Richardson City Plan Commission Meeting March 21st, 2023

Four of the five current regular commissioners are present, Chairman Marsh, Vice-Chair Southard, Commissioner Costantino and Commissioner Keller. One alternate, Nate Roberts, is also present and will participate. Commissioner Walraven is absent.

Minutes of the previous meeting are passed unanimously.

The first item is a public hearing on ZF 23-04, a planned development & special permit for a dog boarding center at 2100 Alamo Rd. The reason this is before the CPC is because “dog daycare” is not a listed use in the comprehensive zoning ordinance, nor is “boarding kennel” an allowed use in local retail districts. (JN: This might be worth updating in the comprehensive plan.) The applicant provides a presentation on the facility, and the CPC votes unanimously to recommend approval.

The last item is a public hearing on ZF 23-05, a special permit for a massage establishment at 210 E. Spring Valley Rd. The applicant explains that she purchased the business from the previous tenants who also operated a massage facility in the same location. The previous tenant was dishonest with the applicant about requirements for special permits and certificates of occupancy. She also discovered the previous tenant was operating a massage establishment that offered illegal services. She discovered this after a returning customer expected those services and she was forced to file a police report for sexual assault. The applicant has posted signs stating that such behavior is prohibited but she continues to struggle with some returning customers having that expectation from the previous tenant. She will be the only massage therapist. The applicant’s specialty is massage therapy for injuries. The commission discusses the business operations with the applicant. The applicant states that she will only advertise via word of mouth so the expectations from the previous tenant can naturally disappear. One public speaker expresses concern over the effect that some of the surrounding businesses have had on the community. Most of her concerns have more to do with enforcement than this zoning request. The property owner and realtor both state that they will try to address the claims made. The commission concurs that a well-intentioned tenant should help to improve the conditions of the area and unanimously recommend approval.

Meeting adjourned.