Double Oak - Friday Update (05/16/2025)
Town Council Meeting – Monday, May 19th, 7:00 pm
Big things are happening at Double Oak Town Hall, and you're invited! Join us Monday night as we swear in our newly re-elected (candidates were unopposed) Mayor and Council Members, pick a Mayor Pro-Tem and Deputy, and tackle a lineup of town business that includes property replats, a new fire station roof, and a few key staff appointments.
You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, you might even hear a roofing pun.
Whether you're a civic enthusiast or just curious about what's going on behind the dais, come be a part of small-town democracy in action.
As always—there’s no popcorn, but the drama’s free. See you there!
Police Week – Honoring Our Heroes: Denton County Police Officers Memorial
On May 15, 2025, the Denton County community gathered at the historic Courthouse on the Square to solemnly honor the brave law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Held as part of National Police Week, the annual Police Officers Memorial Ceremony was a heartfelt tribute to the dedication, courage, and selflessness of our fallen heroes.
This year’s ceremony included a special remembrance of Officer John Mestas and Officer Lonnie Sneed of the Double Oak Police Department, both of whom passed in February 2022. Their legacy continues to serve as a guiding light for the department and the community they protected.
Double Oak was proudly represented at the memorial:
Chief Dan Miller and Officer Edward Coronado attended in uniform.
Mayor Patrick Johnson and his wife Mary Johnson were also present, offering support on behalf of the entire town.
Assistant Chief Gaines and Detective-Sergeant Rosa Halfmann participated directly in the ceremony by placing a rose on a memorial wreath in honor of the fallen. They then stood in solemn tribute beside the portraits of Officer Mestas and Officer Sneed, which are now part of the Memorial Bridge installation.
The ceremony included a Roll Call of Heroes, a wreath-laying, and messages of unity from community leaders. It was a moving reminder of the price of public service—and a powerful call to continue supporting those who serve and protect.
Let us carry forward their memory with gratitude and always remember: heroes live forever in the hearts of those they served.
Item of Note and a Big Thanks
A heartfelt thank you to the Double Oak Women’s Club and the many thoughtful citizens who dropped off food and treats at Town Hall this week for our police officers. Your kindness and generosity during National Police Week have meant so much to the department. Each meal, snack, and note of encouragement served as a reminder of the strong bond between our officers and the community they proudly serve. On behalf of the Double Oak Police Department—thank you for standing with us, honoring our fallen, and supporting those who continue to protect and serve every day.
April in Action – Double Oak Volunteer Fire Department Monthly Update
April was a busy month for the Double Oak Volunteer Fire Department, and our incredible team rose to the occasion once again! We responded to 74 calls—19 fire-related and 55 medical—serving our neighbors with professionalism and care.
Behind the scenes, our volunteers put in 906 hours of training to stay sharp and ready. And speaking of dedication, our team gave back 2,227 hours of volunteer time (not even counting training or calls!). That’s the kind of heart and commitment that makes Double Oak special.
We’re also proud to share some great news—Chip Schneider was promoted to Captain this month! Congratulations, Chip, and thank you for your leadership and service.
As always, thank you to our residents for your continued support. We’re here for you, because we are you—neighbors helping neighbors.
Texas State Legislature Update
House Bills
HB 1779
Status: Referred to the House Land & Resource Management Committee on March 14, 2025.
Overview: This bill would limit political subdivisions from adopting or enforcing regulations that prohibit or restrict the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on lots zoned for single-family or duplex use.
Implications for Double Oak: If enacted, HB 1779 could override local ordinances that restrict or prohibit ADUs, potentially affecting Double Oak's one-acre minimum lot size requirement.
HB 878
Status: Referred to the House Land & Resource Management Committee on March 6, 2025.
Overview: This bill aims to regulate residential land use and ADUs by political subdivisions, authorizing certain fees. It would limit municipalities' ability to restrict the construction of ADUs and impose certain design and occupancy requirements.
Implications for Double Oak: HB 878 could preempt local zoning laws, potentially allowing for increased housing density contrary to Double Oak's existing land use policies.
HB 2480
Status: Referred to the House Land & Resource Management Committee on March 17, 2025.
Overview: This bill pertains to municipal and county regulation of ADUs, authorizing certain fees. It would allow property owners to build ADUs on lots zoned for single-family homes or duplexes, with specific provisions regarding design, parking, and occupancy.
Implications for Double Oak: Similar to HB 1779 and HB 878, HB 2480 could limit the town's authority to enforce its one-acre minimum lot size ordinance, potentially leading to increased housing density.
