[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6565759,"mediaKeyId","3213751-24ea300ae8a016819d86ab80d6918e14","parentId",3213751,"title","Planning commission recommends PD zoning for 11‑acre East Hill retail site; applicant narrows uses and adds connectivity","audioSeconds",976,"startMs",4829000,"endMs",5805000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3213751-24ea300ae8a016819d86ab80d6918e14&start=4829&end=5805","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3213751-24ea300ae8a016819d86ab80d6918e14/thumbnail_4829000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6565759/Heath/Rockwall-County/Texas/Planning-commission-recommends-PD-zoning-for-11acre-East-Hill-retail-site-applicant-narrows-uses-and-adds-connectivity","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565759-fee069e6a1c4ad45f57952571099b6ca/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142336&Signature=ePlBUY7Jvd8GJ7bdR5z~CalaUL0z-xdoeRvvb3hZtcJ7vBpJZvTd~XKJPXMDWjrPPO5QehJoBKVXaSJouohHgXx-6rf-hN2DGNVFtDzhUP-iV-SuPLO8yEUk1gHWIPBtd29I7eKS55YTDwELdsLJKhLAfA8Rwsz0gmnu-ThUfrRDw64cta1qerfL8D9y~J1j5xBJrmo8ukJxwPef99WMkkTMR9ZxZ73k59rJ8oxYj9TjAaQg4QEidIsRRifb76czhiQeOG~soGoywP5bB6QCyec0fOdn1oqfmN7Y7ngZJ6fBO8s5rxLw0MewV7Dq4V2R5JOyNomQELMtxV1LptoX2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Heath","date","2025-05-06T18:30:00Z","article","The Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of a planned‑development rezoning (PD‑LR) for an 11.057‑acre tract in the East Hill area that would allow local retail, office, medical/dental, daycare and related uses under a site‑specific concept plan.

Applicant Grant Keller and his design team presented a revised concept that addressed several commission concerns raised at an earlier meeting. The plan shows nine buildable lots with a mix of retail and office uses, a PNC Bank pad site at the primary entrance, a daycare and space for medical or dental offices. The applicant said Lot 1 is anticipated for PNC Bank; retail parcels were consolidated into three contiguous storefront lots at the rear of the site to make better use of a larger block that staff and commissioners had previously flagged as underused.

Design changes the applicant incorporated after the April hearing include stricter limits on allowable uses (the applicant removed funeral/crematorium uses from the list), architectural standards modeled on the town overlay guidelines, relocation of service areas and dumpsters, a five‑foot sidewalk and pedestrian connections to the existing trail system to the south, and a landscaped amenity area surrounding the detention pond with benches and a trail loop. The applicant showed a conceptual materials palette emphasizing brick, soldier course banding and pilasters; staff said the PD ordinance in the packet would require design standards at site‑plan review.

Staff reviewed consistency with the comprehensive plan, noting that the proposal provides a mix of uses, pedestrian connections to trails, open‑space amenities and infrastructure already available in the area. The applicant reported impervious cover around 50%, with roughly 50% open space; commissioners had previously asked for lower impervious cover and the applicant revised building footprints and layouts to reduce paved area while meeting parking and circulation requirements.

Commissioners praised the applicant for incorporating feedback: one commissioner said the team “did a good job” tightening uses and improving architecture and connectivity; another noted the relocation of dumpsters and stronger architectural commitments. The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the zoning change; staff said the item will proceed to City Council for final action.

What the plan includes: nine buildable lots with a PNC Bank pad, retail storefronts, medical/dental office spaces, a daycare, five‑foot sidewalks, pedestrian links to an existing trail and a landscaped detention amenity.

