Plano’s Planning and Zoning Commission spent the night on two big land-use calls and a sign code update. East Plano got the most attention, with one church-related housing plan moving forward and one Legacy-area tower proposal getting shut down. The commission also started shaping new rules for signs across the city.

Meadows Baptist housing plan clears the last hurdle

The commission approved the Meadows Baptist Church rezoning and its related concept plan after months of delays. The vote kept the project at 50 homes, cut setbacks to 20 feet in front and 5 feet on the sides, and added a 15-foot setback on the west edge and the Los Rios side. The project now heads to City Council for final approval, which could bring single-family homes to the east side.

Legacy-area tower plan gets denied

Plano commissioners denied a proposed mid-rise residential project near Communications Parkway and Spring Creek. Staff had already warned the plan did not fit the city’s long-term land-use map and lacked a sewer study, clear access, and a fully worked-out layout. The applicant asked for more time, but the commission said no. The denial sends the project back to the start if the developer wants to try again.

City sign rules get a fresh tune-up

The commission reviewed new sign rules meant to clean up old code problems and better define what counts as a monument sign versus a pole sign. Members asked staff to tighten one part of the draft so the base of a monument sign has to be proportionally substantial, not just a skinny support. No final vote happened yet, but the update is moving toward a future public hearing.

Plano left the night with one neighborhood housing plan approved, one major mixed-use proposal denied, and sign rules still being fine-tuned. The Meadows Baptist case now goes to Council, while the Legacy-area project will have to come back with something different if it wants another shot.

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Plano is back on its warm-weather watering schedule, and that means residents need to cut back outdoor sprinkler use starting now. The city’s seasonal rules run from April 1 through October 31 and affect homes across town.

Twice-a-Week Watering Is Now in Effect

The city has moved to its spring and summer watering schedule, limiting sprinkler use to twice a week or less. Homes with even-numbered addresses and those ending in zero can water on Mondays and Thursdays. Homes with odd-numbered addresses can water on Tuesdays and Fridays. For residents, that means now is the time to reset irrigation timers and avoid watering on the wrong days.

Daytime Sprinkler Use Is Prohibited

Sprinkler watering is not allowed between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and it is also banned during rain. The city is also reminding residents to make sure sprinklers are not spraying sidewalks, streets, fences, or driveways. Locally, that means less wasted water and a higher chance of avoiding code issues or unnecessary utility use.

Some Watering Still Allowed Outside the Schedule

The city says foundations and landscaping may still be watered up to two hours on any day if residents use a handheld hose or soaker hose. Low-flow drip irrigation systems may run as needed. That gives homeowners some flexibility to protect plants and foundations without breaking the main sprinkler rules.

Plano’s message is simple: water less, water on the right days, and avoid the hottest part of the day. Residents can get weekly yard watering recommendations at watermyyard.org, and more details are available at plano.gov/watering.

Plano is acting before an invasive insect reaches town. The city is removing some ash trees during park projects, replacing them with other native trees, and making exceptions where certain ash trees are too important to lose.

City starts replacing vulnerable ash trees

Plano is removing ash trees during park projects before the emerald ash borer shows up locally. The insect has not been confirmed in Plano, but the city said replacing vulnerable trees now is cheaper than treating them later. New native trees will be planted in places that better fit each site, a move meant to protect parks and streetscapes over time.

Some ash trees will be treated instead of removed

The city is not removing every ash tree. Plano said it will treat trees at Pecan Hollow Golf Course and at Go Ape, where ash trees are tied closely to the layout and use of those spaces. That means residents should see a mixed approach: more replacements in some parks, but tree-saving treatment where those trees play a bigger role.

Removed trees will be recycled locally

Plano said trees that are removed will not be thrown away. They will be sent to Texas Pure Products to be recycled into mulch for residents. That gives the city a way to handle tree loss while still putting the material back to use locally.

Plano’s approach is now clear: replace vulnerable ash trees during ongoing projects, treat select trees that matter most, and keep watching for signs of the beetle. Residents can report possible signs to the city or the Texas A and M Forest Service.

🚜 Little Farmer Friday: Trucks, Tractors, & Wagons! Oh My!
📅 April 10 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Heritage Farmstead Museum, 1900 W 15th Street, Plano, TX

Trucks, tractors, wagons—oh my! Get your little ones ready for a mini-farming adventure. Plenty of adorable animals, a storytime with “Little Blue Truck,” and no naps allowed until all the fun is had!

🎨 Plano ISD Advanced Placement Art Program Student Exhibition
📅 April 10 | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

ArtCentre of Plano, 902 E 16th Street, Plano, TX

Showcasing the talents of our local high school seniors, this exhibition promises to inspire and awe. Swing by to see some budding virtuosos before they're world-famous (or at least on TikTok)!

🎨 Made In Plano
📅 April 10 | 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Plano Art Association Gallery, 6121 W Park Blvd., Suite A218, Plano, TX

It’s all art, all local, and all yours to enjoy. Perhaps you’ll find the perfect masterpiece for that empty spot above your couch.

👟 Fabletics - Run Club 2026
📅 April 11 | 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Fabletics Legacy West, 7400 Windrose Ave. B120, Plano, TX

Strut or stroll, but don’t miss out on the chance to find your stride (and some new running buddies). Bonus: participants get a sweet 30% off in store. New joggers, anyone?

🚧 NTTA Pave The Way Day Family Event 2026
📅 April 11 | 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

NTTA Headquarters, 5900 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, TX

Rev up for a day filled with trucks, STEM fun, and free snow cones—what’s not to love? Just bring your sense of curiosity and a taste for adventure.

🥦 Plano Farmers Market 2026
📅 April 11 | 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Berkeley Square, 4721 W Park Blvd, Plano, TX

Eat local, shop local! Ideal for the foodie or anyone on the hunt for fresh produce and handmade treasures. It’s the best kind of hunt you can take the dog on.

🎭 Plano Arts Week
📅 April 11 | 12:00 AM

McCall Plaza, 998 E 15th Street, Plano, TX

The arts are alive and well in Plano! Dive into live performances, expos, and even a spirited pub crawl, as Plano tips its hat to creativity in every corner.

🏃‍♀️ Legacy West Run Club at Nike 2026
📅 April 12 | 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM

Nike by Legacy West, 7400 Windrose Ave., Ste B105, Plano

Jog, walk, or sprint your way through a community 5K. No signup necessary—just your best running shoes and a hunger for the occasional post-run doughnut.

🎨 Carpenter Arts & Crafts Expo Sale 2026
📅 April 12 | 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Carpenter Park Recreation Center, 6701 Coit Road, Plano, TX

Local artists unite for displays that will charm and inspire. Support your neighbors, bag a masterpiece, and maybe even learn something new (like how to introduce yourself to strangers).

🎭 Plano Arts Week
📅 April 12 | 12:00 AM

McCall Plaza, 998 E 15th Street, Plano, TX

Catch even more of the outstanding arts happenings as Plano moves into day two of its weeklong art fest extravaganza. Art awaits around every corner—don’t miss another beat!