Senate Bills
SB 673
Status: Passed the Senate on April 10, 2025; reported favorably by the House committee and sent to Calendars on May 14, 2025.
Overview: This bill would restrict municipalities and counties from prohibiting the construction of ADUs on lots zoned for single-family or duplex use, authorizing certain fees.
Implications for Double Oak: If enacted, SB 673 could override local zoning ordinances, including Double Oak's one-acre minimum lot size requirement, allowing for the construction of ADUs and potentially increasing housing density.
SB 15
Status: Passed the Senate on March 19, 2025; reported favorably by the House committee and sent to Calendars on April 29, 2025.
Overview: This bill relates to size and density requirements for residential lots in certain municipalities, authorizing certain fees. It aims to reduce the amount of land cities require for single-family homes in new subdivisions.
Implications for Double Oak: SB 15 could limit the town's ability to enforce its one-acre minimum lot size ordinance, potentially leading to smaller lot sizes and increased housing density.
Summary
The proposed legislation—HB 1779, HB 878, HB 2480, SB 673, and SB 15—aims to standardize land use regulations across Texas, potentially limiting the authority of municipalities like Double Oak to enforce ordinances such as the one-acre minimum lot size. If enacted, these bills could lead to increased housing density and changes in the town's character.
As of now, all five bills are progressing through the legislative process, with SB 673 and SB 15 having advanced further than the House bills.
Residents concerned about these potential changes may consider reaching out to their state legislators to express their views.
Double Oak Police Speed Tracker Trailer Statistics
Speed Tracker Results will now be provided on the eCode360 website at the link below with the latest results. The trailer will stay at specific locations for extended periods as we continue to analyze the data to assist in staffing our patrol hours at different locations.
Traffic Watch: What We Learned from 500 Waketon Rd
From April 23 to May 9, 2025, the Double Oak Police Department monitored traffic along 500 Waketon Rd—and the numbers give us a clearer picture of how folks are driving through our town.
During the survey period, over 118,000 vehicles passed through the area—about 60,000 heading west into town and 58,000 heading east. That’s a lot of traffic for a small community!
Here’s what stood out:
Speeding is common – Just over half of the drivers (50%) were going above the posted 30 mph speed limit.
Excessive speeding (over 45 mph) was rare but still concerning. Nearly 500 vehicles hit this level, most of them heading eastbound.
The average speed was right around 30 mph, which means many drivers are doing the right thing. In fact, the majority were cruising in the 26–35 mph range.
What does this means for Double Oak:
While most drivers are relatively close to the speed limit, the data shows we still have work to do when it comes to slowing down, especially for eastbound traffic. Keeping speeds safe helps protect pedestrians, cyclists, and families living along Waketon Rd.
We appreciate our police department’s proactive approach to traffic safety, and we encourage everyone to be mindful of their speed. As always, 30 means 30 in Double Oak!
New Double Oak Town Hall Hours – 8 am to 4 pm Mon-Fri
To better serve our community, Double Oak Town Hall will now be open an extra hour each day, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This extension gives our residents more convenient access to handle important town business, such as permits, payments, and inquiries.
We’re here to make your interactions with the town smoother and more accessible. Stop by and make the most of our new hours!
Planning and Zoning and Board of Adjustment Open Positions
Three positions (alternate) are open on the BOA, and two (alternate) are open on the P&Z Commission. Applications may be emailed or brought to Town Hall: lynn.jones@doubleoak.texas.gov
https://www.doubleoak.texas.gov/government/boards-commissions
The town is always looking for new citizens to join us in governing the town.
Cross Timbers Water Regarding Stage 2 Water Restrictions
Cross Timbers Water Supply Corporation is in Stage 2-Yellow.
STAGE 2: YELLOW - ODD/EVEN DAYS
Odd/Even Outside Watering by Last Digit of Address
The odd-numbered last digits of the address will be watered on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Even numbered last digits of the address will water on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Permitted Activities
Trees, gardens, and shrubs can be watered daily if a hand-held hose, drip irrigation, or soaker hose is used.
New pool filling must be scheduled, and three (3) days' written notice must be given to Cross Timbers Water Supply Corporation’s office date. A time will be determined and assigned.
Lawns that have just been seeded, sodded, or mulched can be mechanically watered daily for a maximum of two (2) weeks after application.
Avoid watering during the following hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
https://www.crosstimberswater.com
We wish everyone a safe and wonderful weekend.
Double Oak Town Administration