The Manor Planning and Zoning Commission on Aug. 13 approved a specific use permit for a 5,040-square-foot medical office proposed on one lot of a 5.565-acre parcel at 14305 East U.S. Highway 290 (TCAD Parcel 236976). The vote was 4-0.

Planning staff told commissioners the applicant selected a medical office use after reviewing the site’s significant floodplain challenges; staff said floodplain insurance is “extremely expensive” and reclaiming land within the floodplain is difficult. The staff presentation stated that of the parcel’s roughly 5.5 acres, only about 0.8 acres are developable without encroaching on the regulating floodplain.

The applicant, identified in the meeting as the civil engineer for the project and representing owner Tani Investments LLC, said there is a potential tenant interested in occupying the space. The applicant said the design calls for a 5,000-square-foot building footprint, on-site detention, and about 30 parking spaces; staff noted the parking requirement for a 5,000-square-foot medical office would be 25 spaces, leaving some flexibility on site layout.

On building elevation, the applicant said the finished floor will be at least 2 feet above the regulating base-level elevation (about 486 feet), in conformance with applicable floodplain regulations. The applicant said grading and some berm or retaining work will be required outside the regulating floodplain and that the development team is coordinating with planning staff on parking and site design.

Commissioner Terry moved approval of the specific use permit; Commissioner Albert seconded. The motion passed 4 to 0.

The permit approval grants the specific use for the described medical office but does not authorize construction; the project must still complete site-plan review, building permits and any necessary floodplain engineering approvals.