Richardson City Plan Commission Meeting February 6th, 2024

Six of the seven regular commissioners are present, Chairman Marsh, Vice-Chair Southard, Commissioner Costantino, Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Keller, and Commissioner Bohnsack. One alternate, Gary Beach, is also present and will participate. Commissioner Walraven is absent.

January’s minutes are unanimously approved with amendments.

The lone item on tonight’s agenda is a public hearing on ZF 23-16, a special development plan request for 512 N. Central Expy. to allow exceptions for a wholesale establishment. The requested exceptions are a wider driveway and façade and frontage exceptions. Staff acknowledges one letter opposing the request. Chairman Marsh asks for clarification on parking requirements. Staff answers that the code only has requirements for additional parking if a building is built or expanded. This request eliminates 29 parking spaces and provides three spaces total including accessible parking. Staff clarifies that the nature of the business does not require many parking spaces. Commissioner Keller asks for information on the Interurban Sub-District. Staff answers that the vision for the sub-district is to create an edgy, mixed-use district focusing on adaptive reuse and targeted infill development. 

The applicant explains his request. He states that the existing planned development requirements have made business more difficult. The architect explains that the tenant will need room for large trucks to enter and pick up/drop off loads, but they don’t need much parking. Commissioner Costantino asks if the tenant would be open to improving the façade facing Bishop Ave. He states that Bishop Ave. needs more frontage and sprucing up that side of the building would make it a more desirable project. He clarifies that this is what the code states, not his personal desire. The applicant and his architect answer that improving that façade is cost prohibitive and they are more comfortable with the current request. No other speakers are present.

Commissioner Beach has issues with the lack of frontage on Bishop Ave. Chairman Marsh replies that the landscape and fence improvements on that side will improve things. Commissioner Keller states that the request is consistent with the existing conditions and that they shouldn’t recommend denial since this is an existing business. Commissioner Beach disagrees and thinks improved frontage and the sub-district’s vision should be prioritized. Commissioner Keller agrees that it is important to set the right precedent, but he still sees this case as unique enough to warrant approval. This property is unique in that it has double frontage. Vice-Chair Southard suggests a false window and signage as lower cost façade improvement options. The applicant agrees to provide the suggested lower cost façade improvements.

Commissioner Bohnsack asks if they would need to amend the motion to include the façade improvements. Staff suggests a motion amending the east elevation with similar design characteristics as the west elevation. The CPC unanimously recommends approval as amended, and the meeting adjourns.