long Prairie District
    • Prairie Vista District

     

    Cross Timbers Conservation Development District

    The Cross Timbers Conservation Development District is predominantly a residential area, typically being single family residential development in combination with conservation easements that preserve the Cross Timbers ecosystem and other natural systems. Recreation uses, such as riding stables, golf courses and other uses compatible with the conservation goals of the district are also suitable. The Cross Timbers Conservation Development District is located in central Flower Mound with FM 1171 providing good access. Lake Grapevine is located to the south and provides a unique environmental resource.

    The Urban Design Plan addresses four major elements which affect the overall image of the Cross Timbers Conservation Development District. These elements were developed with community participants as part of development of the Area Plans in the district, and also are derived from the scenic qualities identified in the Open Space Plan.

    The elements are:

    • Scenic Road (F.M. 1171)
    • Country Roads (Rural Collectors)
    • Scenic Corridors and Vistas
    • Landscape and Setback Buffers

    Scenic Roads

    Scenic Road Public Landscape (within the right of way)

    • Trees to be planted in odd numbered groves or drifts of no less than five trees, informal native tree plantings randomly spaced from 15' min. to 35' max.
    • Random grove or drift spacing should be a minimum of 100', maximum 350', except where scenic views are compromised.
    • Groves are defined as a grouping of trees comprised of the same species.
    • Drifts are defined as a grouping of trees consisting of several (two to three) species.
    • No newly planted tree groves within 130' of rural landmark intersections.
    • Protect existing trees; if trees are removed for road construction, trees must be replaced as per Flower Mound's Tree Preservation code.
    • 50' Street Buffer shall remain open scenic corridor with native species only.

    Scenic Road Standard Rural Fence

    • Existing fences along Scenic Roads should be preserved and maintained by private landowners; however, all new proposed fences shall be multi-railed or pipe styled and either white, black, dark green, or an earth-tone in color along Scenic Roads only.
    • Standard Rural Fences should be used in conjunction with the rural landmark intersection.

    Access onto Scenic Roads

    • Discourage new developments having direct access onto Scenic Roads, as described in the Flower Mound Area Plans.
    • It is preferred that internal entrance roadways feed into country roads except where noted in the Flower Mound Area Plans.
    • Goal is to avoid excessive congestion, traffic conflicts and signalization of intersections on the Scenic Road.

    Scenic Road Subdivision Entrances

    • Subdivision Entrances should reinforce Texas Ranch entrances, elements such as open rail fencing, metal signage, limited use of masonry columns are acceptable, solid masonry walls are not acceptable.
    • Planting for new Tree lined drive entrances are only acceptable if the trees are native species and do not obstruct views of open spaces in the scenic corridor, (i.e. drives can be located directly alongside a substantial existing tree stand or grove).

    Country Roads

    Country Roads provide preservation of the natural landscape, naturalized new landscape, and design features to preserve the country atmosphere and natural environment which distinguishes the Cross Timbers Conservation Development District. Country Roads include the Town's Rural Collectors and High Road.

    • Limited native tree plantings to preserve scenic views.
    • Trees to be planted in odd numbered groves or drifts of no less than three trees.
    • Native low habit shrub and/or ground cover plantings in association with intersections.


    Country Road Standard Rural Fence

    • Either white, black, dark green, or an earth-tone color, multi-rail or pipe styled fences (photo examples above) will be allowed along Country Roads except where code prescribes otherwise.

    Scenic Corridors and Vistas

    A Scenic Corridor is comprised of any land, whether public or private, that is visible from scenic or country roads, and that possesses any of the open space or natural elements indicative of the country atmosphere and natural environment as described in the Flower Mound Open Space Plan.

    Scenic Corridor Development Patterns

    • Placement of new house lots should be outside of the view area if feasible, or sited so that any new houses face toward the Scenic or Country Road across conserved open space.
    • New house lots should be accessed by internalized roadways, and not directly from Scenic or Country Roads.
    • House lots should be grouped and dispersed to minimize linear relationships visible inside of the scenic corridor.
      Scenic Corridor Perimeter Fencing Elements
    • Views of scenic corridors and vistas should be retained by the limited use of foreground plantings.
    • No earthen berm or solid masonry walls will be allowed within this district; however, multi-rail or pipe fencing with stone columns in either white, black, dark green, or an earth-tone color is allowable for new development.
    • Plantings should include native species only and arranged in groupings (groves or drifts) verses a continuous massing screen.
    • Implementation will be provided at the time of development by the private developer.