Next steps: The draft PD ordinance and concept plan will be included in the Council packet; final site‑plan and landscape details will be reviewed during permitting and subsequent approvals if Council adopts the zoning change.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Heath - Planning & Zoning 250506 - May 06, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The commission unanimously recommended approval of a planned‑development rezone for an 11.057‑acre tract in the East Hill area to allow local retail, office, daycare and related uses with design standards, landscaping and pedestrian connections to the existing trail system.","taxTitle","Heath, Rockwall County, Texas","taxId",69591,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6565765,"Commission backs homeowner’s request to reclassify Smearl Drive parcel; approves rezoning to SF‑43 for single‑family home",1090,3600000,4690000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3213751-24ea300ae8a016819d86ab80d6918e14&start=3600&end=4690","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3213751-24ea300ae8a016819d86ab80d6918e14/thumbnail_3600000.jpg","/articles/6565765/Heath/Rockwall-County/Texas/Commission-backs-homeowners-request-to-reclassify-Smearl-Drive-parcel-approves-rezoning-to-SF43-for-singlefamily-home","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565765-74c01fb70ec51469ed0bb1ad85f91b1e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142336&Signature=jzgjRHmiTC~SJW5dLUjicW4HaFLbPj0bFAFIUsH9HXL40lw0b0OJ3fYXgY6E9Q1QinjqMijGdr~~uxDwdGlwVd9nEtd5Z0f-zV0JuA9xQSv8DOE5edbKpoOhtP6yR9GuXUrhcNONV8rmlhKJZEDwqBdrbkxptMN0UxxKh8mAyZpTYwX7xzjPC9RJNWmvhLo1PdMqqlIy2fHcCgj-IEQQU9qae81yM1EH7Uw1lp9YKjA2WCZJAP2piWK-olop-5t5Ho2sVPntvQj93iXkvgfzNl785ycvGVdIwJOKo3K1qLcU-sif5yM4O2KY37bE-mYL~1ezDZhmxhhetqnK0Q6xwQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Heath Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of a two‑part request to change the future land use designation and zoning for a 3.766‑acre lot at 1603 Smearl Drive.

The applicant, Stephen Doty, asked the commission to amend the 2018 comprehensive plan’s future land use map from a split designation (retail and medium‑density residential) to a rural estates designation and to rezone the property to SF‑43 (one‑acre single‑family residential). City staff and the applicant said the dual designation and an obsolete SF‑22 zoning description on the property create a mismatch with the city’s current land‑use framework. Changing the future land use and zoning will align the property with existing surrounding SF‑43 parcels and allow the owner to demolish a dilapidated house and build a new single‑family residence.

Doty told the commission he purchased the property in November and discovered the dual mapping; he said his intention is to build a single new home and that he preferred residential use to retail. Staff described the lot as a “flag lot” with a long access leg from Smearl Drive and said the parcel meets SF‑43 lot standards once the mapping and zoning are adjusted. Staff also pointed to policy language that recommends amending the future land use map before rezoning and said the proposed zoning would be consistent with the updated future land use designation.

Commissioners asked practical questions about utilities and site conditions. Staff and the applicant said the property currently relies on an older septic system that would need to be upgraded for a new home; water exists in the area. The applicant said the proposed home would be a single‑story building of about 5,000 square feet, and he plans to preserve mature trees that screen the house from neighboring lots.

The Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the comprehensive plan amendment and the companion rezoning to SF‑43. The recommendations will be forwarded to City Council for final action.

What the commission considered: The future land use amendment (Case ZA2025‑O2) and the companion zoning application (ZA2025‑O3) were evaluated against the city’s comprehensive plan policies on lot sizes, neighborhood character and infrastructure. Staff noted the request was discretionary for City Council and that notifications had been sent to nearby property owners.

Next steps: The record and recommendation will go to City Council for a final decision; if Council approves the comp‑plan amendment and rezoning, the property owner may submit building permit applications and any required septic or sewer upgrades for review.","The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended amending the comprehensive plan and rezoning a 3.766‑acre property at 1603 Smearl Drive to SF‑43 (one‑acre residential) after the owner said he intends to demolish an older house and build a new single‑family residence.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6565769,"Heath planning commission recommends denying citywide change to allow portable classrooms in one‑acre zoning",3402,134000,3536000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3213751-24ea300ae8a016819d86ab80d6918e14&start=134&end=3536","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3213751-24ea300ae8a016819d86ab80d6918e14/thumbnail_134000.jpg","/articles/6565769/Heath/Rockwall-County/Texas/Heath-planning-commission-recommends-denying-citywide-change-to-allow-portable-classrooms-in-oneacre-zoning","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565769-a65abd40e3d3b6123692e3511379deec/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142336&Signature=ZAN-bD-ONRimjGqCU9i3LN5ySsdHpf0i-uWfOYR7cBlFfRCDsI2u53UVJRy3JJSdHV9jLDZaw1YVA3SJK8slTjJDOllFTtfbBUCS0G51h-elYbL1Wpobx1mR5RozeJtQ9WCW7-kPImVv7QJiv9AU62h~lVvkpSwQQKngs0KhYAMP8z-i~xQva4aULtZdgd83SsAFGnoFHh2GSDQIFSkn1zYpod2qyrvVKt9fMJgHywSuVvDeJTAUVEfH9ldt6bAtMnpQGSyjXSlU88eolmXytmVm5PWtKFwFSfA1HEGbFHS3foMFCs2HFrx2-fAKikApz6bxo1XRZFR-BG5fFRblEg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Heath Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to recommend denial of a proposed text amendment that would allow private schools in the SF‑43 zoning district to apply for conditional use permits for temporary portable classrooms.

