P&Z considers 7-11 #3, Eric Davis remodel

During its virtual regular Apr. 02, 2020 meeting, the Forney Planning & Zoning Commission met to consider a third 7-11, Diamond Creek Amenity Center, second FHS welding shop (17k sq ft), new E.L.Davis location, Fox Hollow ph. 2B, Primrose Estates again, and Farmers Market ordinance.

• Approved a preliminary plat for 7-Eleven, located northeast of the intersection of North Gateway Blvd and North F.M. 548.
     Mr. Morgan said the 1.7 acres is in Gateway Development, at intersection with 548. (video feed was lost for some time) Applicant briefly spoke, requesting approval.
  
• Approved a site plan for 7-Eleven, located northeast of the intersection of North Gateway Blvd and North F.M. 548.
     Mr. Morgan said this is the same location, 4kft building, design similar to 7-11 near FHS, 8 pumps, 39 parking spots.  Signage will require separate approval.
  
• Approved a site plan for the Diamond Creek amenity center, located northwest of the intersection of Tuscany Drive and Rosedale Drive.
     Mr. Morgan said is a small amenity center - about 1.5 year ago developer proposed a plat and amendment, this was voluntarily included.  330 sq ft. building with pool, shade structures and lighting. Parking spaces meet requirements. 
  
• Approved a revised site plan for Forney High School, located at 1800 College Avenue.
     Mr. Morgan said the new building is 17k with 34 parking spaces.  Ms. Holler asked about the existing shop; Mr. Morgan was not aware.  Mr. Kip Jameson requested approval, said the existing shop will remain, expanding the program, both high schools will use this campus.
  
• Approved a revised site plan for Eric L. Davis Engineering, located at 401 Pinson Road.
     Mr. Morgan said currently American National Bank, E.L.Davis will move from downtown to this location.  Current building is 6,430 sq ft.  This is an approved use - the new two-story addition will be 11,308 sq ft built where the drive-thru is.  Additional parking will be added.
  
• Approved a final plat for Fox Hollow Phase 2B, located west of F.M. 1641 and south of Monitor Boulevard.
     Mr. Morgan said the property is vacant; this was amended by council in 2017, min. lot size increased from 8,400 to 9,000 sq ft.  This has 132 residential lots.  Some lots are adjacent to FM 1641, which may be in danger of losing acreage if the road is widened; applicant is aware.  Mr. Cunningham asked if applicant would have to come before P&Z if road widened - yes, to update plats.
  
• Held Public Hearings -
  • Denied a request to rezone 117.865 acres of land from Agricultural district to Planned Development district. The property is identified as Kaufman County Appraisal District property id 7811, located adjacent to the west side of F.M. 1641.  The proposed use is single-family residential.  (referred to as Primrose Estates)
       Mr. Morgan said this is revised from previous meeting; SW side of 1641, N. of Gateway, is currently AG.  On Feb 6 it was not approved, applicant returned with this revised request rather than appeal to council.  Changes: min. floor area is 2,000 instead of 1,800 and 50% at 2,400; min. side yard is 6 ft instead of 5; corner lots is 15 ft on street side and 6 adjacent to a lot; was 10 & 5.  Masonry Columns are 72 ft, instead of just on corners. 
       An amenity center will be built before occupancy cert. issued in phase 2, with at least a pool, shade structure and restroom; previously was no center.  Willing to pay park fees at once per phase.  Other requirement remain the same.  Land Use map didn't provide any suggested use.  No responses to public notices.  Mr. Bingham noted the section still showing min 1,800 sq. ft. - it is an error, it is 2,000 sq ft without the 50% 2,400. 
       Greg Helsel of Spiars Eng. & First Texas Homes rep were online.  Mr. Helsel said they took into account feedback from staff and commission, request approval.
       Ms. Holler said to be rezoned it should be more unique, this is something frequently seen, moved to deny.  Mr. Bingham seconded.  Denied 4-1 (Cunningham)
    
  • Approved an Ordinance amending the City of Forney Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance by amending the permit requirements and the regulations for a Farmers Market.
       Mr. Morgan said had discussions with residents, William Gray, vendors and FAC.  A concern is ease of vendors participation, and more frequent events.  Current ordinance is strict, every vendor must be inspected every day, city passes along the Bureau Veritas $50 fee, this discourages participation.  Proposed changes: completely change permits - annual permits with quarterly inspections, similar to restaurants.  Other minor changes to comply with state regs.  Have a provision requiring items to be from within 150 miles of Kaufman County, this allows exceptions.  Live animals not allowed, want to provide exception for adoptions.  Want to remove 'temporary' from the definition, to encourage year-round events.
       There was no public input.
       Mr. Traylor asked why can't sell chickens - Mr. Morgan said many regulations to keep chickens in the city, live animals relate to health issues, don't have staff for that.  Mr. Cunningham said you can sell eggs.  Mr. Bingham asked about the 150 mile exception - Mr. Morgan said they would have to request an exception from staff. 

• Adjourned at 1929