Texas Community Stories

Spanish Oaks is a 1200-acre master planned community located 17 miles from the center of Austin, Texas. The community is located in the hills of Central Texas and vegetation is primarily cedar and oak.

Because of the heavy cedar and grasses, this area is susceptible to wildfire at different times of the year. The Spanish Oaks developer was approached by the Texas Forest Service (TFS) to see if he would be interested in the area's being recognized as a Firewise Communities/USA site. After touring the community with the TFS representative, viewing the design of the roads, water, and reviewing the covenants, the developer decided to participate in the process and implemented a few changes. Instead of having a one-way-in/one-way-out road system, he redesigned the main road and created a large loop. Overgrowth of cedar was mitigated, and water hydrants were installed throughout the community. He modified his plans further so that each home site will have a sprinkler for landscape irrigation. Every cul-de-sac is large enough to turn a large engine around in, All exterior home construction will consist of stucco, rock, or concrete masonry, and roof material will be metal, clay tile or concrete tile. Wood fences and decks are prohibited. The Hudson Bend Fire Department completed a Fire Plan for the community and the community applied for Firewise Communities/USA status. The Texas State Forester signed its nomination form in February of 2004, making Spanish Oaks a Firewise Communities/USA recognition area.

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