    Landscape and Setback Buffers

    These buffers will help to maintain the country atmosphere of the Cross Timbers Conservation Development District, and to protect existing neighborhoods as new development occurs.

    Landscape and Setback Buffer Elements

    • In instances where existing tree stands or other natural features do not provide a natural buffer, the land plan for proposed development should site proposed residential lots in a manner which respects the privacy and individual features of adjacent residences.
    • If the land is developed as a conservation development, the conserved open space system should be integrated into this buffer if appropriate.
    • If the land is not developed as a conservation development, land acquired through the park land dedication requirements should be incorporated into this buffer.
    • All new Landscape plantings should be native species only.

    Lakeside Business District and Denton Creek District

    The Lakeside Business District and the Denton Creek District are two significant areas which are planned to develop as major commercial / employment centers in the DFW Metroplex.

    The Lakeside Business District is located in the southeastern region of Flower Mound two miles north of the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. Regional access is provided by International Parkway (FM 2499) and the planned Lakeside Parkway to SH 121 and SH 114.



    The Denton Creek District is located in western Flower Mound near Alliance Airport and the Texas Motor Speedway. Excellent regional access for future development is provided by Interstate 35-W, US 377 and FM 1171.

    Town Entrance Landscape

    Town Entrance Landscape applies to the highways and major arterials which are the entrances into Flower Mound for the entire Town. They pass through the Lakeside Business District and the Denton Creek District, so they should be appropriate for and compatible with the commercial development anticipated in those districts. However, because they serve all of Flower Mound, they should reflect the character and quality of the entire Town as a front door entrance.

    The intent is that the public and private landscape on these thoroughfares will be an integrated design, whether it is accomplished separately by the public and private sectors, as a joint public-private effort, or entirely be the private sector.

    These landscape standards for the Lakeside Business District and the Denton Creek District are intentionally more stringent than the landscape buffer requirements of the Land Development Regulations. The resulting design is intended to be different from other districts in Flower Mound.

    The Town Entrance Landscape is appropriate on the following roads:

    Lakeside Business District:

    • International Parkway (FM 2499)
    • Lakeside Parkway

    Denton Creek District:

    • FM 1171
    • US 377
    • New arterial between FM 1171 and I-35W

    Town Entrance Landscape: Public landscape within the right-of-way parkway

    • This approach is appropriate when utilities are located under the street or the median, and do not infringe upon the ability to provide the planting indicated within the parkway.
    • Tree groves of not less than 100' in length spaced not more than 700' apart with an alternating pattern across the street.
    • Trees are to be a large deciduous tree species from the approved Town of Flower Mound R.O.W. & Median Plant List.
    • Tree groves are comprised of a group of trees of the same species from the Town of Flower Mound approved Tree Planting list.
    • Planting layout is to be informal.

    Town Entrance Landscape: Private Street Yard Area Landscape

    • A 25' width Landscape Street Buffer is located from the R.O.W. / Property line set back into the private property. This Buffer is within the Building Setback (Street Yard) area described in the Town's Landscaping Standards.
    • Plantings shall be in a curvilinear planting layout.
    • Implementation will be provided at the time of development by the developer.

    Town Entrance Landscape: Flexibility of Private Street Yard Area Landscape

    • Because of utility requirements, it is intended that the private street yard area landscape standard be flexible in its application.
    • As much as five feet of the private street yard area landscape may be placed within the public right-of-way, with ten feet being on the private property.
    • Alternately, as much as ten feet of the private street yard area landscape may be placed within the public right-of-way, with five feet being on the private property.
    • Alternately, all 15' may be on private property next to parking.
    • If any of the private street yard area landscape is placed within the public right of way, a public access easement is to be granted to the Town, at the Town's discretion.


    Town Entrance Landscape: Sidewalks

    • Sidewalks are required by the Land Development Regulations, in addition to the Landscape Street Buffer.
    • Implementation will be provided at the time of development by the developer.
    • Sidewalks should be curvilinear and integrated with the public landscape and the private landscape buffer.

    Town Entrance Landscape: Parking

    • Parking shall be allowed in the front, side and rear yards of buildings.
    • Parking in the front yards of Town Entrance Arterials shall be a maximum double loaded configuration with a single travel lane.

    Town Entrance Landscape: Vehicular Access from Major Arterials

    • Divided entries shall have a 6' minimum width highly landscaped median to improve traffic safety.
    • Access to provide opportunities for shared access between adjacent developments to aid in traffic management.

