Planning commission accepts withdrawal of rezoning request for 2502 Old Brock Road after infrastructure and future-use concerns

The City of Weatherford Planning and Zoning Commission on March 12 accepted the applicant’s request to withdraw a zoning map amendment for a 6.42-acre tract at 2502 Old Brock Road, halting consideration of a change from agricultural to industrial zoning.

City staff had recommended denial, citing inadequate roadway infrastructure to support heavy truck traffic and concerns about the property’s proximity to existing residences. “Staff recommends a disapproval of the zoning map amendment,” city staff member Kaitlyn Eckman said during the hearing.

The request was filed by S.C. Bell Construction after the company was notified in late 2024 that its activity at the site did not conform with city zoning. Joe Potoff, president of Betzel Potoff Inc., presented on the company’s behalf and argued the rezoning would be consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan and important for the local economy. “Therefore, based on these refinings, we respectfully request recommendation for approval,” Potoff said. The applicant and owners — who described the operation as equipment storage and an on-site security/guard residence for a horse-arena/construction business — also said actual truck traffic tied to their yard was limited. Potoff told the commission the business generated “somewhere between 8 and 10 trips per week.”

Owners Steve Bell and Ginny Bell said they had worked with staff and neighbors and were willing to add fences, change hours, or stop stockpiling materials if required. “We strive hard to be good stewards and good neighbors,” Steve Bell said. Ginny Bell said equipment and materials are present intermittently and said the company primarily serves local horse and ranch facilities.

Neighbors voiced concern about the long-term consequences of a straight industrial zoning designation. Resident Kyle Miller said he worried a future buyer could locate an intensive industrial use on the parcel: “They could put a wrecking yard or a big, huge buildings in there.” Martha Roman, a homeowner immediately north of the site, warned approving industrial zoning would be “like opening Pandora’s box” because future owners could operate without the present owners’ limitations.

City engineering staff raised the infrastructure question as the principal practical objection. Bill Smith, assistant director of public works, said Old Brock Road is narrow and while it “does allow two cars to pass one another,” it would not be appropriate to support heavier industrial traffic without upgrades. “My only concern with the road itself… would be just supporting any more heavier industrial uses that approving the zoning case would open up,” Smith said. Caleb Kempner, director of development and neighborhood services, reminded the commission that the city’s comprehensive plan is a guide for policy decisions; staff must also weigh local timing and neighborhood impacts.

After discussion about alternatives — including planned-development (PD) overlays or a conditional-use permit (CUP) tied to a specific operator — the applicant agreed to withdraw the straight rezoning application and pursue other avenues with staff. The commission recorded that, “based on the applicant request, [the item] is being withdrawn,” and took no formal vote on the rezoning. Staff said it would pursue an amendment to the zoning regulations to allow a pathway (for example, a conditional-use permit) for the kind of construction/horse-arena related operations the Bells described. Staff also said the city has allowed the operation to continue for now while the parties work toward a regulatory solution.

Next steps: the applicant will withdraw ZCH25-0001 and staff will draft and advertise any needed amendments to the zoning regulations (such as a CUP or PD approach). Any proposed text amendment or CUP would return to the Planning and Zoning Commission and then to city council for final action; neighbors would have an opportunity to comment at those public hearings.