The measure, filed as ZTA 2025‑01, would have amended Title 15, Chapter 159 of the City of Heath Code of Ordinances (Section 159.21) to add temporary portable classrooms as a conditionally allowed accessory use for private schools in the SF‑43 district. City staff said approving the text amendment would only create the possibility for any qualifying private school on SF‑43 zoned land to later apply for a conditional use permit; each permit application would return to the public process.

Neighbors who live near Fulton Academy’s campus urged the commission to reject the change during a public hearing. Roy Stacy, who said he owns property at 1409 Lawrence that borders the Fulton site, told commissioners he and neighbors oppose placing portables there “because this is really just an interim measure, and we believe the commission needs to have full understanding of what’s going on with that property before action is taken.” Other speakers cited traffic and safety on narrow two‑lane roads, water and wastewater capacity, light and noise impacts, property values, and long‑term uncertainty about the campus operator.

Representatives for Fulton and its advisors told the commission the school currently operates as a private K‑5 school, has an enrollment of about 75 students, and is seeking permission for one portable unit—two classrooms and two bathrooms—intended to be placed behind existing buildings for a limited term while a permanent building is planned. Alan Ross, who identified himself as a consultant for Fulton, said, “Fulton School is and will continue to be a private school.” The applicant described the portable as roughly 1,500–1,600 square feet and said the school had requested a three‑year term for the unit; the applicant also said the long‑range plan is a new permanent building and removal of the temporary unit once the permanent building is completed.

City staff emphasized the legal and procedural limits of the item before the commission. A planner told the commission: “The question before you tonight is, should the city amend the SF‑43 zoning regulations for the entirety of the city to allow for a private school … to obtain a conditional use permit to put a portable building on that site.” Staff and commissioners repeatedly noted that site‑specific details—exact location of a portable, final building footprint, driveway and parking improvements, sewer upgrades and traffic mitigation—would be considered only if the city amends the code and a school later applies for a conditional use permit and site plan.

Several commissioners said the concerns raised by neighbors about Fulton’s property maintenance and traffic made the choice difficult. One commissioner said portable classrooms “don’t fit within the image that Heath wants to present” and warned portables often remain in use beyond their originally approved term. Another urged additional outreach between the school, neighbors and city staff to resolve outstanding questions before the matter reached City Council.

The Planning and Zoning Commission voted to deny the text amendment and directed that the record (the commission’s recommendation) be sent to City Council; staff said the Council hearing is scheduled for May 27 and that approval by Council would require a supermajority vote.

Votes at a glance: The commission’s recommendation on ZTA 2025‑01 was to deny the proposed amendment; the vote was recorded as unanimous by the chair (no individual vote tallies or names were recorded in the transcript).

What happens next: If City Council decides to adopt the zoning text amendment, private schools on SF‑43 property would still need to submit a conditional use permit application and go through another public hearing and staff review for any specific portable classroom request.","After a lengthy public hearing with neighborhood opposition, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to recommend denying a text amendment that would let private schools in SF‑43 (one‑acre) zoning seek conditional use permits for temporary portable classrooms.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning commission recommends PD zoning for 11‑acre East Hill retail site; applicant narrows uses and adds connectivity

Commission backs homeowner’s request to reclassify Smearl Drive parcel; approves rezoning to SF‑43 for single‑family home

Heath planning commission recommends denying citywide change to allow portable classrooms in one‑acre zoning