    Town Entrance Landscape: Bridges

    • Vehicular bridges should have a special architectural treatment and enhancement beyond standard conditions.
    • The treatments should include railing and abutment designs that increase their civic character and relationship to the Town.
    • These bridge enhancements can be adapted to existing structures or completed with new construction.
    • The future Bridge at Interstate 35W is a reflection of Flower Mound for all regional traffic, and should be of exemplary architectural quality as seen both from the freeway and on the bridge itself.
    • Bridges on arterials are to incorporate sidewalk access to provide pedestrian continuity, as appropriate.


    District Arterial Landscape

    District Arterial Landscape is appropriate for key roads serving the Lakeside Business District and the Denton Creek District in which they are located, and which are also important for Flower Mound residents as entry routes to other districts. Their landscape and urban design treatment should reflect the predominantly commercial nature of development anticipated in the Lakeside and Denton Creek Districts, but should also reflect the character and quality of the overall Town.

    The intent is that the public and private landscape on these streets will be an integrated design, whether it is accomplished separately by the public and private sectors, as a joint public-private effort, or entirely be the private sector.

    These landscape standards for the Lakeside Business District and the Denton Creek District are intentionally more stringent than the landscape buffer requirements of the Land Development Regulations. The resulting design is intended to be different from other districts in Flower Mound.

    The District Arterial Landscape is appropriate on the following roads:

    Lakeside Business District:

    • Gerault Road
    • Garden Ridge Road
    • Spinks Road

    Denton Creek District:

    • New arterial between new I-35W / FM1171 arterial and US 377

    District Arterial: Public Landscape within the right of way parkway

    • This approach is appropriate when utilities are located under the street or the median, and do not infringe upon the ability to provide the planting indicated within the parkway.
    • Tree groves of 80' in length spaced 480' apart with an alternating pattern across the street.
    • Trees are to be a large deciduous tree species type from the approved Town of Flower Mound R.O.W. & Median Tree Plant List.
    • For Denton Creek District:
      • A curvilinear sidewalk with large tangent curves with no less than 400' tangent intersection points, within the public right-of-way.
    • For Lakeside Business District:
      • Sidewalks should be integrated into the landscaping in the public right-of-way.

      Planting layout is to be informal, random tree placement.
    • Tree groves are defined as a group of trees that consist of the same species.
    • Placement of driveway curb cuts should be in accordance with the Town's Engineering Standards. When there are conflicts between driveway locations and the landscape guidelines, the planting should be adjusted, but follow the intent of the guidelines as closely as possible.

    District Arterial: Public Landscape within the median

    • This approach is appropriate when utilities are located under the parkway, and infringe upon the ability to provide the landscape within the parkway.
    • Tree Groves of 80' in length spaced 480' apart.
    • Trees are to be a large deciduous tree species type from the approved Town of Flower Mound R.O.W. & Median Tree Plant List.
    • Planting layout is to be informal, random tree placement.
    • Tree groves are defined as a group of trees that consist of the same species.
    • For Denton Creek District:
      • A curvilinear sidewalk with large tangent curves with no less than 400' tangent intersection points, within the public right-of-way.
    • For Lakeside Business District:
      • Sidewalks should be integrated into the landscaping in the public right-of-way parkway.

    District Arterial: Private Street Yard Area Landscape

    • Landscape Street Buffer planting located adjacent to the ROW/ Property line back into private property to a width of 15'.
    • Planting layouts should be informal with a curvilinear planting edge.
    • Improvements include landscaping and/or earthen berms, to a height of three feet maximum to screen surface parking in accordance with the Town's Land Development Regulations.

    A double loaded parking bay is acceptable in the street yard area if the building setback exceeds the 60' Land Development Regulations minimum.

    • Implementation will be provided at the time of development by private developer.

    District Arterial: Compatibility buffer on the south side of Spinks Road

    • A 25' minimum street buffer and landscape screen is required along the south side of Spinks Road for Commercial /Industrial development, including berms and shrubs for complete visual screening from the residential neighborhoods on the north side of Spinks Road.

    District Arterial: Flexibility of Private Street Yard Area Landscape

    • Because of utility requirements, it is intended that the private street yard area landscape standard be flexible in its application.
    • As much as five feet of the private street yard area landscape may be placed within the public right-of-way, with ten feet being on the private property.
    • Alternately, as much as 10 ft. of the private street yard area landscape may be placed within the public right-of-way, with five feet being on the private property.
    • Alternately, all 15'. may be on private property next to parking.
    • If any of the private street yard area landscape is placed within the public right of way, a public access easement is to be granted to the Town, at the Town's discretion.

