P&Z approves use for Epic Distribution (Carts)

During its regular Oct. 03, 2019 meeting, the Forney Planning & Zoning Commission met to replat lots, approve ATV retail use, allow indoor kennels, approve new Gateway development, new building in Schafer Plaza.

• Held Public Hearings -
  • Approved a replat of Lot 1X and 1A, Block H, Brooklyn Village, Phase II, located northwest of the intersection Caladium Drive and Saddlehorn Drive.
        Mr. Morgan said the 0.229 acres in the PD had plat approved in Jan, purpose is to turn 2 lots 90 degrees to allow a home to be built away from gas line easement.   Staff received one response to notices, in opposition to item.
        There was no public input.
        Mr. Wilcoxson asked applicant why this wasn't addressed originally - applicant says they bought the lots from developer, doesn't know why.   Mr. Cunningham asked if they were aware of the easement when bought the lots - yes, it would require building a very small house.
    
  • Approved a replat of Lot 3B, Block A, Ridgecrest Addition, located directly northwest of 865 N. F.M. 548.
        Mr. Morgan said this was where Golden Chick is being constructed, looking at adding parking, so must extend fire lane.   No responses to public notice.
        There was no public input.
    
  • a Conditional Use Permit for an All Terrain Vehicle Dealer/Sales to operate at 10758 E. U.S. Highway 80.
        Mr. Morgan said this was TNA Marine, city has been trying to clean-up for several months, has legal non-conforming parking.   The product is similar to a golf-cart.   They desire to use side of building as outside display area: this would only be allowed during business hours.   No responses to public notice.
        Mr. Cunningham asked about the side display: would it be behind the building line? Yes.
        Applicant Sean Heatley spoke, stating they have outgrown Frisco facility, they have purchased a nearby golf-cart store, this will be retail and regional distribution.   Mr Shimkus about side parking; it's for marketing, 6 - 8 carts, there is some concrete there.   Ms. Holler asked if more would be in front; no, staff said they were too close to service road.   Mr. Dixon said they didn't have enough parking to use for display.   Ms. Holler asked if other products; they intend to stay in electric golf-cart style products.
        Ms. Holler asked Mr. Morgan if they would be approving just golf carts for side storage; Mr. Morgan said would be defined as all-terrain vehicles, and they should specify where outdoor display is allowed.
        There was no public input.
    
  • Approved an amendment to the City of Forney Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. The purpose of the amendment is to add a new use classification for dog training and indoor kennels.
        Mr. Morgan said ordinances only allow indoor kennels for veterinarians.   This may not be located within multi-tenant retail buildings.   Staff received no response to public notice.   Mr. Wilcoxson asked why ordinance written that way; Mr. Morgan said it probably wasn't considered when written in 2002.
        Mr. Cunningham asked about the amount of outdoor space; Mr. Morgan said would be determined by staff.   Mr. Bingham asked if this was modeled after another city; Mr. Morgan said reviewed about 20 cities and created the language.
        There was no public input.

• Approved a final plat for Woodlands Crossing located southeast of the intersection of the Union Pacific Railroad and F.M. 548.
      Mr. Dixon said this surrounds the Racetrac Gas Station, is zoned commercial, 21 acres.
  
• Approved a final plat for Trinity Crossing Phase 5A, located south of F.M. 740 and west of F.M. 460.
      Mr. Dixon said this is for 64 residential lots + 5 HOA lots on 14.2 acres, connects to FM 460, no zoning applies as this is in the ETJ.
      Ms. Holler said part is in Mesquite ETJ; Mr. Dixon said also partly in Dallas ETJ, applicant must go to all cities for approval.
      Mr. Wilcoxson asked if confirming they meet building codes; Mr. Dixon said it's that they meet rules in subdivision ordinance.   Mr. Morgan said mostly the civil plans: utilities, paving, drainage.
  
• Approved a site plan for Schafer Plaza, located northwest of the intersection of East U.S. Highway 80 and Marketplace Boulevard.
      Mr. Dixon said this is single-floor, 16,000 sq. ft. with 90 parking spaces.   (documents show this is between Care United and Cheeky Chique Boutique / Forney Salon Suites)
      Mr. Cunningham asks if plan shows 5 lease spaces - rep. Mr. Peterson said up to 5, client has leased 6k ft. to an Orthopedist.   Mr. Cunningham asks about sharing dumpsters; Mr. Peterson said owner also owns building to plan-North, OK to share.   Mr. Wilcoxson asked if there would be space between the buildings; no, they will connect.   Mr. Bingham clarifies contiguous buildings; yes, although there will be a set-back along the face.
  
• Approved a preliminary plat for Avilla Oakridge, located north of N. Gateway Boulevard and south of Reeder Lane.
      Mr. Morgan said this was zoned by Council recently, 18.99 acres as one lot.   This is single-story, cottage style.   Ms. Holler asked if this was part of Gateway; yes, it was an amendment.   Ms. Holler asked about adjacent properties - conceptually N & W is more MF, S is retail or MF.
  
• Approved a final plat for Avilla Oakridge, located north of N. Gateway Boulevard and south of Reeder Lane.
  
• Approved a site plan for Avilla Oakridge, located north of N. Gateway Boulevard and south of Reeder Lane.
      Mr. Morgan said are 209 units, 60 one-bedroom, 81 two-bed and 68 three-bed.   Clubhouse must be in phase 1, with a pool, spa and BBQ island.   Plan shows 9 elevations, parking spaces, bicycle racks.   Fencing along N is masonry w/ wrought iron, rest is board-on-board.
      Mr. Shimkus asks about parking; will there be general parking for non-residents? Mr. Morgan said public parking up front, and are providing slightly more parking than minimum, no designated visitor area.   Mr. Cunningham said site plan is the only place defining 209 units, elevations don't say if rentals, leases, duplexes...   Mr. Morgan said not on site plan, but is in zoning: each unit is leased.   Mr. Wilcoxson asked if assigned parking: rep Mr. Flory said covered spaces are leased, surface parking for guests.   1.8 is their typical ratio, this is higher.   Ms. Holler asked if limit per unit - no, they do 85% carport spaces.   Mr. Cunningham asked about sq ft of units: 637, each home has back yard, hybrid of Single & Multi-Family; 1 bedroom setup as duplex, others single buildings: 2 960 sq. ft., 3 1236 sq. ft.   Ms. Holler asked about 1 bedroom units: shared back yard? They are separate.   This is maintenance-free living.   Their rent is usually 15% higher than other Class-A.   Mr. Bingham asked about mail; covered kiosk at leasing office.   Mr. Traylor asked about ratio of open spaces?
  
• Nominated Mr. Shimkus for Chairperson, and Mr. Traylor as Vice-Chair.   Mr. Morgan consulted w/ Mr. Thatcher; need to formalize each with a motion.   They did so.
  
• Adjourned at 1928.