ZBA approves special exception to allow development with existing nonconformity at 3316 Industrial Drive

The Pearland Zoning Board of Adjustments voted 5-0 on Feb. 6, 2025, to approve VARZ 24-17, a special exception to allow development on a property at 3316 Industrial Drive that contains an existing building encroaching into the required front setback.

Patrick Bauer, City staff, presented the request and described the proposed improvements: a 35,880-square-foot operations and maintenance shop, a 15,987-square-foot fabrication building, additional parking and a detention pond. Bauer said the existing 3,000-square-foot building that encroaches into the front setback was built in 1978, before annexation, and that removing the encroaching portion could require demolition and pose a hardship to the property owner. Based on those facts, staff concluded the request met criterion 4 for a special exception and recommended approval.

Bauer also noted the application generated one written comment against the request; that comment related to drainage and asked that the site receive review by Brazoria Drainage District Number 4 (BDD4) during the plat and site-plan process. Bauer said BDD4 review and any required easements or design changes would occur during the platting and site-plan review phase.

There were no members of the public who spoke in opposition at the public hearing. A board member asked staff to explain measurements and jurisdictional issues; staff reiterated that landscaping and other UDC requirements would still apply at the site-plan stage and that tonight’s vote addressed only the special exception for the existing nonconformity.

Todd (board member) moved to approve VARZ 24-17 “as presented by staff”; the motion was seconded and carried 5-0. Staff will require the applicant to obtain any necessary BDD4 approvals, complete the platting process and submit required landscape and site-plan materials before final permits are issued.