    District Arterial: Sidewalks

    • Sidewalks are required by the Land Development Regulations, in addition to the landscape street buffer.
    • Implementation will be provided at the time of development by the developer.
    • Denton Creek District:
      • Sidewalks should be curvilinear and integrated with the public landscape and the private landscape buffer.
    • Lakeside Business District:
      • Sidewalks should be integrated with the public landscape and the private landscape buffer.

    District Arterial: Parking

    • Parking shall be allowed in the front, side and rear yards of buildings.
    • Parking in the front yards shall be a maximum double loaded configuration with a single travel lane.
    • Private landscape planting, topography and/or landform features shall reasonably screen the parking from view of the District Arterial.
    • Shade Trees are required in accordance with the Land Development Regulations.

    District Arterial: Vehicular Entrances from Arterials

    • Divided Entries shall have a 6' minimum width highly landscaped median to improve traffic safety.
    • Sight distances and visibility at driveway intersections must be in accordance with the Land Development Regulations.
    • Planting layout to be informal and utilize small flowering trees and shrubs.
    • Access to provide opportunities for shared access to aid in traffic management.
    • Signage if utilized, shall conform to the Land Development Regulations, be monument signs, and be set back from street enough to allow for driver visibility.

    District Arterial Bridges

    • Vehicular bridges for District Arterials should have a special treatment design and materials enhancement beyond standard bridge construction.
    • The treatments should include railing and abutment designs that increase their civic character and reflection of the Town's community character.
    • These bridge enhancements can be adapted to existing structures or completed with new construction.
    • Bridges are to incorporate sidewalk access to provide pedestrian continuity, as appropriate.

    Lakeside Business/Denton Creek Street Lighting

    • The street lighting standard and fixture on Town Entrance and District Arterial streets should be selected by the Town as a distinctive lighting element for these districts.

    Architectural Impact Zone

    The land in this zone in the Lakeside Business District is highly visible from northbound traffic on International Parkway as it enters Flower Mound. Because of the prominence of this site, and its significance to the Town's entry, buildings in this zone as seen from International Parkway should be designed with particular attention to architectural quality and features.

    Architectural Impact Zone: architectural elements visible from International Parkway

    • Industrial buildings are not precluded from this zone.
    • Facades and elevations seen from International Parkway should be of significantly higher architectural quality than is generally associated with industrial buildings.
    • Mechanical systems in this zone should be 100% screened from view from the International Parkway public right of way.

    Internalized Service Areas

    • Service areas such as truck docks, layout or storage yards, utility components, trash handling and similar unsightly elements that are essential to appropriate commercial and industrial uses should be planned for locations internal to the development areas bounded by Town Entrance arterials and District arterials.
    • Such service uses should not be visible from the Town Entrance arterial and District arterial streets.
    • Screening should be by planting, landforms or walls, as described under District Landscape Street Buffers.

    In the Lakeside Business District, the Town Entrance arterials and District arterials include:

    • International Parkway (FM 2499)
    • Gerault Road
    • Lakeside Parkway
    • Spinks Road
    • Garden Ridge Road

    In the Denton Creek District, the Town Entrance arterials and District arterials include:

    • FM 1171
    • US 377
    • the new arterial from I-35W to FM 1171
    • the arterial between the new I-35W/FM 1171 arterial and US 377


    Long Prairie District

    The Long Prairie District is located in the northern and eastern most areas of Flower Mound. This district is primarily developed with suburban residential and commercial land uses. This district provides many of the commercial and employment opportunities in current Flower Mound. FM 1171, FM 3040, FM 407 and FM 2499 provide access to this district. The Urban Design Plan for the Long Prairie District emphasizes elements which will provide a relation to the rest of the Town, as well as unifying elements for Long Prairie:

    • Flower Mound Town Entrances
    • Major Arterial Landscape
    • Flower Mound Landmarks
    • Long Prairie Minor Arterial Landscape
    • Intersection Treatment (Black Area is developed)


    The Central Business District (CBD) shall not be required to conform to the standards of this section.

    Natural Landmarks

    Protecting the natural landmarks which remain in the Long Prairie District will help to unify the district with the overall character of the Town through preserving remnants of the area's country atmosphere and natural environment.

    Natural Landmarks

    • Enhance existing natural landmark elements through providing the following: public access and/or views, parking and connections to pedestrian walkways and/or trail system.
    • Natural landmarks should include; Flower Mound's Mound, specimen trees, significant earth forms and other historic or cultural elements