City Staff Refers Afton Street Landscape Plan for Variance Review Near School Zone

The Dallas Board of Adjustments: Panel C convened on August 18, 2025, to address several key agenda items concerning zoning and landscaping regulations in the city. The meeting primarily focused on a referral regarding a property located at 4501 Afton Street, which is situated on a corner lot bordered by various zoning districts, including PD 193 and PD 28, the latter being a school.

The discussion began with a presentation of the vicinity and zoning maps, highlighting the property’s location and the absence of support or opposition from the 21 property owners notified about the case. The referral was initiated by city staff, indicating that the applicant had encountered issues obtaining a permit due to non-compliance with existing codes. This led to the request for a variance to the landscape regulations outlined in PD 193.

The applicant's proposed landscape plan was reviewed, which included visual documentation from various angles around the site. The board examined the existing conditions, including a retaining wall and sidewalk that are part of the proposed improvements. A video presentation was shown to illustrate the subject site and its surroundings, emphasizing its proximity to the school and existing utilities.

During the meeting, a memo from the chief of harvest and input from the traffic engineer were referenced, providing additional context for the board's decision-making process. A board member inquired about specific variances requested from Article 10 of the Dallas Development Code, seeking clarification on the details of the application.

The meeting concluded with a thorough review of the legal standards for decision-making, ensuring that all aspects of the case were considered. The board's discussions highlighted the ongoing efforts to address zoning compliance and landscape regulations in Dallas, reflecting the city's commitment to maintaining community standards while accommodating development needs. Further actions and decisions regarding the variance request will be determined in subsequent meetings.