Denison planning commission recommends rezoning 6.2 acres for electrical substation

The Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Denison voted to recommend rezoning an approximately 6.2-acre tract along Harbor Road and Highway 84 from the Preston Harbor planned development overlay district to the Light Industrial district to allow an electrical substation (Case 202534Z). The commission made the recommendation after a staff presentation, brief public questions and a motion to forward the item to city council with a favorable recommendation.

Staff told the commission the parcel — identified in the transcript as GCAD property ID number 101027 — lies inside the Preston Harbor Planned Development (PD) but that the PD does not list electrical substations as an allowed use. Planning staff said the applicant provided a preliminary site plan showing the substation’s location and access and that the substation would be required to meet Chapter 28 development standards for screening, landscaping and submittal requirements.

During the public hearing, an applicant representative (identified in the transcript as the Encore representative) answered questions about the site selection. A member of the public asked about nearby buildings; the applicant said a commercial “post storage” use sits between the proposed substation site and the residential area. Commissioners asked about screening; the applicant confirmed a proposed masonry wall is part of the plan and staff noted required landscaping would apply along the road, while acknowledging there are locations under new transmission lines where plantings cannot be installed.

A letter from David Craig was submitted in support of the case and introduced during the meeting. After discussion, a commissioner moved to recommend approval of the rezoning to Light Industrial “to accommodate an electrical substation.” The motion passed; the chair called for the ayes and the commission voted in favor.

Staff told the commission the case will go before the Denison City Council on Monday, Feb. 17, for final action. At the same meeting staff also reported that an RFP for a comprehensive plan update and a zoning ordinance update is being prepared and that staff will hold a kickoff meeting with the Texas General Land Office regarding a related grant.

Votes at a glance: The commission approved the consent agenda (minutes of the Jan. 28 meeting) with one abstention from a commissioner who said they were not present at the Jan. 28 meeting. The commission recommended approval of rezoning Case 202534Z (Preston Harbor PD → Light Industrial) to allow an electrical substation. A motion to adjourn passed and the meeting ended at 10:17 a.m.